Coldren Retirement Residence

Pros

• Oaknoll is described as an active retirement community with varied dining options and a caring staff.
• Oaknoll offers top-notch Assisted Living and prioritizes residents above all else.
• The community is accessible with no steps and staff who always put residents first.
• The food program includes three full-service dining venues, providing great choices.
• Oaknoll operates as a non-profit, reinvesting income to maintain high standards and support staff.
• The staff are consistently helpful, friendly, and attentive.
• The amenities are gorgeous, and the staff are exceptional, with residents truly cared for and families welcome.
• The newer buildings are impressive, offering ample amenities and a safe, well-managed environment.
• Oaknoll has strong nursing staff and a broad range of services and activities.
• The food, service, and overall quality at Oaknoll are described as wonderful.
• Oaknoll is a beautiful, peaceful, well-organized retirement community with many activities and a strong sense of community.
• It is regarded as a premium senior living community offering comprehensive services and amenities.

Cons

• This place is fancy, you need to be loaded to move in.
• It is expensive maybe too expensive.
• A long waiting list!
• Some staff are not so helpful.
• It's expensive.

Review

Oaknoll Retirement Community near Iowa City emerges in a chorus of largely glowing notes from residents and visitors alike. The community offers a full spectrum of living options, including Independent Living and more advanced levels of care - though it's noted that Memory Care is not part of Oaknoll itself. What many writers emphasize is not just the breadth of services, but the sense of life and activity that permeates the place. It's described as an active, well-run community with a strong social fabric, where residents can pursue a wide range of interests while benefitting from careful support as their needs change.

Long-tenured residents paint a picture of a place that truly feels like home. One person speaks of living there for almost ten years and another for around eight, underscoring that there is no step climbing or stumbling blocks in daily life - just accessible, comfortable living. The staff is repeatedly singled out for remembering that "residents come before anything else," and the overall tone is one of genuine care. The non-profit status is highlighted as a meaningful distinction: income from apartments goes back into paying staff and maintaining high standards, reinforcing a cycle of improvement and consistency rather than profit-driven decisions. In this environment, premium living is not just a label but a lived experience.

Caregiving quality and staff are recurring themes, with many residents describing Oaknoll's staff as exceptional and truly attentive. There's broad praise for the breadth of care and for how families are welcomed into the community. While the overarching sentiment is very positive, a few voices acknowledge that experiences can vary by individual staff members - some are noted as especially helpful, while a couple of reviews mention inconsistent levels of assistance. Still, the overall impression is that the residents are well looked after, with staff who are not only capable but also warm and friendly. The sense that Oaknoll is a place where care, safety, and personal attention come together is a common thread.

Dining and amenities stand out as standout features that set Oaknoll apart from other retirement options. The community is described as having "three real restaurants, not cafeterias," which is a frequent source of delight for residents who value variety and quality in meals. Food is repeatedly praised as a strong point, paired with a suite of amenities that make everyday life feel luxurious. One staff member in particular receives cheers from residents - Bruce in Food/Beverages is named as someone who makes a positive impression with his service. The overall dining experience, coupled with the opulent, well-designed facilities, contributes to a sense of premium living that feels both comfortable and aspirational.

The physical environment and the safety-conscious ethos contribute to the sense of security and calm that many reviewers associate with Oaknoll. Newer buildings are described as impressive and enjoyable to explore, with a clean, open, and peaceful atmosphere that residents appreciate. Covid-era safety measures are noted as well-implemented, reflecting a broader commitment to well-being. The campus is frequently described as gorgeous and well-maintained, with artwork and a wide array of amenities that support an active lifestyle. The "premium senior living" designation is reinforced by these observations: a full range of services is available, and the environment supports both independent living and transitions to higher levels of care when needed.

Community life at Oaknoll is described as vibrant and engaging, with opportunities for socialization, learning, and activity that many residents find motivating. There's a strong sense that this is more than just a place to reside - it's a community with a robust calendar of activities, opportunities for learning, and a welcoming atmosphere for families. People express confidence in choosing Oaknoll because of the social and activity opportunities, and several residents say they would or do intend to stay long-term. The combination of a strong social network, accessible amenities, and meaningful programming makes Oaknoll feel both dynamic and supportive for people at different stages of aging.

