Sierra Meadows

Pros

• The staff is amazing.
• Kelli was very helpful with everything.
• The apartments are beautiful.
• The apartments include a washer and dryer.
• The community has awesome, friendly people and is clean.

Cons

• The appliances are really bad and don't work.
• The refrigerator freezes everything, causing groceries to be thrown out.
• There are black widows and cockroaches.
• Rent is raised twice a year, even though the manager tells residents otherwise.
• There are homeless people sleeping on the grass beyond an unlocked gate.

Review

The collection of reviews paints a picture of a community that can feel like a mix of homey charm and the kind of ongoing maintenance challenges you only notice once you've started living there. On the positive side, many residents uncover a welcoming, professional touch from the onsite team. In particular, one reviewer highlights a staff member named Kelli, describing her as helpful with everything and praising the overall move-in process as the kind you'd hope for when settling into a new place. The sentiment here is that competent, friendly management can make a substantial difference in the early days of residency, and that impression sticks with readers who value smooth transitions.

Another thread running through the feedback is the appeal of the physical space itself. Several reviews note that the apartments are beautiful and that the units come with practical comforts like an in-unit washer and dryer. The presence of a washer and dryer seems to be a small amenity with outsized impact on daily life, simplifying routine chores and contributing to a sense of convenience and home-like ease. The combination of attractive interiors and practical, modern conveniences is repeatedly framed as a strong selling point, underscoring how even modest features can significantly elevate the living experience for residents.

There is also a clear sense that this is a community designed with a specific resident profile in mind. The phrase gated community appears in the feedback, accompanied by observations that it seems well-suited for seniors and that the staff and residents are warm and friendly. A reviewer even calls it a comfortable place to live, emphasizing the social fabric and the sense of safety that often accompanies gated properties. When everything is clicking - cleanliness, friendliness, and a secure, community-focused vibe - the place earns praise as a desirable home environment.

However, not all aspects of living there are free from concern. One reviewer offers a stark counterpoint, describing serious appliance issues, particularly with the refrigerator, which allegedly freezes everything and leads to wasted groceries. This kind of problem is more than a minor nuisance; it can severely affect day-to-day quality of life and money spent on food, casting a shadow over other positive impressions of the property. The severity of these claims about malfunctioning appliances suggests that maintenance reliability is a critical factor for prospective tenants to consider.

Pests and security-related concerns also feature in the feedback, adding another layer of caution. The reviewer mentions the presence of pests such as roaches and black widows, which, combined with the claim of an unlocked gate and homeless people near the grassed areas, creates an impression of potential safety and cleanliness issues. These elements contrast sharply with the earlier notes of warmth and community, reminding readers that experiences can vary widely from unit to unit and that exterior upkeep and pest control can influence overall satisfaction.

Rent practices emerge as another potential point of contention. The negative review alleges that rent was raised twice a year and that there could be inconsistency in what the manager communicates about these increases. Coupled with other concerns about gate security and nearby conditions, this detail highlights the importance of transparent, predictable financial terms and consistent communications from management when evaluating a property for a long-term commitment.

Overall, the body of reviews suggests a complex picture: a property that can offer attractive apartments, meaningful conveniences like in-unit laundry, and a genuinely friendly, supportive staff, especially for those who value a well-managed, community-centric environment. Yet there are equally serious caveats about reliability of appliances, pest control, security, and rent practices that can significantly affect the resident experience. For someone considering this community, the decision seems to hinge on balancing the high-quality, homey elements and the concrete maintenance and safety concerns that have been raised.

If you're weighing this place as a new home, it would be wise to visit with a critical eye and ask direct questions. Check how promptly maintenance responds to appliance issues, inquire about pest control schedules, investigate the gate security and lighting around common areas, and request a detailed explanation of the rent structure and any planned increases. Speaking with current residents about their day-to-day experiences can also provide a clearer picture of whether the positives - friendly staff, comfortable living spaces, and a welcoming community - outweigh the negatives cited in some reviews. In the end, the property holds promise for those who prioritize amenities and a supportive staff, but potential residents should be mindful of reported appliance reliability, pest concerns, and variable communications around rent and safety.

This area of Merced, California, offers a variety of amenities that can cater to the needs of senior residents. With several restaurants within walking distance, such as La Casita and Victoria's Mexican Food, there are plenty of dining options available. Additionally, there are cafes like Native Son Cafe & Bar and ASIP Coffee Roasters for social gatherings or casual outings. Access to pharmacies like Walgreens and Merced Drug ensures convenient healthcare services, while nearby physicians at Golden Valley Health Centers offer medical care. Transportation is easily accessible with the Merced Amtrak Station nearby. The area also boasts Mercy Medical Center Merced and other hospitals for any health emergencies. For recreational activities, Applegate Park provides a serene outdoor space for leisurely walks or picnics. Overall, this neighborhood in Merced offers a mix of conveniences and services that could make it a comfortable choice for senior living.

Restaurants

• La Casita (0.1 miles)
• Branding Iron Restaurant (0.1 miles)
• Victoria's Mexican Food (0.3 miles)
• O'Ryleigh's Tavern (0.3 miles)
• Trevino's (0.3 miles)
• McDonald's (0.3 miles)
• Subway (0.3 miles)

Cafes

• Native Son Cafe & Bar (0.2 miles)
• ASIP Coffee Roasters (0.3 miles)
• Rollen Donuts (0.8 miles)
• Joe On The Go (1.3 miles)
• Panera Bread (1.4 miles)
• Starbucks (1.4 miles)
• Starbucks (1.6 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.3 miles)
• Merced Drug (0.7 miles)
• Avida Pharmacy Merced (1 miles)
• Valley Prescription and Compounding Pharmacy (1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.4 miles)
• CVS Merced Mall (1.5 miles)
• Walgreens (1.7 miles)

Places of Worship

• Universal Church (0.4 miles)
• New Faith Tabernacle Christian Church of Merced (0.9 miles)
• Kingdom Word Empowerment Fellowship (0.9 miles)
• Calvary Chapel of Merced (1.3 miles)

Physicians

• Graham Eye Clinic (0.7 miles)
• Vierra J Brian MD (0.9 miles)
• Golden Valley Health Centers (0.9 miles)
• Mfa (0.9 miles)
• Merced Faculty Associates Medical Group (0.9 miles)
• Kids Care Clinic (1 miles)
• General Medicine Clinic (1 miles)

Transportation

• Merced Amtrak Station (MCD) (0.8 miles)

Hospitals

• Mercy Medical Center Merced, Community Campus, Health Education Center (0.9 miles)
• Mercy General Hospital (1 miles)
• Mercy Medical Center - Dominican (1 miles)
• Valley Childrens Merced Sub-Specialty Center (1.2 miles)
• Franciscan Conv Hospital (1.5 miles)

Parks

• Applegate Park (1.3 miles)