Diamond Senior Apartments of Princeton

Pros

• The facility was great.
• The apartment was lovely.
• The clubhouse was nice and clean, and its temperature could be adjusted.
• The grounds area looked nice.
• The space is awesome for a father, with a one-level setup, no steps, a large handicap shower, a good-sized study bench, abundant handrails, and very nice appliances with a new washer and dryer.
• It has all new appliances and is described as a real gem.
• The mother is extremely happy there, with a well-laid-out floor plan and easy access.

Cons

• The drama with other tenants and the management office was ridiculous.
• They couldn't qualify because it's Section 8 and HUD.
• They could hear and smell their neighbors' bathroom activities.
• Unit 802 has had a water pipe leak in the wall for over a year that hasn't been fixed.
• There are concerns about mold in the building.
• There is a predator with keys to everyone's apartment.
• They feel the low-income eligibility is not low enough.
• They never got the tour they really wanted.

Review

The collection of experiences paints a picture of a senior housing option that many find appealing in theory but with real-world wrinkles that can color daily life. Several reviewers describe the facility as a solid and well-kept place for elderly residents, with features and spaces that support comfort and independence. The overarching tone is that the building itself holds a lot of promise: clean common areas, plenty of accessibility features, and a sense that the property was designed with aging in mind. Yet those positives are interwoven with stories of bureaucracy, drama, and occasional maintenance and safety concerns that can sour the experience.

One reviewer recalls a personal connection: their grandmother lived there for a while. They describe the facility as great, yet spoiled by ongoing drama involving other tenants and the management office. The sentiment suggests that while the physical space could be commendable, interpersonal and administrative tensions could intrude on peace of mind. Another facet of the same experience is the absence of a tour they felt they deserved; the person had hoped to live there but found the process complicated by eligibility constraints tied to Section 8 and HUD programs, which they didn't qualify for. This mix of potential appeal and eligibility hurdles creates a sense of longing tempered by practical barriers.

The eligibility and availability landscape adds another layer of melancholy. The writer notes a real need for elderly-appropriate apartments, but options near them are scarce, with Liberty Village mentioned as one of the few nearby possibilities. The reality described is "low income but not low enough," highlighting how inclusion programs and income thresholds shape where older adults can actually reside. The emotional undercurrent is one of disappointment and frustration at the mismatch between need and accessible options, even as the concept of affordable, senior-friendly housing remains clearly important and desired.

Amid the caveats, there are bright spots. A reviewer simply says "Lovely apt," and another mentions being placed on a waiting list, signaling that the property is attractive enough to inspire interest. There is also positive feedback about the social and recreational amenities: dominoes at the clubhouse, a clean environment, and climate control that can be adjusted to comfort. The grounds are described as nice, further reinforcing the sense that this place can feel welcoming and well-maintained to residents who can secure a unit.

However, not all notes are rosy. A strong cautionary message urges renters to beware of certain vulnerabilities: sounds and smells from neighbors' bathroom use, a long-standing water pipe leak in unit 802 that remained unfixed for over a year, and mention of potential mold risk. The alarm is heightened by allegations of security concerns - "a predator as keys to everyone's apartment" - and a blunt reminder to secure medications, with a suggestion to change locks and avoid sharing keys. This paragraph conveys a palpable sense of risk and frustration about maintenance standards and safety practices, underscoring how essential trust and prompt upkeep are in a community designed for vulnerable residents.

On the other hand, the property is celebrated for its accessibility and safety features when it comes to residents who need barrier-free living. One family member notes that it is "awesome for my father," with everything set up to minimize trips and falls: the same level layout, no steps, a large handicap shower with a study bench, abundant hand rails, and modern appliances including a new washer and dryer. The emphasis on practical design details - an accessible bathroom, stable railings, and convenient appliances - shows how a well-planned environment can significantly improve daily life for someone with mobility challenges.

Additional endorsements come from other relatives who praise the overall quality and age-based eligibility structure. A father-in-law's experience is described as a "real gem," with "all new appliances" and a clear sense that the community works well for those meeting income and age criteria. A mother's experience is equally positive, described as extremely happy with a well-laid-out floor plan and easy access. Taken together, these accounts reinforce the view that the property can be an excellent fit for seniors who qualify and who place a premium on comfort, modern amenities, and straightforward, accessible design.

In sum, the place emerges as a compelling option for elderly residents who can navigate Section 8 and HUD requirements and who value a clean, amenity-rich environment with strong accessibility features. The strength of the property lies in its thoughtful design, modern appliances, and social spaces that can support an active, comfortable lifestyle. Yet the narrative is tempered by legitimate concerns: interpersonal drama with tenants and management, gaps in maintenance and safety responsiveness, and the sometimes painful reality of limited housing options that meet income and age criteria. For those who can secure a unit and find the right fit, the experience can be rewarding; for others, the hurdles - and the drama - can significantly affect overall satisfaction.

This area of Princeton, Illinois boasts a variety of amenities that cater to seniors looking for a convenient and comfortable living environment. With several parks located within close proximity, residents can enjoy outdoor activities and leisurely walks in scenic surroundings. The numerous places of worship in the area offer spiritual fulfillment and a sense of community engagement. The abundance of dining options provides opportunities for socialization and diverse culinary experiences. Access to pharmacies, physicians, and hospitals ensures quality healthcare services are readily available. Transportation options including U-Haul services and an Amtrak station offer convenience for travel needs. Overall, this neighborhood offers a range of resources that support an active and fulfilling lifestyle for seniors looking to reside in Princeton.

Parks

• West Side Ball Park (0.1 miles)
• Soldier and Sailors Park (0.4 miles)
• City County Park (0.5 miles)
• Zearing Park (0.8 miles)
• Department of Natural Res (13.6 miles)
• Veteran's Park (13.9 miles)
• Hopkin's Park (14.3 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Louis Catholic Church (0.1 miles)
• Hampshire Colony Congregational Church (0.4 miles)
• First Christian Church (0.4 miles)
• First United Methodist Church (0.5 miles)
• Hollowayville United Church of Christ (0.5 miles)
• First Lutheran Church (0.5 miles)
• Presbyterian Church (0.5 miles)

Restaurants

• Alexander Park Tavern (0.3 miles)
• Downtown Pub (0.3 miles)
• Niel & Shorty's BBQ (0.3 miles)
• Kramer's Kitchen (0.3 miles)
• Monical Pizza Restaurant (0.4 miles)
• Los Ranchitos (0.5 miles)
• Pizza Hut (0.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• Kirby-Henning Pharmacy (0.3 miles)
• Epic Pharmacies (0.3 miles)
• Princeton Pharmacy (0.8 miles)
• Nelson Drug Store (1 miles)
• Sheffield Telepharmacy (13.8 miles)
• Thompson Rexall Drug (14.5 miles)

Transportation

• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (0.4 miles)
• Amtrak Station (1.1 miles)
• Ryder Transportation (1.7 miles)
• U-Haul Moving & Storage (2.4 miles)
• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (2.4 miles)
• U-Haul (16.4 miles)

Physicians

• Illinois Cancer Care (0.8 miles)
• Dr Cernovich's Office (0.8 miles)
• Princeton Prompt Care (1.7 miles)
• Bureau Valley VisionCare (1.8 miles)
• Sheffield Family Medical Center (13.8 miles)
• Illinois Urologic Health Surgeons: Steve Chung, MD (14.6 miles)
• SMH Family Health Center (14.6 miles)

Hospitals

• Perry Memorial Hospital (0.8 miles)
• Perry Prompt Care (1.7 miles)
• St Margaret's Hospital (14.7 miles)
• St Margaret's Hospital (14.7 miles)