Cedar Ridge Apartments in Richton Park, IL

Pros

• The property has great staff and provides consistently friendly, high-quality service.
• Camille Grayson is described as wonderful to work with—patient, professional, honest, and caring toward tenants.
• New management is working to make improvements.
• The grounds are kept neat and clean.
• The area is described as safe, with nice neighbors.
• The complex is described as peaceful and affordable.
• It is described as a beautiful place to live.
• Reviewers would recommend the complex to others.

Cons

• They never answer the phones to set up tours and the office is often closed on weekends.
• They ignore phone calls and emails for weeks, leaving inquiries unresolved.
• They misled a prospective tenant about apartment price and status, wasting time and money.
• The complex has declined after accepting more Section 8 tenants and looks run-down.
• The staff come across as rude, disinterested, and unhelpful, with abrupt disconnections.
• The washers and dryers frequently don’t work, and maintenance is slow or unresponsive.
• They fail to fix damaged or outdated apartments and don’t keep promises.
• They overcharge or try to bill beyond the lease terms, eroding trust.
• The grounds and buildings are not kept clean, with trash and odors reported.
• Security concerns exist, such as broken doors and unsafe conditions.
• Management is unprofessional and often does not show up for scheduled appointments.
• Tenants feel they are treated unfairly and that issues are not addressed promptly.

Review

Cedar Ridge Apartments in Richton Park is best suited for renters who must keep housing costs extremely low and are prepared to tolerate a pattern of inconsistent management and reliability issues. The community often attracts tenants who value a low price point over modern finishes or prompt service, and it can work for those who can manage potential maintenance delays and a less polished living environment. However, those who require consistent communication, timely repairs, and clean, well-maintained spaces should look elsewhere. Prospective occupants should also recognize the potential instability in management and the mixed experiences reported by residents.

On the plus side, affordability is the most persistent draw. Several residents note that the rent remains low for the area, and there is anecdotal testimony of a generally safe neighborhood feel in some parts of the complex. There are occasional nods to courteous staff and moments when “new management trying to make it better” signals an opportunity for improvement. In a landscape of higher-priced, and more demanding properties, Cedar Ridge can feel like a viable stopgap for households on a tight budget who prioritize opportunity to stay within a limited income. For these buyers, the upside is not merely price but the possibility of gradual improvements if management follows through.

Yet the negatives dominate the lived experience for most tenants. A recurring pattern of unresponsiveness from the office makes the leasing process and ongoing communication frustrating at best. Tours are frequently unavailable or poorly coordinated, with calls and emails going unanswered for extended periods. Maintenance issues are a frequent source of friction: broken or slow-to-fix washers and dryers, lingering odors, pests in some units, and complaints about outdated interiors. Several accounts describe security concerns, miscommunications about move-in details, and a sense that promises are not reliably kept. These systemic gaps undermine the value of a low rent when tenants feel unheard or left to navigate problems alone.

Security, reliability, and upkeep are the core pain points that shape the decision. The property’s condition is uneven: some units show age and wear, while others are described as dingy or poorly maintained. Hallways, laundry rooms, and common areas receive inconsistent attention, and residents report issues ranging from fundamental maintenance delays to instances of rule enforcement that feel inconsistent or arbitrary. The frequency of management turnover compounds these issues, making it hard for tenants to know who is responsible for long‑term fixes or the enforcement of deposits and move-in promises. For renters who cannot tolerate frequent disruptions or who need steady, predictable service, the cons clearly outweigh the pros.

Despite some hopeful signs, Cedar Ridge is not equally suited to all residents. Families with children and households that rely on predictable repairs and timely communication will likely find the tradeoffs too steep. Seniors or individuals on fixed incomes who rely on consistent maintenance support will be particularly vulnerable to the risks of delayed repairs and miscommunications. Tenants who value peaceful surroundings and a well-kept environment will want to verify current conditions and management responsiveness before committing. The presence of a few residents who have had positive interactions with specific staff members should not mask the broader pattern of dissatisfaction echoed in many reviews.

For those who still consider Cedar Ridge, a careful due diligence plan is essential. Visit during a time when the office is actually staffed to gauge responsiveness, request a current list of pending maintenance requests, and inspect several units for odors, cleanliness, and the condition of appliances. Ask pointed questions about repair timelines, whether there are comprehensive plans for building upkeep, and who will handle lease disputes or deposit returns. Demand clear, written commitments on any promised improvements or relocations, and seek conversations with multiple residents to gauge whether the current management push is translating into real change. Consider negotiating a shorter lease or inserted performance milestones if staying, and insist on a transparent accounting of any charges or deposits.

The bottom line is disciplined: Cedar Ridge serves a narrow band of renters who can tolerate high risk for the sake of a low price. For most households seeking reliability, predictability, and respectful, proactive management, alternatives are strongly advisable. The cons, unresponsive offices, inconsistent maintenance, aging interiors, and frequent management turnover, outweigh the occasional affordability advantage. If the decision is made to move forward, enter with eyes wide open: secure written assurances, verify current condition in living spaces, confirm maintenance response times, and align expectations with the realistic probability of ongoing service gaps. In the right circumstances, Cedar Ridge can be a temporary, budget-conscious housing option; in the more demanding scenarios, it is prudent to look for a property with steadier leadership and a track record of follow-through.

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)