Colonial Point

Pros

• Kerri goes above and beyond as the property manager.
• Kerri works hard, does what she's allowed to do, and listens to suggestions.
• Kerri is fair and professional.
• Kerri has made many changes and is addressing them, with progress over time.
• Heat and air conditioning are included in the rent.
• The two-bedroom units have two bathrooms.
• The new property manager Sonia is super nice and gets things done, making improvements for the better.
• The property has gone from a horrible place to rent to a great place thanks to management.
• The pool is kept open and clean, and security cameras are maintained.
• Tenants feel at home when they return to their apartments.
• The units offer generous square footage and a good location.
• Kerry Tymowicz has made families extremely happy to live there.

Cons

• The building is infested with bed bugs, and there are reports of mice, roaches, and mold everywhere.
• Maintenance is nonexistent.
• Appliances are 40 years old and are swapped between units, bringing bugs along.
• Rent is high for a run-down building with barely any working washers and dryers.
• The renovated apartments use the cheapest materials.
• Hallways smell because people smoke inside the building.
• Elevators are dirty and malfunctioning; only one elevator works intermittently, and the other has been broken for nearly a year.
• The pool has been closed for years, the gym is shut down, and the community room is not open.
• Drugs are found on the property, raising safety concerns.
• The building smells like a rotting corpse and is described as condemned or in need of demolition.

Review

The reviews paint a picture of a large Wakefield property that stands out for its generous unit sizes, favorable location, and a management team that has been highly visible and, in some cases, transformative. Several residents emphasize the positives that aren't always highlighted in apartment chatter: unusually roomy units, including many two-bedroom layouts with two baths, and the fact that heat and air conditioning are included in the rent. The esprit de corps around the on-site manager is a recurring thread - one manager in particular, Kerri (Kerry Tymowicz), is repeatedly praised for going "above and beyond," listening to tenant suggestions, and staying fair and professional. Reviewers note that she has implemented a number of changes, even if some of them take time to come to fruition, and they express confidence that the ongoing efforts will eventually yield a more functional living environment.

Within these narratives, there is a clear sense that Kerri's presence has improved the property in tangible ways. Some tenants describe her as highly visible, frequently checking the floors and staying engaged with residents. A number of residents who credit her with practical fixes - replacing a dishwasher, addressing a stove issue, and even lending a hand with a vacuum - paint a picture of a property manager who remains accessible and responsive. There are also mentions of safety-oriented measures that residents appreciate, such as kept security cameras and a sense of security in the building. A portion of residents who had lived there for a whilestress that, overall, the building has shifted from a problematic place to a more livable one thanks in large part to her work, even as they acknowledge that some tasks are still in progress.

Yet the same corpus of reviews is deeply punctuated by serious concerns about upkeep and living conditions. A number of residents allege infestations (rats, mice, roaches, bed bugs) and mold, with some pointing to trash or dumpsters that are consistently overflowing. Reports of "maintenance is nonexistent" or inconsistent upkeep appear repeatedly, including complaints about aging appliances that are swapped between units and, in some cases, still show their age or defects. There are anecdotes about smells from smoking and hallways that carry odors, as well as doubts about the reliability of washer/dryer facilities and other amenities. Some tenants describe the common areas - like the pool, gym, and community room - as consistently closed or poorly maintained, contributing to a sense of disappointment despite the included heat/AC and the reasonable rent used to attract residents in the first place.

There are even louder notes of conflict and contention in the reviews. Several readers challenge the credibility of positive posts, with claims that some recent favorable reviews were solicited or manufactured, and warnings that not all reported improvements are as widespread or as durable as they appear. There is also a thread of concern linking this Wakefield property to broader stories about related Carabetta properties - references to condemned buildings and tenants displaced elsewhere - perceived by some reviewers as a cautionary backdrop that colors expectations for the Wakefield site. In this context, some residents fear the Wakefield building could deteriorate or even become condemned if issues are not addressed decisively and promptly.

Amid the mixed sentiment, a more recent wave of feedback has focused on a second on-site manager, Sonia. Descriptions of Sonia highlight a balance of warmth and firmness: she is described as "super nice" and capable of enforcing standards, making clear that "she doesn't take no mess," and implementing improvements. Some reviewers who welcome Sonia note that her presence has accelerated the fixes and upgrades that were promised under prior management. This evolving leadership situation appears to be a turning point for several tenants who had previously expressed frustration with inconsistent responses and missed fixes; they report that certain improvements are now visible and that the pace of change has quickened under Sonia's tenure.

