Episcopal House in Allentown, PA

Pros

• The reviewer had a wonderful experience.
• Kevin did an excellent job.
• Arborview Tower is centrally located.
• The apartments are renovated and comfortable.
• The management is wonderful and responds quickly to questions and needs.
• The building offers convenient amenities such as in-unit washers and dryers, elevators, and doorstep package delivery.
• There are engaging activities and a Senior Service Coordinator on site.

Cons

• The reviewer says it is not the same place it used to be, with more restrictions than freedoms.
• Management is criticized for not cracking down on illegal smoking that fills apartments with smoke.
• The smoke makes the apartment feel stale and hot, regardless of the weather.
• They report having to call 911 due to smoke-related health issues, including severe asthma, with no action taken.
• Rent is described as high for a low-income senior building, with Medicare COLA increases deemed unfair.
• Maintenance and management are faulted for poor service, including no hot water and elevator issues.

Review

Episcopal House, now known as Arborview Tower, is best suited for independent seniors who want a centrally located, recently renovated high-rise with built-in services and easy access to transit, groceries, and social activities. The building offers renovated studio-style options with a kitchenette and a sensible main living space, and it emphasizes practical conveniences: reliable elevators, on-site mail and package delivery, and the kind of amenities that keep daily routines simple. A Senior Service Coordinator and a schedule of in-house programs create a real sense of community, while a bus stop at the curb and the option for a senior transit pass expand mobility without the need to drive. For residents who prize convenience, social contact, and a turnkey feel in a downtown-adjacent setting, Arborview Tower delivers.

That said, alternatives should be on the table for seniors who require rock-solid reliability and a consistently calm, well-maintained environment. Several residents describe a deteriorating management posture, with turnover among property staff and uneven responsiveness to concerns. Key pain points include hot-water outages, elevator glitches, and ongoing construction fallout that leaves common areas and units feeling unsettled at times. There's also a pattern of friction around applications, deposits, and routine charges that can complicate a move for budget-conscious families. If a steady day-to-day without surprise costs or delays is non-negotiable, other senior housing with stronger on-site oversight may be worth exploring.

The upside of Arborview Tower's model is tangible in daily life. Renovated units pair with practical in-building services that keep life moving smoothly: convenient access to laundry, dependable elevators, and front-door delivery of packages; a library and activity options that foster routine and social connections; and visible investment in the building's common spaces. The central location helps residents stay connected to services, shopping, and transit without long commutes. When management is praised, it's for timely maintenance updates and a responsive approach to resident questions, which can translate into a smoother experience for those who value predictability.

Yet the cons carry substantial weight. Several reviews paint a picture of inconsistent leadership and service, from unhelpful or rude treatment of prospective residents to slow refunds of security deposits. The building has faced heat and air quality frustrations in upper floors, with reports of extended hot conditions and limited cooling options in certain seasons. Maintenance gaps and ongoing construction have left some residents feeling that issues persist without a clear resolution path. Rent considerations compound the risk: the building was described as a low-income high-rise with Medicare COLA?driven rent increases and added charges for routine replacements, which can make budgeting difficult for fixed-income seniors and families.

This juxtaposition - strong daily life logistics on one hand and fragility in operational continuity on the other - creates a practical decision lens. For a resident who values walkable access to services, a supportive on-site coordinator, and the reassurance of a renovated interior, Arborview Tower offers real advantages. The ability to receive groceries, mail, and even basic utilities with relative ease, plus a social framework through on-site programming, can significantly enhance quality of life. However, this benefit is contingent on stable management and predictable maintenance; without that certainty, the same environment can quickly become frustrating and financially stressful.

Bottom line: Arborview Tower can be a solid fit for self-sufficient, socially engaged seniors who prioritize location, modernized interiors, and built-in conveniences, provided the current management and service levels are consistently reliable. Pros such as renovated units, easy transit access, and active programming offset many practical needs, but they do so only when the day-to-day operations stay steady. For those who cannot tolerate ongoing maintenance gaps, heat or hot-water issues, or opaque cost shifts, it is wise to keep alternatives open and to conduct thorough, in-person due-diligence - ask to speak with current residents, verify the latest maintenance turnaround times, and scrutinize the current lease terms before committing.

Located in the heart of Allentown, Pennsylvania, this area offers a variety of amenities within close proximity. With a diverse selection of restaurants such as Union and Finch, Ritz Barbecue, and Yocco's Hot Dog King, residents can enjoy delicious meals just steps away. Additionally, there are several places of worship nearby including Christ Lutheran Church and St Thomas More Catholic Church for spiritual fulfillment. For healthcare needs, St Luke's Hospital and Lehigh Valley Hospital are conveniently located within walking distance, along with various physician offices and pharmacies for easy access to medical care. The neighborhood also boasts parks like Cedar Creek Park for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Overall, this area provides a vibrant community with plenty of services and conveniences for senior living.

Restaurants

• Union and Finch (0.1 miles)
• Ritz Barbecue (0.5 miles)
• Hamilton Family Restaurant (0.7 miles)
• Yocco's Hot Dog King (0.8 miles)
• Cali Burrito (0.8 miles)
• Sunrise Diner (1.5 miles)
• Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen (1.7 miles)

Places of Worship

• Christ Lutheran Church (0.3 miles)
• Dubbs Memorial Ucc (1.3 miles)
• City Limits Assembly of God (1.7 miles)
• St Thomas More Catholic Church (2 miles)
• St Peter's Preschool (3.7 miles)
• Bethany United Methodist Church (4.4 miles)

Hospitals

• St Luke's Hospital (0.3 miles)
• St Luke's Radiology/X-Ray-Allentown Campus (0.4 miles)
• Diagnostic Care Center (0.5 miles)
• Lehigh Valley Hospital (0.5 miles)
• Singh Sandeep MD - Good Shepherd Rehab Hospital (1.2 miles)
• Lehigh Valley Hospital - Mother/Baby Unit (2.8 miles)
• Open Heart Unit (2.8 miles)

Physicians

• Smita V. Deshpande, MD (0.5 miles)
• Howard J Kushnick (0.6 miles)
• Lehigh Valley Hosp-Radiology (0.6 miles)
• Lehigh Ob-Gyn (0.6 miles)
• ABC Pediatrics (0.6 miles)
• Allen Town Ear Nose & Throat (1.6 miles)
• Dr. Binae Karpo Optometry (1.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walter's Pharmacy (0.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.7 miles)
• Walgreens (0.8 miles)
• Rite Aid (0.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.4 miles)
• Walgreens (1.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2 miles)

Parks

• Cedar Creek Park (2.7 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (2.7 miles)
• Starbucks (3.1 miles)
• Panera Bread (3.4 miles)