Oakwood Terrace in Ankeny, IA

Information last verified:

1115-1125 - 1135 - 1145 W 1st St, Ankeny, IA 50021

For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973

2.6 from 31 reviews
5 stars
10
4 stars
2
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2
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1
1 stars
16

Oakwood Terrace Costs & Pricing

Oakwood Terrace offers competitively priced living options when compared to the broader costs within Polk County and the state of Iowa. For instance, a one-bedroom unit at Oakwood Terrace is available for just $560, significantly lower than the county average of $2,528 and the statewide average of $2,862. Similarly, two-bedroom apartments are priced at $650, offering substantial savings against Polk County's rate of $3,047 and Iowa's average of $3,329. Even in semi-private and private room options, where prices rise to $3,101 and $3,721 respectively, Oakwood Terrace remains more affordable than the higher averages found in both Polk County and across Iowa. This trend continues with studio apartments as well, where Oakwood's rate of $4,031 slightly exceeds the county price but still compares favorably against statewide rates. Overall, Oakwood Terrace stands out as an attractive option for those seeking quality accommodations without straining their budget.

Floor plansOakwood TerracePolk CountyIowa
1 Bedroom$560$2,528$2,863
2 Bedrooms$650$3,047$3,329
Semi-Private$3,101$3,924$3,885
Private$3,721$4,819$4,670
Studio$4,031$3,533$3,609

Overall Review of Oakwood Terrace

Pros

  • pro The new manager has gone above and beyond to make the apartment an efficient place to live.
  • pro The space is nice and up to par.
  • pro Residents would recommend the property.
  • pro The manager is amazing and one of the best; the maintenance team is great.
  • pro Residents are pleasantly surprised by how comfortable they feel living at Oakwood.
  • pro The owners are very nice and respond quickly to requests.
  • pro There is an on-site manager who is very good.
  • pro They love the place.
  • pro Moving there feels like a fairy tale dream for residents.
  • pro The place is beautiful and meets all needs.
  • pro The dog is happy here, with plenty of space and nearby walking options.
  • pro Residents describe it as their forever home.
  • pro They liked the apartment very much and were considering it.

Cons

  • pro Management is constantly changing, which is ridiculous and makes it hard to reach anyone.
  • pro The office door is always closed, hindering access to staff.
  • pro Tenants must set an appointment just to talk to the leasing manager.
  • pro A 30-day notice was issued with no explanation, and new management rarely responds.
  • pro Rent has been charged as late even though it was paid in full before the due date.
  • pro One-bedroom rents are far higher than advertised, and walls are thin, causing constant upstairs noise.
  • pro Noise issues persist, with residents calling the cops for disturbances despite quiet-hours rules.
  • pro The property is described as a joke/annoying and to be avoided.
  • pro Management is unresponsive; phone calls and emails often go unanswered.
  • pro The building has dog poop inside, vomit in the elevator, and poor parking; frequent management changes.
  • pro The property shows deterioration: dated, dirty carpets, scaffolding, broken walkways, and overflowing dumpsters.

Review

Oakwood Terrace in Ankeny is best suited for financially independent adults who want a roomy, dog-friendly apartment option and can tolerate a management environment that can swing between functional and chaotic. When leadership is stable, residents report responsive on-site managers, friendly owners, and a livable, straightforward living experience. The layout and space offer practical comforts for daily life, and for renters who prize affordability without the demands of a full-service senior community, this property can feel like a sensible compromise. It is not, however, a substitute for assisted living or other care arrangements, so families should not consider Oakwood Terrace if front-line care, medication management, or on-site health oversight are required.

The clearest warning in the reviews is a pattern of management instability and weak communication. Several tenants describe frequent leadership changes, doors left closed to the public, and difficulty securing timely answers or tours. Lease administration and rent handling are described as unreliable at times, with alleged late-fee disputes and inconsistent billing practices. Prospective renters should be keenly aware that the people managing rentals can shift abruptly, and that the level of responsiveness may correlate directly with who is in charge at any given moment. Those who cannot tolerate fragmented communication or repeated onboarding of new managers should look elsewhere.

