Thomas Place at Fox Lake

Pros

• They were impressed with the facility and found it unmatched in the Lake County area.
• The office manager is strict about safety, which residents appreciate.
• All staff is awesome, and residents feel blessed to have such a facility.
• The home and its offerings are beloved; residents would not change a thing.
• The facility is very nice.
• The apartment and building are beautiful and modern, with amazing facilities for family gatherings.
• The office manager helped with the application process with humor and kindness.
• The building manager is kind and helpful, and quickly addresses questions.
• It is a quiet and affordable living option close to stores, banking, and shopping.
• A prospective resident would love living there someday.
• Fox Lake units offer appealing features such as inside parking, a dishwasher, in-unit washer and dryer, and walk-in closets for 55+ residents.

Cons

• The woman in the office was rude and seemed to not care whether her mom took the apartment.
• The reviewer witnessed residents being treated with disrespect and was appalled.
• This is not the kind of place the reviewer would want their mom to live.
• Do not send anyone you love to Thomas Place; the front desk woman is described as a horrible person who makes residents feel like inmates.
• Every senior is terrified of Fran, according to one reviewer.
• The reviewer alleged that Fran commented about a woman falling, and that there were charges for an extra garbage dump, plus a security deposit issue.
• The reviewer claimed Fran's behavior toward the elderly suggested she might beat them.
• The reviewer stated they had never felt so disrespected.

Review

The community in Lake County has left a lasting impression on several residents who have explored senior living options with an eye for quality, safety, and a welcoming atmosphere. From early involvement with the Chamber of Commerce to a careful search for a place that could feel like home, many found this building to stand out in ways that others did not. The praise centers on the breadth of offerings, the sense that residents' needs are prioritized, and a belief that the facility has the right mix of comfort, convenience, and security. For those who visited, the place seemed to set a high bar for what senior living should be in the local area, with comments repeatedly noting that nothing else matched what was being offered here.

A central theme in the most emphatic endorsements is the unwavering commitment to safety and order. One reviewer described the Office Manager as a "bear" in the best possible sense - someone who enforces a tight operation to keep residents safe and secure. The sentiment is that this manager's vigilance, paired with a professional and capable staff, creates a living environment that feels well protected and well managed. Across several notes, residents expressed appreciation for staff who worked hard to keep things running smoothly and for a building culture that values security and structure without sacrificing warmth or accessibility. The overall impression was that, for those who are ready to embrace senior living, the facility offers stability and reassurance.

In addition to security, the property's appeal lies in its design, atmosphere, and practical features. One review highlighted modern apartments and a building devoted to family gatherings, with a sense that the living space is both beautiful and functional. The people who helped during the move - particularly the Office Manager, who offered humor and kindness during the application process, and the Building Manager, who was described as both helpful and responsive - left a lasting positive impression. For many, the combination of a quiet setting, affordability, and proximity to stores, banks, and other services reinforced the idea that this is a well-rounded, livable option for a parent or a spouse. The sentiment was clear: residents could envision not only thriving here but also imagining themselves living in such a place someday.

Not every experience was framed in the same glowing terms, however. Several readers recount a troubling first impression of Thomas Place, pegged to the behavior of the office staff. In these accounts, the first contact felt rude or dismissive, and attempts to arrange a tour were met with busyness or indifference. Witnessing what was described as disrespect toward current residents during a tour left a sour impression for anyone evaluating the community for a loved one. Those experiences are described as the kind of first impression that sticks, shaping the decision not to pursue tenancy at that location. The pattern of feedback suggests that, while the physical space could be appealing, the initial interaction with staff can be a decisive factor in whether a family feels welcome.

The contrasting experiences don't end there. A few reviewers who helped a parent move into the community spoke of a very positive transition: a beautiful, modern building with strong amenities, including accommodations suitable for family gatherings, a supportive and cheerful office presence, and a building management team that addressed questions quickly and kindly. The accounts emphasize a sense of relief and confidence that the move would be smooth for an older adult, with gratitude for staff who navigated the application process with good humor and practical guidance. These stories add depth to the overall picture: the facility can be a wonderful home with the right staff and the right fit, especially when the team balances efficiency with genuine care.

