Cedar Ridge Apartments

Pros

• Camille was very wonderful to work with; she showed patience in handling inquiries, and the reviewer would recommend her and the complex to others.
• New managers are trying to make it better.
• A friend's apartment was nice, and the grounds were kept neat and clean.
• The complex has always been peaceful and affordable.
• The place seems like a very nice place to live.

Cons

• The complex has started to look run down after accepting more Section 8 tenants.
• The staff are rude and disinterested, and they sometimes disconnect calls.
• The laundry facilities are frequently broken or do not function properly.
• A persistent rotten odor affected multiple units, and management wouldn't address it.
• The security deposit was partially withheld and refunds were not provided in a timely manner.
• Maintenance is poorly managed and repairs are not completed, leaving the property in poor condition.
• The apartments are outdated and not worth the rent.
• Visitors' parking is poorly managed, and cars can be towed without warning.
• Camille Grayson was unprofessional and inattentive during a rental interaction.

Review

Cedar Ridge Apartments in Richton Park, Illinois has become a place that inspires mixed and often frustrated reactions from residents. On one hand, a few tenants describe the complex as affordable and, at times, peaceful. On the other hand, a large portion of the feedback focuses on chronic problems with management, maintenance, safety concerns, and overall upkeep. The resulting picture is of a property that once had appeal for budget-conscious renters but has since accumulated a long list of ongoing issues that many residents feel are not being adequately addressed.

A recurring theme across many reviews is dissatisfaction with the management and how inquiries are treated. Several people recount rude or disinterested responses when they call the office, with some reporting that calls end abruptly or are met with a lack of real answers. There are stories of being ignored or feeling like they must chase staff to get basic information, and one reviewer even noted a disconnection during a phone call that left multiple questions unanswered. While a few residents spoke positively about specific staff members - most notably Camille Grayson, who was described as patient, professional, and helpful by those who worked with her - other comments indicate a broader experience of unresponsiveness and broken promises. Some residents feel that managers change too often, leading to inconsistent policies and a sense that tenants must repeatedly restart conversations about maintenance and repairs.

Maintenance and the condition of the property are a major source of complaint. The complex is repeatedly criticized for maintenance delays and unrepaired issues, with several tenants reporting that repairs are never completed despite ongoing requests. The laundry facilities are a particular hot spot: a large number of washers and dryers are reportedly out of order, or run poorly, making it difficult for residents to complete basic chores. Beyond the mechanical failures, there are more troubling problems, such as a persistent rotten odor that circulated through units and hallways. One tenant described a strong smell that forced them to stay in their room, later suspecting that the odor originated from another unit rather than from their own apartment, with staff failing to resolve the root cause promptly. Complaints about pest concerns, including a rodent issue that staff supposedly investigated without resolution, add to the sense that problems are acknowledged but not effectively remedied. In some cases, tenants felt blamed or misdirected when trying to identify the source of problems, and at times it appeared staff would shift blame onto residents or external factors rather than addressing the core issues.

Safety, cleanliness, and the overall living environment contribute significantly to the negative assessments. Several reviews mention gunshots near the complex, contributing to a perception of safety risks that outweigh the affordability. Complaints of smoking in hallways, loud children, and communal areas with minimal or inconsistent cleaning paint a picture of a building that feels neglected. The exterior and common spaces are described by some as dirty or poorly maintained, with references to trash around the property and a sense that the grounds and amenities are not kept up. The impression that parts of the complex look or feel outdated - almost like a throwback to a harsher urban environment - also colors how prospective tenants might see the property. The pool, a feature some complexes offer, is repeatedly described as never open or often inoperable, which compounds the sense of underinvestment in basic amenities.

Financial dynamics and lease-related experiences add another layer of tension. Several reviews imply that the lease terms and fee practices are not transparent or fair. There are mentions of security deposits being disputed upon move-out, with tenants feeling funds were kept without adequate justification or within unclear timelines. Rent increases are described as ongoing, sometimes year after year, fueling frustration about value for money when coupled with ongoing maintenance and service issues. Some residents describe a dynamic where management seems to "tell you everything you want to hear" to secure a rental, only to fail to deliver on promised repairs or accommodations. Parking friction and unauthorized towing are cited as inconveniences that add to the sense of an inhospitable environment for both residents and their guests, with some reviewers feeling penalized for factors outside their control.

