Summit House in Creston, IA

Pros

• Samantha the manager is friendly, efficient, and fast at handling paperwork and other tasks.
• The building has a security door and an intercom, contributing to safety and convenient access.
• The building is well maintained and features a very nice front porch.
• Jeff the maintenance guy is great at fixing things and listens to residents, addressing problems quickly.
• Tenants are friendly, and many friendships have formed.
• The location is convenient, within walking distance to the library, bank, and Fareway grocery store.
• Management handles apartment issues in a reasonable time.
• The community hosts potlucks and bingo, creating a welcoming atmosphere.
• The trolley provides easy transportation to appointments and shopping.
• The Summit House is a nice addition to the Creston community.
• The facility is described as very nice with great tenants by long-term residents.

Cons

• There are numerous smokers in the building.
• Management claims they don't smell cigarettes despite ongoing complaints.
• The carpets in the hallways and elevator are dirty and disgusting.
• The entire building smells awful.
• Parts of the wall in the stairwell are missing.
• There is mold along the kick strip by an exit door.
• The hallways smell like cigarette smoke even though it is a smoke-free building.
• The drug selling and using is getting worse.
• They do not recommend these apartments for older seniors.

Review

Summit House in Creston, IA is best suited for independent seniors who want a compact, cat-friendly apartment lifestyle with hands-on management and convenient access to everyday services. Residents who value security features like a controlled entry and an intercom, quick maintenance responses, and a well-kept exterior will feel supported here. The building's front porch, elevator access, coin-operated laundry on each floor, and a staff that can handle paperwork efficiently create a practical, low-friction living environment. For residents who prize social connection, regular gatherings, and community amenities within walking distance of libraries, banks, and grocers, Summit House offers a workable, location-forward option that many families will find appealing.

That said, several caveats warrant explicit consideration. Prospective movers should be aware that the community carries a mixed reputation on cleanliness and safety factors that can be make-or-break for certain households. Multiple reviews cite persistent odors from cigarette smoke despite smoke-free expectations, mold in common areas, and worn hall surfaces or missing wall elements. There are also mentions of drug activity within the building, uneven response to complaints, and a sense that maintenance or housekeeping attention can lag when problems are persistent. Families needing a pristine, turnkey environment or a strictly regulated, all-ages clean living space may reasonably look at alternatives with a stronger emphasis on immaculate upkeep and stricter behavioral controls.

The strongest positives - the security features, approachable management, and reliable maintenance - can offset some concerns for residents who prize practical stability over perfection. The built-in safety assets (security door and intercom), together with an on-site maintenance pro who listens and acts promptly, create tangible value for daily living. The manager's accessibility and efficiency in handling paperwork streamline transitions for tenants and families alike. Social life in the building - potlucks, bingo, and other gatherings - coupled with accessible transit options for appointments and shopping, helps counterbalance some isolation risks often found in small communities. For residents who want a sense of belonging and predictable service, these elements carry real weight.

Still, the negative aspects cannot be dismissed, and they tend to push some residents toward alternatives. The repeated concerns about odors, mold, and overall cleanliness - especially in hallways and shared spaces - call into question long-term comfort for individuals with respiratory sensitivities or oxygen needs. Reports of unresolved issues or insufficient corrective action after complaints further complicate the calculus for families who require a consistently pristine environment. The presence of drug-related activity, even if not universal, compounds safety worries for those prioritizing a serene, low-risk setting. In short, the pros offer practical value, but the cons pose meaningful trade-offs that may outweigh the benefits for some households.

In making a decision, families should pursue concrete, action-oriented due diligence. Request a floor-level tour and pay particular attention to odor control, hallway cleanliness, and the state of shared areas. Ask for a transparent maintenance log to verify response times and the status of recurring issues (like carpeting, tile mold, and stairwell finishes). Inquire about the enforcement of the smoke-free policy, and seek assurances on safety measures and incident reporting. Speak with current residents about how quickly concerns are addressed and whether the trolley service and front-desk interactions meet expectations. Clarify pet policies, annual fee structures, and any potential move-in costs to avoid surprises.

