Walnut Grove Apartments in Bloomington, IN

Pros

• Maintenance requests are handled promptly by friendly staff.
• Current management upgraded and improved the complex beautifully.
• The maintenance team is at its best.
• Michelle is always helpful and responsive to residents' questions.
• Troy responds quickly to questions and maintenance issues and checks in on residents.
• The new microwave is beautiful and it works perfectly.
• The renovations are nice and the community has improved.
• The office staff are nice and helpful.

Cons

• The elevator was broken for two months.
• The air conditioning is still a problem and there is mold in it.
• The complex is filthy with cockroaches and smells throughout the building.
• The property management is unhelpful, rude, and does not address maintenance issues.
• The building has ongoing drug use and police presence, making it unsafe.
• They evict residents with short notices and enforce lease terms not in the lease.
• The staff do not take complaints seriously and discourage residents from speaking up.
• The place is not worth the rent due to pests, upkeep, and safety concerns.

Review

Walnut Grove Apartments in Bloomington is best suited for budget-minded renters who want solid apartment basics and a hands-on, responsive on-site team. The property shows a practical, value-focused core: clean-looking units, a garden-oriented vibe in some appearances, and maintenance that moves quickly when called. Reviewers repeatedly point to a staff that is friendly and accessible, with maintenance crews that resolve issues promptly and with genuine attentiveness. For families rebuilding household stability or individuals who prize reliable fixes without drama, Walnut Grove offers a workable, affordable option with improving management that has earned praise from long-time residents.

However, there are clear reasons to consider alternatives. The community shows notable maintenance reliability gaps and persistent environmental and safety concerns that many households will not tolerate. Complaints run from roaches in units and hallways to odors, cigarette smoke inside buildings, and inconsistent pest control that leaves residents uneasy. Elevators have failed for extended periods, air conditioning and mold problems surface, and overall cleanliness in common areas can be uneven. For seniors, mobility-challenged residents, or families seeking a consistently pristine, low-odor, and fully secure environment, these recurring issues strongly argue for exploring other options.

The strongest pros - responsive maintenance, approachable office staff, and ongoing improvements under new management - often offset only the more manageable inconveniences. Tenants repeatedly credit quick fixes, a kind maintenance crew, and a sense that management has turned the corner toward better service. When the team is functioning well, issues are handled fast, doors close properly, and appliances get attention. Yet these positives struggle to fully offset the heavier drawbacks: a pattern of pest problems, lingering smells, and cleanliness concerns that recur despite pest-control efforts; a history of enforcement irregularities and lease disputes that can leave residents feeling uncertain about their protections; and structural annoyances like a non-functional elevator and aging hallways that disrupt daily life.

Maintenance and management performance emerge as a central theme in the lived experience. The spread of reviews shows a dichotomy: several tenants praise specific staff members for going above and beyond - Mandy, Michelle, and Troy stand out as reliable, helpful faces who keep contracts and questions moving along. At the same time, other accounts describe staffing pressures and inconsistent follow-through, with accusations that some complaints are not taken seriously or that responsibilities are shuffled without real resolution. The truth seems to be that when the team is fully engaged, living here feels much more comfortable; when attention lapses, the gaps quickly widen into recurring irritants. The renovations and upgrades have impressed some, signaling a genuine commitment to improvement, but they coexist with hallways in need of deeper cleaning and ongoing cosmetic fixes that mask deeper maintenance realities.

Safety, security, and neighborhood dynamics require careful attention. Several reviewers cite troubling conditions: public drug activity, frequent noise, and odor issues that pervade buildings and common spaces; some describe a sense of instability or unease with drug busts, police presence, and overall atmosphere. There are also contentious experiences around enforcement, such as towing practices and disputes over visitor policies, which can feel unpredictable and harsh to families or guests. These factors, coupled with reports of roached-infested units and inconsistent housekeeping, shape a risk profile that makes Walnut Grove less appealing to households seeking a calm, predictable setting. For prospective residents with significant health needs, mobility limitations, or a strong emphasis on security, these conditions will tilt the decision toward alternatives.

The bottom-line guidance is practical and clear. Walnut Grove can work well for price-conscious renters who value a responsive maintenance team, a friendly on-site office, and visible efforts to upgrade the property. It is less suitable for those requiring a consistently spotless environment, a drug- and odor-free atmosphere, or flawless operational reliability (especially elevator service and pest control). For families or seniors who prioritize safety, quiet, and pristine common areas, shopping elsewhere is advisable. If choosing Walnut Grove, approach with a concrete checklist: verify the current pest-control plan and recent cleanliness standards; confirm the status of the elevator and heating/cooling fixes; ask about smoking policies inside units and how enforcement is handled; review the latest lease terms and dispute-resolution practices; and tour with current residents to gauge day-to-day conditions. In short, Walnut Grove offers solid value and genuine care from staff, but the decision hinges on tolerance for pests, odors, and enforcement inconsistency versus the appeal of price, responsiveness, and ongoing improvements.

This part of Bloomington, Indiana offers convenient access to pharmacies such as CVS, Pharmacy1express, and Kroger Pharmacy for any healthcare needs. The area also features a variety of dining options including El Ranchero, Wendy's, and Burger King. Parks like Olcott Park and Switchyard Park provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Additionally, there are several healthcare facilities in the vicinity including Monroe Primary Care and IU Health Orthopedics & Sports Medicine for medical care. The area is well-connected with public transportation through the Bloomington Transit Downtown Terminal, making it easy for seniors to get around the city. Places of worship like First United Methodist Church and St Charles Church offer spiritual support for those seeking a community connection. Overall, this part of Bloomington provides a combination of essential services and amenities that could make it a suitable choice for senior living.

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.4 miles)
• Pharmacy1express (2.4 miles)
• Kroger Pharmacy (2.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.8 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (2.9 miles)

Restaurants

• El Ranchero (0.5 miles)
• Wendy's (0.5 miles)
• Burger King (0.6 miles)
• McDonald's (1.2 miles)
• Cardinal Spirits (2 miles)
• C3 Bar (2.1 miles)
• Rally's (2.2 miles)

Parks

• Olcott Park (0.9 miles)
• Switchyard Park (1.4 miles)
• RCA Community Park (1.5 miles)
• Bryan Park Pool (1.8 miles)
• South East Park (1.9 miles)
• Twin Lakes Sports Park (2.6 miles)
• Dunn Meadow (2.8 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1.2 miles)
• Feta Kitchen + Cafe (1.5 miles)
• Crumble Coffee & Bakery (2.1 miles)
• Runcible Spoon (2.7 miles)

Physicians

• Monroe Primary Care (1.3 miles)
• Heather J. Dukes Rosales, DO - IU Health Orthopedics & Sports Medicine (1.4 miles)
• Internal Medicine Associates (1.4 miles)
• PremierOrtho Spine Center (1.4 miles)
• Thomas J. Worster, MD - Southern Indiana Physicians Rheumatology (1.4 miles)
• Thompson Lori A MD (1.4 miles)
• Ima East Walk-in Clinic (1.4 miles)

Hospitals

• Southern Indiana Surgery Center (2.3 miles)

Places of Worship

• First United Methodist Church (2.6 miles)
• St Charles Church (2.7 miles)

Transportation

• Bloomington Transit Downtown Terminal (2.6 miles)