Baxter Springs Senior Residences

Pros

• The tenant's deposit was returned.

Cons

• The complex is described as unsafe and unfit to live in.
• It is known for elderly abuse and bringing in tweakers.
• The management allegedly charges tenants for damages left unfixed by previous tenants.
• The renovations were shoddy, leaving ongoing problems in the building.
• The basement repeatedly leaked, causing standing water and mold in units.
• The apartments were freezing in winter with severe drafts in the windows.
• The project manager was inexperienced and seemed not to know what he was doing.
• Tenants were kicked out after raising complaints.
• The fridge has quit working multiple times, causing food losses.
• The deposit is not returned, with claims of needing "deep cleaning."

Review

Eight years after this complex opened, a chorus of former residents describes a long record of serious problems that never seemed to get fixed. The overarching impression is that the project was rushed and poorly completed from the start, leaving residents to live in an environment that felt unfinished and unsafe. Several accounts allege that the renovation work was subpar, with the implication that the building should never have been occupied in its current state. The pattern described is one of ongoing maintenance chaos, not a stable, well-run place to call home.

From the very beginning, the place was described as not fully finished when people moved in. A basement that should have been dry regularly leaked, producing standing water that found its way upstairs and into units below. One resident who lived on the second floor near the gym recounted repeated flooding in the apartment below, and mold that seeped into their own living space as a direct consequence. The winter experience also stood out as particularly harsh: apartments could be freezing, with drafts common in windows that had not been replaced as part of the renovation. Even where some windows were updated, the resident's unit was left with a persistent draft, contributing to an overall sense of neglect and discomfort.

The management and leadership on site are described in stark terms. A project manager who was reportedly inexperienced and still new to this kind of renovation was blamed for much of the ongoing trouble. Complaints about the building and the workmanship allegedly led to retaliation against residents - one reviewer claimed they were "kicked out" after raising concerns, despite having received their deposit back in one instance. The sense conveyed is that the management team had a revolving door, with a notable turnover that made consistent maintenance and accountability feel like an afterthought rather than a priority.

Financial and deposit-related issues added another layer of frustration. In some accounts, tenants claim they eventually got their deposits returned, but in others the opposite happened: the management allegedly refused to return deposits, with explanations centered on demands for "deep cleaning" or other post-move-out charges, even when the unit was already occupied or when the tenant believed the space had been left in a reasonable condition. There's a clear sense of distrust around how charges are assessed and how quickly refunds are issued, leaving former residents wary of pursuing any recourse.

Safety and neighborhood conditions come through with a strong, alarming tone. Reviewers describe the building as unsafe and unfit to live in, citing the presence of "crack heads" and thieves in the community, as well as thefts from moving trucks. Those kinds of accusations paint a picture of a high-crime environment that feels at odds with what many people expect from a housing complex. This perceived lack of safety compounds the other issues, making the overall experience feel precarious and untenable to some residents.

Another thread runs through these accounts: misrepresentation and broken promises about rent, move-in readiness, and scope of what was promised to tenants. Some reviewers say they were given false information about rent amounts and when the unit would be ready. Once moved in, they discovered practical failures - such as a fridge that stopped working multiple times, resulting in spoiled food and repeated losses. And there's a notable discrepancy about age restrictions: some claims say the complex marketed itself as 50+ housing, while others insist that residents of any age could live there, creating confusion and a sense of being misled about eligibility.

The sentiment across the reviews is one of deep disappointment and a sense that the entire project was mismanaged. The building, described as a disaster rather than a long-term, well-maintained residence, left residents feeling neglected and unsafe. The recurring problems - flooding, mold, drafty windows, incomplete renovations, inadequate maintenance, and questionable management decisions - contribute to an overarching conclusion: the complex has serious structural and organizational flaws that have lasted for years. The sense from multiple voices is that the place is not worth recommending and that, in their view, it would have been better to tear it down or substantially overhaul it with a more reputable development and management team.

In sum, the collective experiences paint a picture of chronic maintenance failures, hazardous living conditions, contested financial practices, and questionable safety and management. The many grievances touch on construction quality, environmental health concerns, eviction pressure, crime and theft, and misleading information about procedures and eligibility. Taken together, these reviews convey a strong warning to prospective tenants and a lasting impression that the property, as described, has significant shortcomings that far outweigh any potential benefits.

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)