Concordia on the Lake in Littleton, CO

Pros

• The community is described as wonderful to live in, with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
• The staff are helpful, professional, and genuinely care about residents.
• There are numerous activities that foster social connection for residents.
• The campus is well-maintained, with lake views and attractive, neutral interiors.
• The lake walking path offers pleasant exercise and scenic enjoyment.
• The location is ideal, with easy access to shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, plus shuttle services.
• The environment is safe, quiet, and secure for seniors.
• Many residents have formed lasting friendships and highly recommend Concordia.

Cons

• Clark and his wife are described as clearly not qualified to run Concordia and have dismantled the community.
• Off-campus activities are now extremely limited, disorganized, and often canceled.
• New staff have not bothered to introduce themselves, leaving residents unsure who should be there.
• The accountant-turned-executive director and his wife are accused of mistreating staff and slashing activities, amenities, and morale.
• Residents believe the leadership aims to sell the property and push rent increases, effectively trying to drive them out.
• The sidewalks and front entrances are not kept clear of ice in winter, creating dangerous conditions and potential liability for the community.

Review

Concordia on the Lake is best suited for independent seniors who want a lakeside, socially active lifestyle with minimal upkeep and ready access to organized outings. The campus combines three recently redecorated buildings with more than twenty lakeside cottages, giving residents a choice between apartment living and a bit more privacy. The walking path around Johnson Lake, the serene setting, and the secure, well-maintained grounds create a backdrop where residents can pursue fitness, strolls, and casual gatherings without leaving the community. For a person who thrives on a robust activity calendar and easy access to nearby shops, restaurants, and events, this is a compelling fit.

At the same time, families should consider alternatives if stability and clear, consistent communication are priorities. Several reviews recount a turbulent leadership transition, with long?time staff departures and contentious changes in administration. Messages to residents have been abrupt, and questions about future programming or ownership often went unanswered for extended periods. The result can be a sense of uncertainty about the calendar of activities, travel opportunities, and the overall direction of the community. Winter safety concerns - ice and snow management around walkways and entrances - add a layer of risk that should be scrutinized with current leadership.

The strengths of Concordia on the Lake lie in the vibrant social fabric and the attentiveness of staff when operations feel steady. Residents consistently praise the friendly, helpful atmosphere, the welcoming residents, and the wide range of on- and off-campus activities. The community has historically offered abundant outings - plays, concerts, sporting events, museums, casinos, and shuttle trips to banks or groceries - creating meaningful social connections and opportunities for exploration without leaving the campus footprint. The lakefront setting and multiple housing options encourage neighbors who become friends, with long-standing relationships cited by many reviewers.

Those pros must be weighed against the main drawbacks that have surfaced in recent years. Reduced off-campus programming, staff turnover, and what some describe as restrictive or unclear leadership signals can erode the sense of community that made Concordia special. When activity calendars dwindle and staff introductions fade, residents risk losing the very social anchors that sustain daily life there. Additionally, residents report possible rent increases at lease renewal and shifts in amenities that can feel punitive rather than collaborative. Winter safety, as noted by multiple families, remains a recurring and serious concern that can disrupt mobility and independence.

Despite the spotlighted concerns, the core appeal remains tangible: a reasonably priced, lake-facing living option that minimizes the burden of home maintenance while maximizing social engagement. For seniors who value meaningful programming, easy access to transportation, and a lifestyle that treats the lake as a central amenity, Concordia on the Lake delivers. The presence of three buildings and many cottages provides a spectrum of space and privacy, and the option to tailor meals through a full kitchen or selective dining aligns with varied appetites and dietary needs. The combination of scenic walking, a warm social milieu, and accessible services can offset many logistical friction points when leadership is stable and responsive.

For families weighing decisions, the recommended approach is practical and targeted. Schedule a visit and insist on meeting the current leadership team, the activities director, and several long-term residents who can speak to recent changes. Request a current activity calendar, transportation schedules, and a clear explanation of any upcoming lease terms or anticipated rent adjustments. Inquire specifically about winter safety protocols, snow removal contracts, and the status of ongoing maintenance around entrances and sidewalks. Compare Concordia's value proposition against alternatives that may offer more transparent governance, steadier programming, or stronger on-site meal options. With disciplined due diligence, the right fit becomes evident: a community where the lake, social life, and independent living options align with the resident's goals, and where leadership is demonstrably aligned with delivering a stable, engaging, and safe living environment.

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.1 miles)
• Starbucks (5.6 miles)
• Starbucks (5.7 miles)
• Starbucks (6.8 miles)
• Dutch Bros Coffee (8 miles)
• Stella's Coffee House (8.2 miles)
• Starbucks (9.2 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (1.1 miles)
• Walgreens (1.1 miles)
• Walgreens (1.1 miles)
• Walgreens (2.6 miles)
• Walgreens (2.7 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (3.3 miles)
• Walgreens (3.9 miles)

Parks

• Blue Heron Park (1.8 miles)
• Pinecrest Park (3.4 miles)
• Chatfield State Park (5 miles)
• National Park Service (7.2 miles)
• Ruby Park (7.2 miles)
• Overland Pond Park (7.6 miles)
• Mamie D Eisenhower Park (9 miles)

Physicians

• Native Roots Dispensary (2.3 miles)
• Center For Advanced Dermatology (3.4 miles)
• Greenwood Pediatrics Littleton (3.6 miles)
• South Denver Cardiology Associates (5.4 miles)
• Centennial Family Care (5.5 miles)
• Corneal Consultants of Colorado PC (5.6 miles)
• Panorama Orthopedics (5.8 miles)

Restaurants

• West Hill Grill (2.5 miles)
• Locavore Beer Works (2.8 miles)
• Chipotle Mexican Grill (3 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (3.1 miles)
• Breckenridge Brewery (3.5 miles)
• Angelos Taverna (3.6 miles)
• The Manor House (4.3 miles)

Theaters

• Alamo Drafthouse Littleton (3.7 miles)
• AMC Highlands Ranch 24 (6.1 miles)
• Alamo Drafthouse Denver (9.7 miles)

Hospitals

• Children's Hospital Colorado South Campus (5.4 miles)
• UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital (5.8 miles)
• St Anthonys Medical Plaza 2 (7.9 miles)

Places of Worship

• Mission Hills Church (5.6 miles)
• Temple Sinai (9.2 miles)