Despite the management turbulence, there are positive notes that keep Oakwood Terrace on a potential shortlist for the right buyer. When the on-site manager is effective and the owners are engaged, requests can be handled quickly and the property feels well-maintained. The location offers walkability and a sense of community for residents who want to stay active without a high-cost, high-service environment. For dog lovers, the ability to live with a pet and enjoy nearby amenities is repeatedly cited as a meaningful benefit. The perceived value, the combination of usable space, reasonable rents, and a central location, appears real, but it depends entirely on current leadership consistency and upkeep.

However, the downsides listed by residents are hard to ignore and they frequently overwhelm the upside. Common-area upkeep is inconsistent, with complaints about dirty carpets, overflowing dumpsters, and ongoing maintenance issues in some buildings. Safety and accessibility concerns surface in several accounts: scaffolding left in place for extended periods, broken walkways, and even occasional hazards around entryways. Noise remains a recurring irritant, thin walls, loud neighbors, and late-night activity disruptors that violate lease-specified quiet hours in some units. Parking problems and unwanted foot traffic exacerbate frustrations, coloring day-to-day life with a sense of disorganization. A few reviews even describe the property as deteriorating or unwelcoming, which is a powerful signal to families monitoring aging-in-place scenarios.

These substantial cons do not exist in a vacuum, and their impact must be weighed against the limited but real positives. The most meaningful offset would be a stabilized management team that demonstrates consistent communication, thorough lease administration, and proactive maintenance. In markets where management becomes a reliable constant, Oakwood Terrace can deliver a practical, affordable living option with room to grow into a stable home. But without that stability, the same spaces that feel accommodating on a good day can devolve into frustrating, inefficient experiences that erode trust and impede daily routines. For seniors or families seeking predictable service, the balance currently tilts away from Oakwood Terrace unless there is clear evidence of a durable, responsive leadership shift.

The practical takeaway is decisive: families evaluating Oakwood Terrace should conduct a rigorous, current assessment before deciding. Visit with current residents to gauge how management responds to requests and how quickly issues are resolved. Verify who is in charge now, how contact is handled, and whether there is a reliable point of contact for leasing and maintenance. Inspect the common areas, test noise levels in the evenings, and look for signs of ongoing repair or neglect, scaffolding, fresh paint, flooring, and carpet condition all matter. Clarify lease terms, including notices, rent timing, and any fees that could appear ambiguous. If the goal is dependable care, clear billing practices, and predictable governance, Oakwood Terrace demands caution and a fresh, verifiable commitment from management before it earns a place on the shortlist. For families prioritizing structured support or medical oversight, alternatives with established leadership and senior-focused services will likely serve better in the long run.

Features

Types of Care

  • Active Adult Communities (55+) Active Adult Communities (55+)Active Adult Communities provide seniors with opportunities for socialization, activities, and wellness programs tailored to their needs. These communities offer a sense of belonging and security while promoting an active and independent lifestyle for those aged 55 and older.

Pets

  • Cats allowed Cats allowed"Pet friendly" senior living communities are important for seniors because pets provide companionship, reduce feelings of loneliness and depression, promote physical activity and mental stimulation, and offer a sense of purpose and responsibility. Pets can improve overall well-being and quality of life for seniors in many ways.

Amenities

  • Bath tubs Bath tubsBath tubs are important for seniors because they provide a safe and relaxing way to bathe, helping to prevent slips and falls while promoting independence and overall well-being.
  • Devotional services off-site Devotional services off-siteDevotional services off-site are important for seniors as they provide spiritual nourishment, social engagement, and a sense of community outside of the senior living facility. This can enhance overall well-being and help combat feelings of isolation and loneliness often experienced by older adults.

