Commonwealth Apartments in Ceder Rapids, IA

Pros

• The building now looks well cared for, with beautiful flowers and an improved appearance.
• Colleen is an amazing property manager who cares about the residents and has improved the property in recent years.
• It is a nice place with good people and a welcoming community.
• Colleen has gone above and beyond to assist with showing apartments, the lease, utilities, and move-ins, and she truly cares about tenants' safety and happiness.
• The community offers numerous activities to bring tenants together, including a food bank, clothes drop, coffee and sweets, bingo, and potlucks.
• Security locks on every door, elevators, on-site laundry, and vending add to tenant convenience and safety.
• Colleen is professional, knowledgeable, and caring—the kind of manager elders would want looking after them.
• The renewal of the old hotel into senior living gives it a grand look, and pets are allowed.
• The staff is friendly and supportive; the grounds are clean; the community is lovely and lively in the summer.

Cons

• The windows in all units are sealed shut, which would violate codes and prevent ventilation and emergency egress.
• The place is described as stinking horribly and filthy everywhere, needing a thorough cleaning and carpet replacement.
• There is no heat in the bedrooms, forcing residents to sleep in the living room since December.
• The building feels like a mini homeless shelter, making it hard to tell who is a tenant and who is homeless.
• There is no usable air and high humidity because the windows cannot be opened, leading to poor air quality.
• The property is infested with bedbugs, and the staff do a poor job of keeping it clean.
• Some reviewers say the city should condemn the place due to its conditions.

Review

Commonwealth Apartments in Cedar Rapids is best suited for independent seniors who want a socially active, affordable, and pet-friendly option with a hands-on on-site manager and a built-in sense of community. The building has undergone noticeable improvements in recent years, and the grounds and entry convey a welcoming feel. A central draw is Colleen, the on-site manager, whose attention to leasing logistics, safety, and daily life is repeatedly praised. The place offers a steady rhythm of activities, bingo, potlucks, food donations, coffee times, and practical perks like elevators, on-site laundry, security locks on doors, and a friendly, communicative staff. For residents who value connection, predictable routines, and visible care from leadership, Commonwealth Apartments can feel like a good fit.

That said, not every elder will find the same level of satisfaction here. The community may be less appealing to those who require consistently pristine conditions, flawless heat in every unit, and a pest-free, impeccably clean environment. Reports of ongoing cleanliness problems, carpets overdue for replacement, and concerns about odors or general maintenance raise red flags for anyone prioritizing pristine habitability. Some units have experienced heat issues in bedrooms and ventilation challenges, while others describe windows that cannot be opened, which compounds air quality and safety concerns. In addition, a few accounts suggest a vibe closer to a temporary shelter than a stable senior living setting, which could unsettle residents seeking quiet, predictable surroundings.

The strong points, Colleen’s leadership, a security-conscious building, and a robust social fabric, can offset several downsides for residents who prioritize companionship and safety. A manager repeatedly described as professional, caring, and responsive can make a tangible difference in day-to-day life, facilitating smooth move-ins, lease administration, and safety initiatives. The presence of security locks on doors, elevators, and on-site amenities supports independent living with an added layer of reassurance. The active calendar and neighborly atmosphere help counter isolation, and the pet-friendly stance adds practical value for many households. These advantages create a supportive mesh that can sustain residents through imperfect conditions elsewhere in the property.

Still, the negativity in some reviews cannot be dismissed. Persistent cleanliness issues, reports of bedbugs, and complaints about odor or filth materially affect quality of life. Instances of inadequate heat in bedrooms or air-saturation concerns point to fundamental comfort problems that go beyond cosmetic repairs. The most concerning notes involve allegations of infestation and inconsistent maintenance response, which erode trust in the habitability and safety of the living environment. Such experiences underscore a real, not incidental, risk that may require proactive escalation, independent inspections, and careful follow-up with management before moving in.

For families weighing options, the practical path is to tour with discernment and ask pointed questions. Inspect the actual unit’s heat and ventilation, test operability of windows, and review any pest-control history and remediation plans. Inquire about recent city or health inspections, maintenance turnaround times, and the frequency of deep-cleaning or carpet replacements. Speak with several residents to gauge consistency of care across floors and units, and request a documented move-in checklist that covers essential comforts. Clarify pet policies, parking, and nearby services, ensuring the environment suits the elder’s health and mobility needs.

The bottom line is clear. Commonwealth Apartments serves a distinct niche: a community-driven, affordable option where a responsive manager and social infrastructure can compensate for some maintenance gaps. It is a compelling choice for seniors who value camaraderie, security, and routine, and who are prepared to scrutinize unit-level conditions and insist on timely fixes. For those who require unwavering cleanliness, reliable heating in every room, and a uniformly modern, pest-free environment, alternatives with steadier performance are wiser. The decision hinges on a careful, firsthand assessment of the specific unit, candid conversations with residents, and explicit assurances about heat, ventilation, pest control, and repair responsiveness before committing.

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.1 miles)
• Craft’d (1.1 miles)

Restaurants

• Wendy's (0.1 miles)
• Midtown Station (0.6 miles)
• Taco Bell (0.6 miles)
• Sag Wagon Deli & Brew (0.8 miles)
• Pub 217 (0.9 miles)
• Iowa Brewing Company L (1 miles)
• Black Sheep Social Club (1.1 miles)

Physicians

• Iowa Eye Center (0.3 miles)
• Andreas Kyvernitakis, MD (0.3 miles)
• Envisions Medical Spa (0.4 miles)
• Physicians' Clinic Of Iowa P.C. (0.4 miles)
• Forefront Dermatology Cedar Rapids, IA (0.4 miles)
• Robert John Barry (0.4 miles)
• Family Practice Associates (0.4 miles)

Pharmacies

• Medical Pharmacy (0.4 miles)
• CarePro Home Medical (0.4 miles)
• Aim Healthcare (0.8 miles)
• Hy-Vee Drugstore (1.2 miles)
• Jrs Pharma (1.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• Walgreens (1.6 miles)

Hospitals

• UnityPoint | St Lukes Cedar Rapids (0.4 miles)
• St Luke's Hospital 5C (0.5 miles)
• Mercy Medical Center (0.6 miles)
• Mercy Birthplace (0.6 miles)
• Mercy Medical Center (1.6 miles)
• Southwest Regional Medical Center (2.1 miles)

Parks

• Greene Square Park (0.8 miles)
• Van Vechten Park (1.6 miles)

Places of Worship

• Temple Judah (1.7 miles)
• Central Church of Christ (2.3 miles)
• Good Shepherd Lutheran Parsonage (2.9 miles)

Theaters

• Marcus Theatres (3.1 miles)