Ultimately, Summit House serves a pragmatic niche: independent seniors who want a community feel, convenient access to daily services, and reliable, friendly management, with a willingness to tolerate some cleanliness and safety caveats. For those requiring higher levels of care, stricter environmental standards, or a strictly smoke- and drug-free milieu monitored more aggressively, alternative options will likely deliver greater peace of mind. The balance tilts toward a workable, dependable choice for many families, provided due diligence confirms that the environment aligns with residents' health needs and tolerance for upkeep. In the end, Summit House is a sensible, if imperfect, fit for staying connected to community life while retaining autonomy in a familiar Creston setting.

This area of Creston, Iowa boasts a variety of amenities and services that cater to seniors looking for convenience and comfort. With several places of worship nearby, including Holy Spirit Catholic Parish and Jerusalem United Methodist Church, residents can easily maintain their spiritual practices. The proximity to transportation options such as Creston Station and Amtrak makes it convenient for seniors to travel when needed. Additionally, there are numerous parks in the area like Rainbow Park and Taylor Park where seniors can enjoy the outdoors and stay active. Access to restaurants offering a range of cuisine options, pharmacies, hospitals like Union County Greater Community Hospital, physicians' offices, and even a movie theater provides seniors with everything they need within a short distance. Overall, this part of Creston offers a well-rounded community for seniors seeking a comfortable and supportive living environment.

Places of Worship

• Holy Spirit Catholic Parish (0.1 miles)
• Holy Spirit Church (0.1 miles)
• Jerusalem United Methodist Church (0.2 miles)
• Ucc Congregational Chr-Creston (0.4 miles)
• United Church of Christ (0.4 miles)
• Presbyterian Church (0.6 miles)
• Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church, Creston & Mount Ayr (0.6 miles)

Transportation

• High Plains Taxidermy (0.1 miles)
• Creston Station (0.4 miles)
• Amtrak (0.4 miles)
• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (1 miles)
• Conner's Taxidermy (3.5 miles)
• U-Haul (16.2 miles)

Parks

• Creston Elementary School (0.2 miles)
• Rainbow Park (0.8 miles)
• Taylor Park (1.3 miles)
• McKinley Park (1.3 miles)
• Cedar County Park (4.4 miles)
• Three Mile Lake Wildlife Management Area (7 miles)
• Lake Orient Recreation Area (10.1 miles)

Restaurants

• Una MAS (0.3 miles)
• Montgomery Street Pub (0.3 miles)
• The Lobby (0.4 miles)
• Casa De Oro, Authentic Homemade Mexican Cuisine (0.5 miles)
• Side Tracked (0.5 miles)
• Chuong Garden Restaurant (0.8 miles)
• Chong Garden (0.8 miles)

Hospitals

• Family Vision Center (0.3 miles)
• Crest Haven Care Centre (0.7 miles)
• Creston Chiropractic Center (0.9 miles)
• Union County Greater Community Hospital (1.1 miles)
• Medical Arts Plaza (1.2 miles)
• Internal Medicine Consultants (1.2 miles)
• Creston Nursing & Rehab Center (1.2 miles)

Theaters

• Creston Movie Theater (0.3 miles)
• Strand (0.4 miles)
• Grand Theatre & Videos (17.6 miles)

Pharmacies

• Medicap Pharmacy (0.8 miles)
• Crest Pharmacy (1.2 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (1.3 miles)
• Nucara Pharmacy (16.2 miles)

Physicians

• Precision Optical Group (0.9 miles)
• New Life Family Medicine PC (1.2 miles)
• Creston Vision Clinic PC (1.2 miles)
• Greater Regional Orthopedics & Sports Medicine (1.3 miles)
• Lenox Medical Clinic (16.2 miles)
• Kopp, Bethel, Md - Alegent Health Clinic (16.3 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1 miles)
• Kansas Street Deli & Purple Cow Antiques (8.9 miles)
• Clearfield Cafe (17.6 miles)