Beyond those personal moves, there are strong cautions attached to the same property. One account warns prospective residents never to bring loved ones here, detailing a troubling interaction with the front desk staff - specifically a person named Fran - who allegedly created an atmosphere of fear and disrespect. The reviewer recounts a confrontation following a resident's fall and describes financial disputes related to garbage charges and a security deposit that did not return. The language used is pointed and emotionally charged, conveying a deep sense of distrust and concern for the treatment of elderly residents. The repetition of these concerns across multiple posts underscores a fear that, for some, the experience of living here could be compromised by staff behavior and management decisions that feel unfair or insensitive.

In addition to the Thomas Place discussions, there are mentions of other location possibilities within the broader group's footprint, including Glen View and Fox Lake. One prospective buyer or mover expresses enthusiasm about exploring the Glen View property, indicating ongoing consideration and a desire to compare options within the same family of communities. Separate notes tout the Fox Lake listing as attractive in its own right, describing inside parking, in-unit dishwashers, washers and dryers, age-restricted living (over 55), one or two-bedroom layouts, and walk-in closets. These details paint a picture of a portfolio with varied offerings that could suit different priorities, from accessible amenities to more spacious layouts and private conveniences.

Taken together, the collection of reviews presents a landscape of strong positives and notable cautions. The community is repeatedly praised for its physical beauty, its modern amenities, and the peace of mind that comes from dedicated staff and strong security. At the same time, the experiences shared about Thomas Place - particularly around staff interactions and financial disputes - serve as a sobering reminder that the lived experience of a senior living community hinges as much on daily interactions and governance as on building design. For families weighing options in Lake County, the message is nuanced: the facility can deliver exceptional comfort, family-friendly spaces, and dependable service, but personal interactions and the quality of front-line management can make all the difference in whether it feels like a welcoming home or a source of ongoing concern.

This part of Fox Lake, Illinois offers a variety of amenities that may be appealing for senior living. There are several restaurants within a few miles, such as McDonald's, Stormy Monday, and Fratellos Hot Dogs, providing convenient dining options. In terms of healthcare, there are multiple pharmacies in the area including CVS and Walgreens, as well as physician offices like Midlakes Clinic and Family Doctors of Round Lake. For recreational activities, there are parks nearby such as Lakefront Park and Veterans Memorial Park, offering opportunities for outdoor enjoyment. Additionally, there are theaters like McHenry Outdoor Theater for entertainment purposes. Hospitals like Centegra Health System and Northwestern Grayslake Hospital provide access to medical care when needed. Overall, this area provides a mix of conveniences and services that may cater to the needs of seniors looking to settle in Fox Lake.

Restaurants

• McDonald's (2.1 miles)
• Stormy Monday (2.4 miles)
• Fratellos Hot Dogs (3 miles)
• Fairmont Shores (3.3 miles)
• Captain's Quarters (3.6 miles)
• Burger King (3.9 miles)
• Culver's (4.7 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (2.6 miles)
• Walgreens (3.3 miles)
• Walgreens (3.8 miles)
• Walgreens (5.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (5.9 miles)
• Walgreens (5.9 miles)
• Osco Drugs (6 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Peter Parish (2.9 miles)
• St Gilbert Parish (6.6 miles)

Physicians

• Midlakes Clinic (3.8 miles)
• Carl M Silberman MD (4.2 miles)
• Family Doctors of Round Lake (5.1 miles)
• Northwestern Medicine Internal Medicine McHenry Route 31 (5.5 miles)
• Family Medicine Specialist (5.5 miles)
• Centegra Health System (6 miles)
• Albi Qeli (6.1 miles)

Theaters

• McHenry Outdoor Theater (3.9 miles)

Parks

• Lakefront Park (4.1 miles)
• Riverside Hollow Park (4.8 miles)
• Weber's Park (5.2 miles)
• Veterans Memorial Park (5.3 miles)
• Knox Park (6 miles)
• Converse Park (6.8 miles)
• Sun Lake Forest Preserve (7.5 miles)

Hospitals

• Manoj Patel - Centegra Wound & Hyperbaric Center-Mchenry (4.1 miles)
• Centegra Health System (6.8 miles)
• Centegra Hospital-McHenry (6.9 miles)
• Northern Illinois Medical Center (6.9 miles)
• Northwestern Grayslake Hospital (8 miles)

Cafes

• Somethings Brewing (6.4 miles)
• Starbucks (7.1 miles)
• Starbucks (8.6 miles)