A number of voices also acknowledge practical realities, particularly around cost and accessibility. Several reviewers describe Oaknoll as a "luxurious" and "premium" environment and note that it is expensive, with some urging potential residents to consider whether the financial commitment aligns with their means. A common sentiment is that this level of care and this continuity of services are worth the investment for those who can afford it, and that there is a long waiting list for certain levels of care or living arrangements. In short, Oaknoll is celebrated for its comprehensive care continuum, its active social life, and its distinctive sense of community, while also being framed as an option best suited to those who can meet its financial demands.

Overall, Oaknoll is portrayed as a really special retirement community where independence is supported, care is attentive, and life remains rich and social across multiple levels of need. It's described as an active, well-managed place that blends luxurious amenities, strong staffing, and a culture of family involvement - creating a living environment where residents can thrive, enjoy a broad array of experiences, and feel confidently cared for by a team that takes seriously the mission of supporting aging with dignity and vitality.

This part of Iowa City, Iowa offers a diverse range of amenities and services that cater to senior living needs. With a variety of restaurants, cafes, pharmacies, and healthcare facilities in close proximity, residents have easy access to essential resources. Additionally, the presence of parks provides opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. The area also boasts several theaters for entertainment options. For those who may require medical attention, there are reputable physicians and hospitals nearby. Overall, this neighborhood combines convenience with leisure activities, making it a suitable location for seniors looking for a vibrant community to call home.

Restaurants

• Deluxe Cakes & Pastries (0.2 miles)
• Vine Tavern & Eatery - Iowa City (0.6 miles)
• The Club Car (0.8 miles)
• Pullman Bar & Diner (0.9 miles)
• Taco Bell (0.9 miles)
• Big Grove Brewery and Taproom (0.9 miles)
• Basta Pizzeria Ristorante (0.9 miles)

Parks

• Creekside Park (0.6 miles)
• Riverfront Crossings Park (0.9 miles)
• Weatherby Park (1.3 miles)
• Lower City Park (1.8 miles)
• Scott Park (2 miles)
• Terry Trueblood Recreation Area (2.2 miles)
• Thornberry Off Leash Dog Park (2.4 miles)

Theaters

• FilmScene at The Chauncey (0.6 miles)
• Sycamore Cinema Iowa City, Ia (0.9 miles)

Physicians

• Health Options Iowa (0.8 miles)
• Eye Physicians & Surgeons (0.8 miles)
• Gastroenterology Associates of Iowa City (0.8 miles)
• Iowa City Cancer Treatment Center (0.8 miles)
• Towncrest Internal Medicine (1.1 miles)
• Eberly Scott M. M.D. (1.1 miles)
• Iowa City Dermatology (1.1 miles)

Hospitals

• Mercy Services Iowa City (0.8 miles)
• Mercy Hospital (0.8 miles)
• Iowa City Family Practice Clinic (1.1 miles)
• PICU University Of Iowa Childrens Hospital (1.5 miles)
• 4JPEast (1.5 miles)
• Uihc-Department of Otolaryngology (1.5 miles)
• Uihc-Ambulatory Surgical Center (1.5 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.8 miles)
• Starbucks (0.9 miles)
• Starbucks (1 miles)
• Java House (1.1 miles)
• Starbucks (1.2 miles)
• Sidekick Coffee And Books (2.1 miles)
• Panera Bread (2.6 miles)

Pharmacies

• Towncrest Pharmacy (0.9 miles)
• Walgreens (0.9 miles)
• Hy-Vee Pharmacy (1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.1 miles)
• Drug Town (1.2 miles)
• Pharmacy Matters (2 miles)
• Iowa Essential Oils (2.1 miles)

Places of Worship

• First United Methodist Church (0.9 miles)

Transportation

• Iowa City Municipal Airport (1.5 miles)