Washington Woods Senior Ctzns in Midland, MI

Pros

• The community is friendly with great staff across maintenance and the office, and offers lots of activities.
• Residents feel safe in a well-maintained, wooded environment with pleasant walking paths.
• The apartments are well-kept and comfortable, with a neighborly, welcoming atmosphere.
• The meals program is appreciated, with daily lunches and several meal-plan options available.
• The staff are professional, helpful, and caring, enhancing the overall resident experience.
• The community fosters strong social interaction and plenty of opportunities to participate in activities.
• Public transportation is accessible, and the location is convenient to nearby shops and services.
• The complex is affordable for seniors and well-managed, with some units including a meal plan.
• The landscaping and overall environment are beautiful and well-kept, contributing to a pleasant living setting.

Cons

• The property seems to be getting pretty run down.
• One reviewer described the complex as an old folks' home.
• The meals are not healthy for older adults, with too many starch items.
• A recent rate increase makes affordability questionable.
• The east side's required meal plan is viewed as a drawback due to its cost.
• The facility apparently needs an update.

Review

Washington Woods Senior Citizens in Midland is best suited for active, budget-conscious seniors who want an apartment-style home with a strong social fabric and built-in programming. It operates as a city-sponsored property with income-adjusted rents, and about half of the units include a meal plan. Residents enjoy a lively calendar, from day trips to on-site games, and reliable transportation through Dial-a-Ride and Senior Services. The setting is wooded and walkable, with common spaces and a layout that supports independence while fostering neighborly connections. For someone who wants predictable daily routines - lunch at 12:30, access to a small kitchen in the apartment, and ready-made community activities - this is a strong fit. Note that the east side units are typically the ones tied to the meal plan, which can affect both schedule and cost.

Those who should consider alternatives include families seeking a newer, more modern interior or those needing higher levels of on-site care. The complex, while well-regarded for its staff and atmosphere, shows wear in places and some residents feel updates are overdue. For families prioritizing nutrition and pricing clarity, the meals' value is not universally clear - the monthly cost for 20 meals can feel steep, and there are mixed impressions about whether meals are included in rent. If all meals must be included across every unit at a single fixed rate, or if a contemporary finish throughout is essential, this community may not check all boxes.

On the upside, the staff consistently earns praise for friendliness and responsiveness, from maintenance to the front desk, and meal opportunities help sustain social interaction and routine. Transportation options simplify errands or visits, and the campus layout - accessible with safe outdoor paths - supports active aging. Apartments are described as comfortable, with private kitchens and living areas, and residents value the neighborly vibe, where "everyone knows everyone" and help is readily available. The safety and affordability, with income-based rents, stand out as core strengths, alongside a broad slate of on-site activities that keep residents engaged.

These strengths offset most concerns for families prioritizing independence and social engagement. The blend of predictable access to meals for those in supported programs, a built-in lunch, and a strong support network reduces the need for frequent external meals and supports a stable monthly budget. Yet the cons carry weight for certain buyers: aging fixtures and common areas, questions about meal inclusion and pricing clarity, and occasional perceptions of value versus cost. For buyers seeking brand-new finishes or a clearly defined, health-forward dining program, a newer building or a facility with more explicit pricing would be a preferable match.

Before moving, verify a few practical details: which units include meals and how that affects the rent, whether room meals are truly included or billed separately, and what the total monthly cost looks like after any subsidies. Inspect common areas for wear and the apartment layout to ensure it fits personal needs, and talk to current residents about daily routines and satisfaction with transportation and activities. Check the schedule of events and whether the campus can accommodate future needs as health conditions evolve. Tour the property, ask specific questions about planned updates, and confirm the level of on-site services available. A clear understanding of these elements will reveal whether Washington Woods truly aligns with priorities.

In practical terms, Washington Woods serves best for seniors who value a warm, community-forward environment, accessible outdoors, and affordable housing with built-in social programming. It may not be the right match for those seeking pristine, modern interiors, guaranteed uniform meals, or heavy emphasis on health-focused dining without extra cost. For families prioritizing cost control, sociability, and independence, this community offers compelling advantages that often outweigh the caveats. Pin down meal-plan details, confirm what is included in the rent, and weigh the importance of a well-established, neighborly network. When those factors align, Washington Woods stands out as a solid, practical choice.

This area of Midland, Michigan offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for seniors looking to settle down. With several pharmacies nearby, accessing necessary medications and healthcare supplies is easily manageable. There are also numerous dining options, including fast food chains like Arby's and local favorites like the Great Lakes Ice Cream Co. Places of worship such as Emmanuel Baptist Church and First United Methodist Church provide opportunities for spiritual growth and community involvement. Access to transportation services like Alamo and Enterprise Rent-A-Car make getting around effortless, while parks like Longacres Park offer opportunities for outdoor recreation. Additionally, residents have access to quality medical care with options like Regional Dialysis Service and MidMichigan Medical Center in close proximity. Overall, this area provides a comfortable and convenient environment for seniors looking to enjoy their golden years in Midland.

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.2 miles)
• Rite Aid (0.5 miles)
• Glover's Rexall Pharmacy (0.9 miles)
• Great Lakes Pharmacy of Midland (1.4 miles)
• Ways To Wellness (1.5 miles)
• Rite Aid (2.1 miles)

Restaurants

• Little Caesars Pizza (0.3 miles)
• Great Lakes Ice Cream Co. (0.3 miles)
• Boulevard Lounge (0.4 miles)
• Arby's (0.4 miles)
• Big Boy (0.4 miles)
• Wendy's (0.5 miles)
• McDonald's (0.6 miles)

Places of Worship

• Emmanuel Baptist Church (0.3 miles)
• First Church of Christ Scientist (0.6 miles)
• Sunrise Baptist Church Youth Hall (1.1 miles)
• Christian Science Reading Room (1.5 miles)
• First United Methodist Church (1.5 miles)
• Midland Baptist Church (1.6 miles)
• Free Methodist Church Midland (2.5 miles)

Transportation

• Alamo (0.4 miles)
• Enterprise Rent-A-Car (0.4 miles)
• Enterprise Rent-A-Car (2.4 miles)

Parks

• Longacres Park (0.5 miles)
• Hillgrove Park (1 miles)
• Grove Park (1.1 miles)
• Fun Zone Plymouth Park (1.3 miles)
• Sunset Park (1.4 miles)
• Chestnut Hill Park (1.5 miles)
• Revere Park (1.8 miles)

Cafes

• Tim Hortons (0.7 miles)
• Grove Tea Lounge (1.1 miles)
• Live Oak Coffeehouse (1.1 miles)
• Cafe Zinc (1.5 miles)
• Creation Coffee (2.1 miles)
• Biggby Coffee (2.9 miles)

Physicians

• Bay Eye Care Center (0.7 miles)
• Regional Dialysis Service (1.4 miles)
• Richard J Horbal (2 miles)
• Mead Roger A DDS (2.1 miles)
• Subramanyam Yadam (2.1 miles)
• Family Practice Center (2.1 miles)
• Midmichigan Dermatology (2.1 miles)

Hospitals

• Michigan Community Blood Centers (2.1 miles)
• Midmichigan Medical Center-Midland (2.3 miles)
• MidMichigan Medical Center-Midland (2.3 miles)
• MidMichigan Medical Center - Midland / Maternity Department (2.3 miles)
• Midmichigan Medical Center Midland (2.3 miles)
• MidMichigan Health - Headquarters (2.3 miles)
• MidMichigan Medical Center (2.3 miles)

Theaters

• NCG Midland Cinemas (2.5 miles)