Alice Place Apartments in Waukee, IA

Pros

• It is a very nice place to live.
• The surroundings are beautiful and clean.
• The staff are friendly and courteous.
• It is great for seniors.
• It is a clean, cozy place with nice residents.
• The property is nicely designed and decorated, with livable units and many amenities.
• The social community is friendly and welcoming, with plenty of activities and opportunities to interact and socialize.

Cons

• Crystal is the worst manager the reviewer has ever met, and she doesn't fix anything.
• Crystal is rude and disrespectful.
• Crystal lets anyone move in just to fill the units.
• Management is only present two days a week, at most.
• The reviewer received a lease violation notice without any evidence.
• Maintenance is terrible.
• The reviewer would not recommend this place.
• The reviewer is going to look elsewhere, tired of wasting time with a customer service representative who does not care.

Review

Alice Place Apartments in Waukee is best suited for independent seniors who want a clean, neighborly setting with regular social opportunities and straightforward, comfortable apartment living. It works well for residents who value a close-knit community and don't require hands-on, daily management. The property's atmosphere, activities, and amenity-rich feel can make daily life pleasant for those who can tolerate occasional gaps in on-site support and slower responsiveness. Note the income constraint: prospective residents should anticipate a restriction around $37,000 in annual income, which shapes who can realistically move in.

On the plus side, several reviews highlight a well-kept campus with friendly, welcoming residents. The building feels clean, the common rooms are inviting, and the social fabric appears strong - activities and shared spaces foster interaction and a sense of belonging. For families, the transition can feel smooth when staff are involved, and many residents and family members describe the apartments as spacious and comfortable, with a layout that accommodates personal belongings and daily routines. In short, the environment can be warm and homey, with enough amenities to support an active, independent lifestyle.

The flip side centers on management and maintenance, recurring pain points that can undermine otherwise solid living conditions. Multiple accounts describe a manager as difficult or unhelpful, with limited on-site presence and replies that don't come promptly. Maintenance is frequently characterized as slow or ineffective, and one review cites a lease action taken without clear evidence. These are not trivial irritants; they affect day-to-day peace of mind, response times, and the sense that the home is reliably cared for. The combination of sporadic management and slow upkeep creates a real friction point for residents who expect consistent service.

Balancing the positives against the negatives, the core question becomes whether the social and physical environment can compensate for the reliability gaps. For independent seniors who are self-advocates and prepared to push for timely repairs, the lively social calendar and well-kept grounds can offset some shortcomings. For those who prize predictable, professional management as a baseline expectation, these issues can dominate the experience. In practical terms, the decision hinges on how much value is placed on community interaction and amenities versus the assurance of steady, proactive service.

Who should seriously consider alternatives? Those who require a consistently professional on-site team, prompt maintenance, and clear, respectful communication every week should look elsewhere. Families prioritizing reliability and predictable operations - especially if a parent's health or mobility may worsen - will likely prefer a community with steadier management. The waitlist and income restrictions add another layer of consideration, potentially delaying housing or limiting options; in such cases, exploring other neighborhoods or operators with similar price points but stronger on-site management may be wise. Within the same operator group, other properties - where reviews consistently point to stronger management and more reliable responsiveness - merit evaluation as practical substitutes.

Bottom line: Alice Place offers a warm, social, and well-located home for independent seniors who can navigate a few management gaps and fit within the income-screen. If a lively atmosphere, friendly neighbors, and ample amenities align with needs and expectations, this community can be a good match. If reliability and proactive care from on-site staff are non-negotiable, or if predictable maintenance is essential, pursuing alternatives with a track record of steadier management is the prudent path. A thorough visit, direct conversations with current residents, and a clear read on manager availability will illuminate whether this specific community truly aligns with the family's priorities or if another option will serve better in the long run.

This part of Waukee, Iowa offers a variety of amenities and services that may appeal to seniors looking for a convenient and comfortable living environment. There are several restaurants nearby, including IHOP, Taco Bell, and McDonald's, providing easy dining options. In terms of healthcare, there are multiple physicians' offices and clinics within close proximity, such as Waukee Pediatrics and MercyOne Waukee Family Medicine. Additionally, there are pharmacies like Hy-Vee Pharmacy and Walgreens nearby for medication needs. For recreational activities, residents can enjoy parks like Grant Park and Westown Meadows Park, as well as the Palms Theatres & IMAX for entertainment. Overall, this area provides seniors with access to essential services and opportunities for leisure activities in a peaceful community setting.

Restaurants

• IHOP (0.2 miles)
• Taco Bell (0.8 miles)
• McDonald's (0.8 miles)
• Jimmy John's (0.9 miles)
• Los Tres Amigos (0.9 miles)
• Burger King (1 miles)
• Monterrey Express (1.4 miles)

Cafes

• Scotters Coffee (0.6 miles)
• Starbucks (5.3 miles)
• Starbucks (6 miles)

Physicians

• Waukee Pediatrics (0.7 miles)
• Iowa Health Physicians & Clinics (0.7 miles)
• Mercy Waukee Medical Clinic (0.8 miles)
• MercyOne Waukee Family Medicine (0.8 miles)
• Country Clinic (1 miles)
• Brian L Waggoner, MD (2 miles)
• Waggoner Pediatrics of Central Iowa (Des Moines Pediatrics-West) (2 miles)

Theaters

• The Palms Theatres & IMAX (1 miles)
• Century Theatre (4.6 miles)

Parks

• Grant Park (1.5 miles)
• Westown Meadows Park (1.7 miles)
• Playground At Maple Grove School (2.3 miles)
• Stonegate Park (2.8 miles)
• Valley View Park (3.9 miles)
• Waterford Disc Golf Course (4.2 miles)

Pharmacies

• Hy-Vee Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• Walgreens (2.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.4 miles)
• Walgreens (4.4 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (5.4 miles)
• Outcomes Pharmaceutical Health Care (5.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (6 miles)

Places of Worship

• Westview Church (2.5 miles)
• Living Faith Lutheran Church (3.3 miles)

Hospitals

• Mercy Medical Center West Lake (4.7 miles)