Oxford Manor in Grand Rapids, MI

Pros

• They appreciate ample storage and a beautiful balcony view overlooking a pond with wildlife.
• Aaron has gone above and beyond to address concerns and resolve maintenance quickly.
• They feel very safe in the building and walking the grounds.
• They are impressed by how quiet the community is with minimal noise from neighbors.
• The staff are friendly, professional, and helpful.
• Maintenance is timely and efficient, addressing issues promptly.
• The grounds are well maintained and the property is clean.
• The amenities (gym, pool, dog park, playground) are a strong positive feature.
• The leasing process is smooth, with knowledgeable, accommodating staff.
• They find the location nice and the community a good value.
• They describe the maintenance and office teams as incredible and reliable.
• They enjoy the overall atmosphere of a safe, well-kept, welcoming community.

Cons

• They describe Oxford Place as the worst place they've ever lived due to chronic neglect and mismanagement.
• The buildings are dangerously neglected, with roofing falling off and never repaired.
• Mold, mites, roaches, and other pests were pervasive, with extermination efforts ineffective or delayed.
• Maintenance requests were ignored or only partially completed, and communication with staff was non-existent.
• Utilities and safety were severe issues: no heat for days, a leaking water heater, and doors that jam or are misaligned, compromising security.
• Rent is too high and has been increased despite poor conditions.
• Residents report security/privacy concerns, including a neighbor with a surveillance camera and disruptive neighbors.

Review

Oxford Manor in Grand Rapids is best suited for budgets-minded households that prize safety, quiet living, and practical amenities over showroom polish. The strongest fit is a resident who wants a straightforward, low-noise, well-maintained environment with accessible onsite features - pond-view balconies, ample storage, a gym and pool area, and grounds that feel safe for walks with a dog. When the staff are on their A-game, the community delivers dependable maintenance responsiveness, friendly front-desk service, and a sense of stability that supports long-term occupancy. For many, that combination translates into a comfortable home and predictable costs, which makes it a compelling option in a competitive market.

But there is a clear boundary where alternatives should be considered. Prospective tenants who cannot tolerate inconsistent maintenance, frequent unit-level repairs, or signs of miscommunication across management will likely want to look elsewhere. A recurring thread in these reviews is that service quality is highly variable from unit to unit and management to management. Issues such as mold, continuing plumbing and HVAC problems, and delayed or incomplete repairs surface repeatedly, sometimes accompanied by difficult neighbor dynamics or security frustrations. For families or individuals who demand uniform excellence, the odds of a uniformly trouble-free experience are uncertain.

The most persuasive positives - quiet, safety, and responsive maintenance in strong staff scenarios - do offset many of the downsides when the unit is well cared for and the management team is aligned. Residents frequently praise the quiet interiors, the absence of disruptive noise, and the feeling of security inside the community. In some cases, maintenance turns work orders around swiftly, and staff like Corazon, Aaron, Freddy, Jezlyn, and others are cited as going above and beyond to address concerns and keep the property presentable. Where these strengths are present, the apartments feel worth the price, and interactions with the team become a meaningful part of what makes the place livable.

However, the converse experience is loud enough to demand caution. The most serious drawbacks center on inconsistent maintenance and management performance. Multiple reviews describe mold and ongoing water-related issues, leaky fixtures, and long-running HVAC problems that linger for months. There are also reports of unusable or poorly functioning amenities due to delays or neglect, security and door repairs that take too long, and frequent taste-of-friction with neighbors or neighborhood disturbances. These experiences illustrate a pattern: the quality of life here hinges on getting a well-run building with proactive maintenance and steady leadership, rather than assuming uniform excellence across all blocks and units.

For families weighing this community against alternatives, the decision comes down to how much value is placed on predictability versus potential cost savings. To optimize the odds of a good experience, prospective renters should insist on touring the specific unit and building they will inhabit, not just the model apartment. Ask for recent maintenance turnaround times, confirm which building and unit have updated appliances, check on pest control history, test security features (including door integrity and fob activation), and verify any outstanding capital improvements or ongoing remodeling plans. Speak with current residents in the same building to gauge consistency in upkeep and communication, and request a written service commitment from the management team about response times and incident handling.

Ultimately, Oxford Manor offers solid appeal for residents who value affordability, a stable, quiet environment, and reliable on-site amenities when the unit and management are performing well. Those who cannot tolerate uneven service, ongoing maintenance headaches, or opaque communication should consider other Grand Rapids options with a track record of consistent upkeep and predictable management. With careful unit selection and diligent questions during tours, this community can be a dependable long-term home; without those guardrails, the risk of frustration and recurring repairs undermines the overall value.

This part of Grand Rapids, Michigan offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for senior living. With several physicians, pharmacies, and hospitals in close proximity, residents have easy access to medical care. There are also various dining options nearby, including Mexican, Italian, and American cuisine. Places of worship are readily available for those seeking spiritual fulfillment. Additionally, there are cafes for socializing over coffee and theaters for entertainment. The presence of parks such as Chesebro Park and Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Transportation options are also easily accessible with the Gerald R. Ford International Airport nearby. Overall, this area provides a well-rounded community for seniors seeking a comfortable and convenient living environment in Grand Rapids.

Physicians

• Emergency Care Specialists (0.2 miles)
• Oral Surgery Assoc (0.4 miles)
• True. Women's Health (0.5 miles)
• Grand Health Partners (0.6 miles)
• Vein Solutions (0.6 miles)
• Dermatology Associates of West Michigan (0.7 miles)
• Adolescent and Family Behavioral Health Services (0.9 miles)

Restaurants

• Cantina Mexican Restaurant (0.4 miles)
• Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant (0.5 miles)
• Fuji Buffet & Grill (0.6 miles)
• Olive Garden (0.6 miles)
• Osaka (1 miles)
• Uccello's Ristorante, Pizzeria & Sports Lounge (1.1 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (1.1 miles)

Places of Worship

• Church of the Servant (0.9 miles)
• Our Daily Bread Ministries (1.9 miles)
• Christ Church-Pca (2.2 miles)
• Keystone Community Church (2.5 miles)
• Cascade Fellowship Christian Reformed Church (3.1 miles)
• St Robert Of Newminster Parish (3.5 miles)
• Forest Hills Presbyterian Church (4.4 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1.1 miles)
• Starbucks (1.1 miles)
• Starbucks (1.6 miles)
• Biggby Coffee (1.7 miles)
• Panera Bread (1.8 miles)
• Starbucks (2.3 miles)
• Real Food Cafe (4.3 miles)

Theaters

• Phoenix Theaters (1.3 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (1.3 miles)
• Meijer Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• Walgreens (1.9 miles)
• Forest Hills Foods (1.9 miles)
• Mix (2.5 miles)
• D&W Fresh Market (2.7 miles)
• Walgreens (3.1 miles)

Transportation

• Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) (2.9 miles)
• Avflight (3.2 miles)

Hospitals

• Spectrum Health Lab (3.4 miles)
• Blodgett Hospital (3.9 miles)
• Spectrum Health (4.4 miles)

Parks

• Chesebro Park (4.1 miles)
• Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park (4.4 miles)