Baxter Springs Senior Residences in Baxter Springs, KS

Pros

• The reviewer received their deposit back.
• The deposit was returned to the tenant.

Cons

• The place is unsafe and unfit to live in.
• It was never finished; the basement leaked with standing water, and the apartment above flooded repeatedly.
• Mold spread into the apartment as a result of the flooding.
• The winter was freezing and the windows had severe drafts, with some replacements not addressing the apartment's draft.
• The project manager was inexperienced and the renovation was shoddy.
• Complaints led to tenants being basically kicked out, and deposits were not always returned.
• The building should have been torn down due to the shoddy construction.
• Move-in issues included a flooded unit, mold, fridge failures, theft from the moving truck, and misrepresented rent and age restrictions.

Review

Baxter Springs Senior Residences is best suited for budget-conscious seniors who can tolerate significant upkeep and safety risks while seeking the lowest possible housing costs. In practice, the property carries a troubling history of management turnover, unfinished work, and conditions that make daily life feel unstable rather than secure. For seniors who require reliable safety, predictable maintenance, and honest leasing practices, this community should not be first choice. Families weighing options in the region should consider alternatives that prioritize solid upkeep and transparent operations.

Those considering alternatives should recognize that this is not a venue to settle for a routine, dependable living environment. Seniors who need consistently well-maintained units, clear expectations, and responsive management will likely be better served elsewhere. In Baxter Springs and the surrounding area, there are other communities that offer more reliable maintenance, better physical conditions, and clearer, enforceable lease terms. If health, safety, or peace of mind are priorities, expanding the search beyond this property is strongly advised.

The few apparent upsides do not meaningfully offset the main drawbacks. On the positive side, there are occasional reports of deposit refunds after move-out, but such positives are overwhelmed by recurrent and more serious concerns. Mold and water intrusion, frigid apartments, and drafty windows repeatedly surface in resident feedback. These conditions point to systemic construction and maintenance failures that undermine comfort and safety. In short, any minor financial niceties are dwarfed by ongoing environmental and operational problems.

The most significant cons are systemic and pervasive. Basements experience flooding, mold seeps into living spaces, and insulation remains inadequate, creating cold units and unhealthy environments. Management instability - frequent turnover and reported disputes with occupants - adds to the sense of unreliability. Allegations that border on elder abuse, coupled with concerns about theft and unsafe surroundings, create a climate of apprehension. Misleading statements about age requirements and rent further erode trust and make clear what renters can expect in terms of truth in advertising and fair treatment.

When making a decision, practical steps should guide the process. Conduct a thorough, in-person inspection of a current unit, focusing on moisture, mold, drafts, plumbing, and the overall condition of common areas. Speak with multiple residents about day-to-day responsiveness and safety. Request recent maintenance logs and a detailed lease that clearly describes deposits, move-out charges, and any required "deep clean" clauses. Check licensing status, complain histories, and recent enforcement actions with state or local regulators. If proceeding, insist on a written remediation plan with concrete timelines, a transparent deposit policy, and a contingency plan if conditions do not improve.

Bottom line: this community represents a high-risk choice with a history of safety concerns, maintenance failures, and questionable management practices. For most seniors and their families, exploration of stronger options offering dependable upkeep, safer environments, and honest leasing is essential. If the decision is to move forward, proceed with heightened due diligence, demand concrete fixes, and set firm expectations in writing, recognizing that the current pattern does not align with prudent, risk-averse senior living.

This section of Baxter Springs, Kansas, offers a convenient and well-equipped environment for senior living. With multiple dining options such as El Cabritos, Subway, and Baxter Springs Smokehouse within close proximity, residents can enjoy a variety of culinary experiences. Pharmacies like Monarch Pharmacy and Wolkar Drug are easily accessible for any medication needs. Places of worship like First Presbyterian Church and United Methodist Church provide spiritual support for seniors looking to maintain their faith. Additionally, there are cafes like Rita's Roost for socializing over coffee and parks for outdoor recreation. Nearby healthcare facilities including Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas and Freeman Health System ensure that seniors have access to quality medical care when needed. Overall, this area offers a balanced mix of amenities that cater to the needs and interests of older adults looking for a comfortable and supportive community in which to reside.

Restaurants

• El Cabritos (0.2 miles)
• Subway (0.2 miles)
• Sonic Drive-In (0.3 miles)
• Baxter Springs Smokehouse (0.6 miles)
• Sonic Drive-In (6.2 miles)
• Pizza Hut (6.9 miles)
• Happy Jacks Tavern (9.3 miles)

Pharmacies

• Monarch Pharmacy & Soda Fountain (0.2 miles)
• Wolkar Drug (0.3 miles)
• Monarch Pharmacy (0.3 miles)
• Walgreens (0.4 miles)
• Wolkar Drug (0.6 miles)
• Ole Miners Pharmacy (5.9 miles)
• Freeman Health System (11.3 miles)

Places of Worship

• First Presbyterian Church (0.3 miles)
• Southern Baptist Convention (0.4 miles)
• Apostolic Faith Church Bible College (0.5 miles)
• Church of the Nazarene (0.6 miles)
• Riverton Friends Church (0.6 miles)
• United Methodist Church (0.8 miles)
• Lowell Friends Church (2.7 miles)

Cafes

• Rita's Roost (0.3 miles)
• Hemi's Cafe (5.4 miles)
• Streetcar Station Coffee Shop (6.4 miles)
• New Day Cafe (12.2 miles)

Physicians

• Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas (1 miles)
• Ortho Four States (7.4 miles)
• Dr Deffenbaugh (7.4 miles)
• Joplin Eye Laser Center (11 miles)
• Mercy Clinic Ob/Gyn Thousand Oaks (11.1 miles)
• Missouri Eye Institute (11.1 miles)
• Jordan Eye Center (11.2 miles)

Parks

• Tow Mater and Cars On Route 66 (6.6 miles)
• Parks Maintenance Facility (11.2 miles)
• Butterfly Garden and Overlook (11.6 miles)

Hospitals

• Renal Care Group of Miami (10.9 miles)
• Four States Surgery Center (11.1 miles)
• Freeman Neosho Hospital (11.6 miles)
• Freeman Health System (11.6 miles)
• Freeman East Radiology (11.6 miles)
• E Douglas Seifert MD - Freeman Health System (11.6 miles)
• Freeman Heart Institute (11.6 miles)