Transportation

  • Des Moines International (14 miles away) Des Moines International (14 miles away)

Activities

  • Devotional activities offsite Devotional activities offsiteDevotional activities offsite are important for seniors because they provide social engagement, spiritual growth, and a sense of community outside of their living environment. This can improve overall well-being, mental health, and combat feelings of isolation or loneliness.

Description

Oakwood Terrace in Ankeny, IA is an exceptional assisted living community that offers a variety of amenities and convenient access to various facilities and services. Located in a peaceful neighborhood, Oakwood Terrace provides a comfortable and nurturing environment for older adults.

One notable amenity is the availability of devotional services off-site, allowing residents to practice their faith in a nearby place of worship. This ensures that individuals' spiritual needs are met within a religious community they feel connected to.

Additionally, Oakwood Terrace boasts an advantageous location with several cafes, parks, pharmacies, physicians, restaurants, and theaters nearby. With five cafes in the vicinity, residents can enjoy a pleasant outing or meet friends for coffee and pastries. The presence of one park offers opportunities for leisurely walks or outdoor activities amidst natural surroundings.

Residents can have peace of mind knowing that there are multiple pharmacies within close proximity. This convenience ensures easy accessibility to medications or any necessary health supplies.

The presence of twelve physicians nearby indicates that residents have ample options when it comes to healthcare professionals. Whether for regular check-ups or immediate medical attention, residents can trust that quality care is readily available.

Food enthusiasts will appreciate the wide selection of twenty restaurants close by. These dining establishments offer various cuisines and menu options catering to different tastes and dietary preferences.

Lastly, having two theaters nearby provides an excellent opportunity for seniors to enjoy movies, performances, or cultural events without traveling far from home.

Overall, Oakwood Terrace in Ankeny, IA offers not only exceptional care but also an array of amenities and convenient access to essential facilities and services. With its welcoming atmosphere and convenient location, this assisted living community is designed to enhance the lives of its residents while promoting their individual well-being and independence.

Nearby Places of Interest

Restaurants

  • Yankee Clipper (0.3 miles)
  • Sonic Drive-In (1.1 miles)
  • Magees Irish Pub & Eat (1.2 miles)
  • Taco Bell (1.4 miles)
  • Whiskey River Ankeny (1.4 miles)
  • Arby's (1.6 miles)
  • Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant (1.6 miles)

Pharmacies

  • CVS Pharmacy (0.7 miles)
  • Walgreens (0.9 miles)
  • Mercy Pharmacies (1.3 miles)
  • Merwin Ltc Pharmacy (2 miles)
  • UnityPoint Health - Des Moines: Ankeny Medical Park Pharmacy (2.2 miles)
  • Target Pharmacy (2.3 miles)
  • CVS Pharmacy (2.4 miles)

Cafes

  • Starbucks (0.8 miles)
  • Starbucks (1.9 miles)
  • Main Street Cafe & Bakery (2 miles)
  • Starbucks (2.2 miles)
  • Panera Bread (2.3 miles)
  • Starbucks (8.2 miles)

Physicians

  • Iowa Health Physicians & Clinics (1 miles)
  • Eye Care Of Iowa Pc - Ankeny (1 miles)
  • Acute Care (1.3 miles)
  • Iowa Orthopedics (1.3 miles)
  • Iowa Orthopedic - Kurt A Smith Do (1.3 miles)
  • Capital Orthopaedics (1.3 miles)
  • Skin Solutions Dermatology, A Forefront Dermatology Practice (1.7 miles)

Theaters

  • B&B Theater And B-Roll (1.1 miles)
  • B&B Theatres Ankeny 12 & B-Roll Bowling (2.3 miles)
  • Cinemark Altoona And Xd (8.1 miles)
  • Flix Brewhouse Des Moines (8.3 miles)

Parks

  • Georgetown Park (1.6 miles)
  • Terra Park (6.8 miles)
  • Lions Park (8.5 miles)

Places of Worship

  • Saylorville Baptist Church (3.8 miles)

Frequently Asked Questions

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