Lurie Terrace in Ann Arbor, MI

Pros

• The City of Ann Arbor subsidized senior independent apartments offer modern improvements, free WiFi, free utilities, and individual heat and AC control.
• The staff works hard to accommodate residents.
• It has a great location within walking distance of downtown.
• It is highly rated as senior housing.
• It is a great place to retire, with everything needed across from a park, pet-friendly policies, and 15 meals per month included.
• Bill is very helpful and answers all questions.
• Lurie Terrace offers suitable amenities, grocery shuttle service, 15 meals per month, and an on-site cafe for breakfast and lunch.

Cons

• One reviewer described the place as horrible.
• The caller reported being hung up on when trying to move mom in.

Review

Lurie Terrace in Ann Arbor is best suited for independent seniors who want an affordable, apartment-style option with easy access to downtown, solid transit options, and light meals, all while staying out of the more hands-on care environment. This community is a City of Ann Arbor subsidized option, so it appeals to households prioritizing predictable housing costs, free utilities (excluding cable), and climate-controlled living spaces in a walkable, park-adjacent setting. Residents can choose from studio, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom layouts, with amenities like a medical alert system, free building-wide WiFi, and a caf? vibe that supports casual dining. The combination of proximity to downtown essentials, pet-friendly policies, and a simple, cost-conscious lifestyle makes it a practical fit for seniors who value independence but welcome practical support systems in place.

Those who should consider alternatives are seniors who need ongoing, on-site caregiving or regular nursing support. The independent apartment model means limited on-site care beyond basic safety and maintenance services, so anyone requiring daily assistance, memory care, or highly structured programming should look elsewhere. A few reviewers highlight experiences with admissions or communication that suggest inconsistent responsiveness, which can be a concern for families seeking reliable, hands-on help from day one. Waiting lists can also slow a move-in, frustrating prospective residents who want immediate access to an affordable, subsidized option. For families seeking a more comprehensive care continuum, facilities with full assisted living or memory-care offerings may present more predictable daily support.

The strongest pros at Lurie Terrace are practical and value-driven, and they do a credible job offsetting the more limited on-site services. The downtown location translates to real lifestyle advantages: walking distance to shops, parks, and cultural amenities, plus convenient bus service that can ferry residents to groceries and errands. Free utilities and individual heat/AC control reduce monthly expenses and curb the kind of budget shocks that often come with senior housing. The community's improvements - new fire-safety infrastructure, upgraded lighting, and ongoing flooring updates - enhance safety and comfort, while free, reliable WiFi supports telehealth, streaming, and connectivity with family. The meals component - approximately 15 meals per month - alongside a caf? offering breakfast and lunch creates predictable options for dining without the burden of full meal plans, which many residents appreciate as a balance between independence and nourishment.

Social life and daily rhythm emerge as mixed but meaningful strengths. The setting supports an active, low-maintenance lifestyle: a pet-friendly policy adds warmth and companionship, and the presence of a caf? and nearby parks can foster casual social interactions. Several residents express satisfaction with the staff's willingness to accommodate needs, and positive anecdotes about moving in after a waitlist underscore the value some find in finally securing a home here. However, the limited on-site programming means the onus remains on residents to pursue social activities or rely on the broader community offerings in Ann Arbor. For those who prize a robust, structured activities calendar and frequent staff-led engagement, a more full-service senior living environment may better align with expectations.

Risk and reliability considerations warrant careful due diligence. While many residents praise the location, affordability, and basic services, some reviews reveal at least one troubling admission experience and occasional perceptions of subpar responsiveness. These tensions do not erase the practical advantages for independent living, but they do remind families to verify current staffing practices, admissions processes, and the level of assistance available on-site. Renovations and updates - such as flooring and safety systems - signal ongoing investment, yet they can blur lines between maintenance work and daily disruption, so prospective residents should inquire about timelines and any temporary disturbances. The overall picture remains: Lurie Terrace delivers a cost-conscious, convenient home base for seniors who can steward their own daily routines with modest support when needed.

For families exploring options, the decisive factor is care needs matching. If independence, downtown access, modest meal support, and low bills are the priority, Lurie Terrace is compelling and worth pursuing, especially for those who value a subsidized path without requiring extensive on-site care. Prospective tenants should verify current meal allocations, confirm the scope of on-site assistance, and speak directly with residents about the reliability of admissions and front-desk responsiveness. Ask for a tour that probes day-to-day routines, social opportunities, and how maintenance requests are handled. If, instead, a high-touch care framework, richer programming, or memory-care supervision is essential, alternatives with broader on-site services will likely serve better. In practice, Lurie Terrace stands out as a pragmatic, affordable choice for independent seniors seeking a live-work-leisure balance in a vibrant Ann Arbor setting.

The area in Ann Arbor, Michigan, surrounding this location offers a variety of amenities that may be appealing for senior living. With several parks within close proximity, residents can enjoy outdoor activities and green spaces. There are also numerous dining options ranging from casual to upscale restaurants, as well as cafes for socializing or grabbing a quick bite to eat. Places of worship are nearby for those seeking spiritual fulfillment and community engagement. Additionally, there are several pharmacies and hospitals in the area, including reputable healthcare facilities such as Saint Joseph Mercy Health System and the University of Michigan Hospitals. Transportation is convenient with Ann Arbor Station nearby for easy access to public transit. Overall, this area provides a mix of recreational, dining, healthcare, and transportation options making it a potentially desirable location for senior living.

Parks

• West Park (0.1 miles)
• Belize Park (0.5 miles)
• Allmendinger Park (0.9 miles)
• Fritz Park (0.9 miles)
• Nichols Arboretum (1.5 miles)
• Island Park (1.5 miles)
• South Maple Park (1.6 miles)

Restaurants

• The Last Word (0.2 miles)
• Blank Slate Creamery (0.2 miles)
• Bill's Beer Garden (0.3 miles)
• Grizzly Peak Brewing Co. (0.3 miles)
• Frita Batidos (0.3 miles)
• The Ravens Club (0.4 miles)
• Conor O'Neill's (0.4 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Paul Lutheran Church (0.2 miles)
• Grace Ann Arbor Church (2.6 miles)
• Church of the Good Shepherd (2.8 miles)

Cafes

• Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea (0.3 miles)
• Hyperion Coffee Co. (0.4 miles)
• Jefferson Market (0.4 miles)
• Zingerman's Delicatessen (0.5 miles)
• Panera Bread (0.8 miles)
• Drip House Coffee Co. (1.2 miles)
• RoosRoast Coffee (2.1 miles)

Hospitals

• Saint Joseph Mercy Health System (0.7 miles)
• UofM Hospital 7C (1.3 miles)
• University Of Michigan Main Hospital - Dock 5 (1.3 miles)
• University of Michigan Hospitals (1.3 miles)
• 6th Floor Rehabilitation Center (1.3 miles)
• Amou (1.4 miles)
• University of Michigan Von Voigtlander Women's Hospital (1.4 miles)

Transportation

• Ann Arbor Station (0.7 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.8 miles)
• Walgreens (0.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.2 miles)
• Walgreens (1.2 miles)
• Rite Aid (1.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2 miles)

Physicians

• See (0.8 miles)
• Osler Building (0.9 miles)
• University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center (1 miles)
• Gastroenterology Clinic (1 miles)
• University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center (1.2 miles)
• Nuclear Medicine (1.2 miles)
• Iha (1.3 miles)