Briarwood Apartments in Middleburg, FL

Pros

• The lady who answered the phone was very helpful and informative.
• The staff are friendly and the apartments are great.

Cons

• No one is ever in the office and they never answer the phones.
• They lie about everything and show zero care for anyone.
• People are told to stay away from them.
• They processed all information and basically scammed the reviewer out of their money because of a dog.
• The manager is rarely in the office and unhelpful, leaving inquiries unanswered for over a month.
• The staff do not want any business and fail to respond to calls.
• The reviewer would not recommend the complex.
• They withheld the security deposit despite a doctor's note stating she couldn't live on her own.
• The address and status of the property are misrepresented or unreliable.
• The pull cord system in the senior building seemed inadequate, just sounding alarms and flashing lights without ensuring someone would respond.
• At your own risk.

Review

Briarwood Apartments in Middleburg, FL is best suited for self-reliant seniors who want affordable, straightforward apartment living and do not rely on on-site staff for daily assistance. The reviews portray a setting where the appeal rests mainly on the unit itself rather than on proactive management or robust resident services. For anyone who expects timely office presence, clear communication, and consistent problem-solving from staff, Briarwood is unlikely to meet those needs. The space may deliver quiet independence, but the absence of reliable administrative support makes it a poor fit for residents who require regular guidance, coordinated services, or responsive problem resolution.

Alternatives should be strongly considered for families seeking assisted living oversight, regular admin support, or transparent handling of financial matters. The pattern of unanswered phone calls, irregular office hours, and alleged misrepresentation around eligibility for accommodations signals a mismatch for residents who will need predictable communications and documented policies. Pet owners - especially those with larger dogs - may encounter additional barriers, given reports of initial processing that ended in withdrawal or rejection. In short, Briarwood is not the right stop for those counting on dependable management and clear, written guidelines.

On the positive side, the reviews identify occasional helpful interactions from a portion of the office staff and acknowledge that some residents find the apartments themselves appealing. Basic safety features such as pull cords in bathrooms are noted as a component of independent living. When taken at face value, these elements provide a modest buffer to arm's-length management; however, they cannot compensate for ongoing administration gaps. The practical experience of living there hinges more on whether staff are available and responsive than on the inherent quality of the living space.

The core failings are operational rather than cosmetic: office hours frequently vanish, phones go unanswered, and the impression persists that important information is not consistently communicated or honored. Most troubling are accounts of deposits being withheld despite medical notes indicating an inability to live independently, a situation that erodes trust and raises red flags about financial safeguards. Confusion over the physical address and changing contact points further undermines confidence in the management structure. These are substantive issues that complicate budgeting, move-in planning, and ongoing tenancy decisions.

For anyone proceeding, a disciplined due-diligence process is essential. Demand a clearly written policy package that enumerates pet eligibility, deposit terms, refund schedules, and service expectations. Require confirmation of posted office hours, and request a live tour with staff so the accessibility and responsiveness level can be judged in real time. Secure written assurances about safety monitoring and how emergency signals are attended to. If any uncertainty remains, compare Briarwood against other Middleburg communities with stronger management records, consistent communication, and transparent financial practices. Briarwood should be one option among several, not the default choice for a care-conscious family.

Bottom line: Briarwood Apartments present a high-risk proposition for most seniors seeking dependable management and steady service. The potential advantages of a simple, affordable living arrangement are outweighed by persistent communication failures, disputed deposits, and murky admission practices. Only those who can tolerate limited administrative support, insist on everything in writing, and are prepared to vet every detail should consider Briarwood. For all others, prioritize communities with proven leadership, clear fee structures, and proactive resident welfare - where the day-to-day reality aligns with the expectations set during tours and in written policies.

This part of Middleburg, Florida, offers a variety of healthcare options within a few miles, including pediatricians, family practice physicians, surgeons, and orthopedic specialists. There are also several pharmacies nearby for easy access to medications. In terms of dining options, there are fast-food chains like McDonald's and Chick-Fil-A as well as local favorites like Grumpy’s and Whitey’s Fish Camp. The area is home to St Vincent's Medical Center Clay County and DaVita Clay County Dialysis for comprehensive medical care. Places of worship such as the Clay Hill Church of God and Sacred Heart Catholic Church provide spiritual support for residents. For entertainment and relaxation, there is a movie theater, parks like Moccasin Slough Park and Clarke House Park, cafes like Panera Bread and Starbucks, as well as convenient transportation services from U-Haul Moving & Storage. Overall, this part of Middleburg offers a mix of essential services and leisure activities that can cater to the needs of seniors looking to settle in the area.

Physicians

• Middleburg Pediatrics (0.2 miles)
• Family Practice Assoc of Orange Park (1.2 miles)
• Millennium Physician Group (3.8 miles)
• South Clay Medical (3.8 miles)
• North Florida Surgeons, Charles E. Stankard, MD FACS (4.5 miles)
• Southeast Orthopedic Specialists - Clay Clinic (4.5 miles)
• Doctors Inlet Pediatrics And Primary Care (6.5 miles)

Pharmacies

• Winn-Dixie (1.3 miles)
• Winn-Dixie (3.2 miles)
• Medplus Pharmacy (4.4 miles)
• Winn-Dixie (6.2 miles)
• Top Care Pharmacy (6.5 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (8.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (8.4 miles)

Restaurants

• McDonald's (1.5 miles)
• Domino's Pizza (1.6 miles)
• Grumpy’s (4.2 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (4.6 miles)
• McDonald's (6.2 miles)
• McDonald's (7.4 miles)
• Whitey’s Fish Camp (7.8 miles)

Hospitals

• St Vincent's Medical Center Clay County (4.4 miles)
• DaVita Clay County Dialysis (4.4 miles)
• St Vincent's Healthcare (4.5 miles)
• Fleming Island Surgery Center (10.1 miles)

Places of Worship

• Clay Hill Church of God (5.5 miles)
• Sacred Heart Catholic Church (9.1 miles)
• Southern Baptist Convention (9.7 miles)
• Southern Baptist Convention (10.8 miles)

Transportation

• U-Haul Moving & Storage (5.8 miles)

Cafes

• Panera Bread (9.3 miles)
• Starbucks (9.5 miles)
• Panera Bread (9.8 miles)
• Starbucks (10.2 miles)

Theaters

• New Vision Theatres Fleming Island 12 (9.4 miles)

Parks

• Moccasin Slough Park (10.8 miles)
• Clarke House Park (11.8 miles)