La Fontaine Ctr in Huntington, IN

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Pros

• The center is a great place for seniors to live.
• It is a nice place.
• It has friendly, helpful staff and nice people.
• It is a wonderful place for disabled, elderly, and those in need.
• LaFontaine Center is a great place to live, with on-site laundry, emergency pull cords, and a social services coordinator.
• There is a beautiful community room residents can use for free.
• Its downtown Huntington location lets residents walk to shops, post offices, banks, restaurants, and hair salons.
• Everyone there feels like one big family.

Cons

• They say the property is severely understaffed, a joke.
• The door buzzer system is broken half the time, and management is almost never there.
• The building is practically falling apart.
• Employees forgot to put out trash cans in the reception hall.

Review

La Fontaine Center in Huntington is best suited for cost-conscious seniors who want a warm, downtown living experience with an immediate sense of community. The historic, compact property sits within easy walking distance of shops, post office, banks, and services, making daily errands straightforward and social opportunities plentiful. This is a setting where residents can enjoy a lived-in, neighborly atmosphere without paying premium market-rate rents. It suits those who are relatively independent but value access to social activities, on-site conveniences, and staff guidance for benefits and resources. Those who require high-end finishes, cutting-edge facilities, or consistently uninterrupted staffing should look to alternatives.

The strongest positives center on practicality and connected living. The on-site laundry operates around the clock, and each apartment includes an emergency pull cord system, promoting a sense of security for independent residents. A dedicated Social Services Coordinator helps residents navigate benefits, such as Social Security, and coordinates a calendar of activities that keeps social channels open and engagement steady. The building itself is described as clean and well kept for its age, with a generous community room available for gatherings. Residents consistently note the friendly, family-like culture and the benefit of being able to stroll to nearby amenities, which reduces isolation and supports a self-directed lifestyle.

Yet, the most persistent drawbacks are structural and operational. Understaffing emerges as the most sizeable concern, compounded by a door buzzer system that frequently malfunctions and a management presence that is not consistently visible. These gaps translate into slower responses for repairs, help with everyday needs, and overall assurance of safety during off-hours. The aging infrastructure is evident in places where maintenance is overdue or where the facility shows its years, with some residents describing the building as “falling apart” in parts. Occasionally simple operational lapses, like trash cans not being set out for events, underscore a pattern where scale and supervision don’t always align with resident expectations. One reviewer also noted a desire for more natural light, with more windows as a meaningful enhancement.

For families weighing alternatives, a clear boundary line emerges. If priority is dependable staffing, rapid maintenance, and a newer, quieter atmosphere, consider options outside the downtown core or in buildings with higher ratios of staff to residents and more predictable upkeep. Likewise, residents who require ongoing, intensive care, frequent assistance with activities of daily living, or medical oversight on a daily basis would likely want a community with on-site nursing or enhanced clinical support. In short, this is not the place to push for flawless infrastructure; it is a fit for those who prize affordability, local convenience, and a strong sense of belonging, and who can tolerate the occasional operational snag.

The trade-off between pros and cons leans toward a practical, value-driven decision. The affordable price point and the downtown lifestyle offset some worries about aging infrastructure, especially for residents who value social connectedness and immediate access to services. The presence of a social services coordinator and a lively activity calendar enhances independence rather than eroding it, and the on-site amenities materially support day-to-day life. However, staffing gaps and maintenance frictions can erode reliability, particularly for residents who lean on staff for timely assistance or immediate repairs. In those cases, the perceived safety and peace of mind may be compromised relative to newer properties.

Actionable conclusions guide decisive choices. Prospective residents should insist on a thorough, current tour that probes staffing levels at different times, tests the door buzzer and security systems, and reviews recent maintenance work orders to gauge responsiveness. Ask concrete questions about apartment light, windows, heating, and how often issues like trash-disposal lapses occur. Clarify what level of care is truly onsite today and what contingency plans exist if mobility or medical needs intensify. Finally, compare the overall monthly cost with the value of services included and the anticipated trajectory of maintenance and staffing in the coming years. La Fontaine Center works best for those who want community, convenience, and cost savings, and who can accept the reality of aging infrastructure and variable staffing as part of the package. For others, a search toward stronger care levels or newer builds with steadier operations will yield greater long-term reassurance.

Located in the heart of Huntington, Indiana, this area offers a variety of amenities within close proximity. With numerous cafes, restaurants, places of worship, physicians' offices, pharmacies, parks, transportation options, and even a theater nearby, residents can easily access everything they need for a comfortable and convenient lifestyle. The presence of well-known establishments like Starbucks and Walgreens provides familiarity and convenience for seniors looking to settle down in this bustling community. Additionally, the nearby hospitals offer peace of mind knowing that quality healthcare is just a short drive away. Overall, this part of Huntington presents itself as a vibrant and accessible location for senior living.

Cafes

• The Party Shop (0.1 miles)
• Cafe of Hope (0.6 miles)
• Starbucks (1.4 miles)
• Manchester University Jo Young Switzer Center (16.5 miles)
• KenapocoMocha (16.5 miles)

Restaurants

• Auditor's Lunch Table (0.1 miles)
• JD's Restaurant and Bar (0.1 miles)
• Brick House Grill (0.1 miles)
• Nick's Kitchen (0.1 miles)
• Sahara (0.5 miles)
• Los Amigos Mexican Restaurants (0.9 miles)
• Nick's Country Cafe (0.9 miles)

Places of Worship

• Trinity United Methodist Church (0.2 miles)
• St Peter's First Community Church (0.2 miles)
• THiNK Church Office (0.2 miles)
• St Peter & Paul Catholic Church (0.3 miles)
• St Mary's Catholic Church (0.4 miles)
• St Mary's Catholic Parish (0.4 miles)
• Episcopal Church Christ the King (0.6 miles)

Physicians

• Dr Ringo's Office (0.7 miles)
• Cardinal Family Medicine (1.4 miles)
• Huntington Health Park (1.5 miles)
• Physicians Specialty Clinic (1.7 miles)
• Ortho Northeast One (1.7 miles)
• Parkview Huntington Hospital (1.7 miles)
• Family Optometry (1.7 miles)

Parks

• Memorial Park (0.8 miles)
• Hiers Park (0.8 miles)
• Roanoke Park (8.4 miles)
• Acres Kokiwanee Nature Preserve (10.7 miles)
• Indian Trails Park (16 miles)

Transportation

• Alamo (0.8 miles)
• Zay Leasing & Rentals (1.9 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.9 miles)
• Kroger Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (1.6 miles)
• Hipp Drug (15.7 miles)
• Walgreens (16 miles)
• Kroger Pharmacy (16.2 miles)

Theaters

• GQT Huntington 7 (1.7 miles)

Hospitals

• Parkview First Care (16.3 miles)