Despite the breadth of negative feedback, there are a few redeeming notes sprinkled through the reviews. A handful of reviewers say the area is safe and the neighbors seem nice, and a couple of people express that the complex can be a good option for those with limited finances who simply need a cheaper place to live. A few accounts recount positive interactions with specific staff members, including testimonials of courteous and helpful service during the leasing process. One reviewer even remarks that a former or returning resident found the place to be great at certain times, suggesting that experiences can vary widely depending on who is managing the building and when.

For anyone considering Cedar Ridge Apartments, the current themes suggest a careful, questions-first approach. Prospective tenants may want to verify current staffing and maintenance responsiveness, ask pointed questions about the status of washers and dryers, and probe recent safety updates or improvements to common areas. It would also be prudent to clarify policies on security deposits, move-out charges, and how complaints are tracked and resolved. Given the mixed experiences documented, visiting the property, speaking with current residents about their day-to-day realities, and setting clear expectations for communication and repairs could help prospective renters decide whether this complex aligns with their needs and tolerance for maintaining fundamentals like cleanliness, functioning laundry facilities, and prompt responses from management.

Located in Richton Park, Illinois, this area offers convenient access to various amenities and services suitable for senior living. With multiple pharmacies such as Walgreens and CVS nearby, residents can easily access their medications and healthcare needs. Hospitals like Elisabeth Ludeman Center and Franciscan Health provide quality healthcare services within close proximity. There are also a variety of dining options including McDonald's, Potbelly Sandwich Shop, and Culver's, as well as cafes like Starbucks and Panera Bread for enjoyable meals and socializing. In addition, there are parks for outdoor recreational activities, places of worship for spiritual fulfillment, physicians offices for medical care, and even a theater for entertainment at Emagine Frankfort. Overall, this part of Richton Park offers a well-rounded community with essential amenities for seniors looking to reside in a vibrant and convenient location.

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (1.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.1 miles)
• Walgreens (2.1 miles)
• Walgreens (3.5 miles)
• Walgreens (3.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.1 miles)
• Walgreens (4.3 miles)

Transportation

• Metra (1.4 miles)
• Metra/Amtrak (6.3 miles)
• Metra (7.5 miles)
• Metra (9.9 miles)

Hospitals

• Elisabeth Ludeman Center (1.8 miles)
• Franciscan St James Health (3.1 miles)
• Franciscan Health (4.1 miles)
• Franciscan Health Chicago Heights (4.1 miles)
• South Suburban Hospital (6.2 miles)
• Ingalls Memorial (9.3 miles)
• Franciscan St Margaret Health (9.6 miles)

Restaurants

• McDonald's (2 miles)
• Potbelly Sandwich Shop (2.3 miles)
• White Castle (2.3 miles)
• McDonald's (2.6 miles)
• Big Apple Pancake House (2.6 miles)
• Culver's (2.7 miles)
• Buona (3.6 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (2.3 miles)
• Panera Bread (2.5 miles)
• Starbucks (3.5 miles)
• Starbucks (6.2 miles)
• Starbucks (7.1 miles)
• Panera Bread (7.5 miles)
• Starbucks (7.6 miles)

Physicians

• St James Medical Center Olympia Fields (3.1 miles)
• Aunt Martha's Health Care (4.1 miles)
• Advocate South Suburban Hospital: Smith Sharon C MD (6.1 miles)
• Dr Uppuluri, Dr Patel, Dr Chavin Urology (6.2 miles)
• United Pain Services (6.3 miles)
• Medina Health Care (7 miles)
• Pinnacle Dermatology- Frankfort (7.6 miles)

Parks

• Arbor Park (6.5 miles)
• Maicach Park (10.1 miles)

Places of Worship

• Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (7 miles)
• Christ Community Church (9.7 miles)

Theaters

• Emagine Frankfort (7.9 miles)