Colonial Point in Wakefield, MA

Pros

• The property manager goes above and beyond, listening to suggestions and handling tasks with fairness and professionalism.
• Heat and air conditioning are included with the units.
• The two-bedroom units include two bathrooms, which is a notable plus.
• The new manager Sonia is very nice and ensures that needed improvements get done.
• Kerry Tymowicz (Kerri) has made numerous improvements, transforming the property and making tenants happier.
• The pool is kept open and clean, and security cameras are maintained, contributing to residents' sense of safety.

Cons

• The building has rats, mice, roaches, and mold everywhere.
• Maintenance is nonexistent.
• Appliances are 40 years old and have bugs because they're swapped between units.
• The pool has been closed for years.
• The gym has been shut down and not reopened.
• The community room is not open.
• Random sounds are heard throughout the night.
• Only one elevator works intermittently; the other has been broken for nearly a year.
• Laundry machines are frequently broken and clothes are stolen.
• Hallways smell of weed or cigarette smoke.

Review

Colonial Point in Wakefield is best suited for renters who want generous living space and strong value, but who can tolerate a watchful, hands-on management approach and a maintenance profile that has varied widely over time. The most convincing case for this community rests with those who prioritize square footage, a practical layout (notably two-bedroom units with two baths), and the assurance that heat and air conditioning are included in the rent. It also helps if a prospective resident values visible on-site leadership and the potential for meaningful improvement when a manager drives changes. In short, it's a fit for tenants who are prepared to rely on an active manager to push repairs and updates, while accepting that some days may reveal aging infrastructure and imperfect common areas.

Alternatives should be considered by families and individuals who require consistently reliable upkeep, modernized amenities, and predictable service. The most cautionsary signal here is the pattern of persistent maintenance gaps and legitimacy concerns raised by tenants. If pest issues, mold, aging appliances, and frequently broken or limited access to key facilities (pool, gym, laundry, elevators) matter deeply, it may be wiser to look at other properties with steadier track records. Prospective residents who cannot tolerate inconsistent responsiveness from management or who depend on a fully functional wellness or recreation program should treat Colonial Point as a higher-risk option.

The strongest positives at Colonial Point are tangible and concrete: surprisingly generous unit sizes, heat and AC included, and the practical appeal of two baths in the larger layouts. When management is engaged, as reflected in praise for Kerri, the on-site manager, the building can move from neglect toward a functioning, community-oriented environment. Tenants repeatedly note that Kerri listens, implements changes, and maintains a visible presence across floors, which translates to faster problem resolution and more reliable occupancy oversight. In more favorable moments, residents describe upgrades and a manager who makes hard decisions to improve the property, which can offset some of the structural and amenity shortcomings.

Yet the list of cons is long and hard to ignore. Pervasive pest reports - bed bugs, roaches, and mice - coupled with mold and general sanitation concerns undermine the living experience. Long-standing maintenance neglect, aging appliances swapped between units, and slow or uneven responses from leadership create a sense of instability. Facilities that should define comfort - elevators, a pool, a gym, and usable laundry - have been intermittently unavailable or dysfunctional, and complaints about odor, drug activity nearby, and inconsistent plowing in winter reinforce the impression of a property that is uneven at best. The combination of unreliable amenities and questionable upkeep creates a high bar for patience and risk tolerance.

Those positives and the proven capacity for change do offset some of the major drawbacks, but only for a particular subset of residents. The recurring theme is that a capable manager can move the property forward, pushing repairs, improving communication, and tightening safety measures. When that leadership is present, there is a tangible sense that conditions can improve, and some tenants feel a growing sense of "home" as minor conveniences are restored and routines stabilise. For families or individuals who can provide clear, ongoing expectations and demand accountability, Colonial Point can deliver on basic living needs at a value price.

Bottom line: Colonial Point should be on the shortlist for price-conscious renters who want roomy units and are willing to gamble on a management-driven turnaround. It is not the right choice for those who require consistent maintenance, a flawless amenity slate, and a maintenance-free experience. Prospective residents should interview current tenants, verify current maintenance responsiveness, and obtain a clear, up-to-date picture of pest control, elevator status, and amenity access before signing. If a disciplined, proactive management approach is achievable and the budget remains favorable, Colonial Point can work; otherwise, it is prudent to consider alternatives with a steadier record of upkeep and happier resident experiences.

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)