In a few resonant, high-contrast anecdotes, residents who have stayed long enough to observe multiple management phases describe a glide path from a "horrible place to rent" to a "great place to live" as changes accumulate. They point to tangible examples: replacing broken dishwashers, adjusting temperatures, maintaining security systems, keeping lounges or the pool partially open, and maintaining a level of visibility from the management team that makes residents feel heard and protected. Still, even among these more hopeful notes, the refrain that "some issues take time" persists, underscoring that the building's challenges - pest control, ongoing maintenance, elevator reliability, and the condition of shared amenities - do not vanish overnight.

The overall impression is of a property that has undeniable potential but is hampered by persistent, substantive issues that affect daily comfort and long-term value. The square footage and layout, combined with a favorable location and inclusive utilities, draw tenants in; the quality of on-site management - especially Kerri, and more recently Sonia - keeps people tied to the address as improvements roll out. However, the loudest, most recurring concerns - the infestations, aging appliances, slow or inconsistent maintenance, noisy surroundings, and the reported dysfunction of amenities like the pool, gym, and laundry - continue to shape the tenant experience in a significant way. Potential renters are urged to weigh the promise of roomy units and responsive management against the realities of upkeep and reliability that persist in the building.

For anyone considering moving in, the reviews offer a nuanced, rather than one-sided, portrait. If you value proactive, visible management and a sizable, reasonably priced unit with heat and AC included, this property has appeal - especially in light of recent leadership shifts that residents say have accelerated positive changes. But if your priorities include flawless maintenance, flawless pest control, perfectly functioning amenities, and a lease-free-and-clear sense of certainty, the cityscape of complaints and cautionary warnings suggests you should proceed with careful due diligence: inspect the unit and the building, verify the status of the pool, gym, and elevators, confirm that heat and AC are reliably provided under the lease, and read the lease terms carefully to understand what is guaranteed versus what may be subject to revision. The consensus is that, with continued improvements under new and existing management, this property could become a much stronger option; right now, it remains a complex blend of potential and ongoing concern.

Located in Wakefield, Massachusetts, this neighborhood offers convenient access to essential amenities for senior living. With multiple pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens within a short distance, residents can easily access medications and health supplies. Nearby parks like Middlesex Fells Reservation provide opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation in nature. A variety of cafes like Starbucks and restaurants ranging from fast food to casual dining options cater to different culinary preferences. Medical care is easily accessible with physicians' offices and hospitals nearby, ensuring prompt healthcare services. Places of worship offer spiritual support, while transportation options like MBTA stations provide easy travel within the area and beyond. Overall, this neighborhood provides a well-rounded environment for seniors looking for convenience, recreation, and healthcare accessibility.

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (1.8 miles)
• Walgreens (2.5 miles)
• Walgreens (3.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.7 miles)
• Walgreens (3.9 miles)
• CVS Speciality (4.5 miles)
• Walgreens (4.5 miles)

Parks

• Middlesex Fells Reservation (1.9 miles)
• Melrose Common (4.5 miles)
• Sheepfold, Middlesex Fells Reservation (5.5 miles)
• John M. Devir Park (7.2 miles)
• Salem Dog Park (7.4 miles)
• Salem Common (8 miles)
• Salem Maritime National Historic Site (8.2 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (2.4 miles)
• Perfecto's Caffe (3.8 miles)
• Starbucks (5.4 miles)
• Starbucks (7.7 miles)
• Starbucks (7.7 miles)
• Panera Bread (7.9 miles)
• Jaho Coffee & Tea (8.1 miles)

Restaurants

• Wendy's (2.7 miles)
• Kelly's Roast Beef (3 miles)
• Soc's Icecream (3.5 miles)
• Hooters (3.8 miles)
• Liberty Bell Roast Beef and Seafood (3.9 miles)
• McDonald's (4.6 miles)
• Chipotle Mexican Grill (4.6 miles)

Physicians

• North Suburban Orthopedic Associates (4.3 miles)
• Microsurgical Eye Consultants (4.8 miles)
• Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates - Peabody-Lynnfield (5.1 miles)
• Lahey Clinic Peabody (5.2 miles)
• Sports Medicine North (5.3 miles)
• Eye Center of the North Shore (6 miles)
• NS Physicians Group (6.3 miles)

Hospitals

• Childrens Hospital Peabody (4.8 miles)
• Danvers State Hospital (5.9 miles)

Places of Worship

• Danvers Church Of The Nazarene (5.2 miles)
• St Richard Catholic Church (5.5 miles)
• The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (6.6 miles)
• Lynn Spanish Branch Latter-day Saints (6.6 miles)
• First Church Nursery School (7.4 miles)

Transportation

• Ballardvale Mbta Station (6.8 miles)
• MBTA Salem Station (7.7 miles)