Oakland Woods

Pros

• The floor plans allow residents to maneuver throughout the apartment with ease.
• There are many activities and services available to all residents.
• The community is highly recommended for anyone 55 and over.
• Pleasant staff and a well-kept property.
• The community is well managed by considerate staff.
• It is a great place to live.
• It is a beautiful and quiet residential area, ideal for seniors.
• Everything is on one level, with nearby groceries and stores.
• It is great for elderly or disabled residents, with Section 8 acceptance, a library, a gym, internet access, and resident laundry, plus caring staff.
• The atmosphere is welcoming and it is a beautiful retirement community with many programs and a great staff.

Cons

• The Village of Oakland Woods is racist toward people of color, making it very hard for them to gain access.
• The facility lacks on-site laundry and the community center is closed after 4 pm and on weekends.
• The grounds are not well maintained, with grass dead all summer and insufficient upkeep.
• There is at least one staff member who is difficult to work with.
• The main building could use updates.
• Residents feel that staff do not check up on them regularly.

Review

The Village of Oakland Woods presents itself as a welcoming and thoughtfully designed community for adults 55 and older, and many residents speak to how the layout supports easy everyday living. Several reviewers note that the floor plans are practical for maneuvering through the apartment, which helps people stay independent and comfortable in their homes. The overall impression from most comments is that this is a place where mobility, accessibility, and a calm, single-level living environment come together to foster a sense of ease and safety for residents as they age in place.

A strong thread running through many testimonials is appreciation for the people who work there. Residents repeatedly commend the office staff and maintenance crews, describing them as pleasant, helpful, and attentive. One resident living in area 4 expresses heartfelt gratitude: the office and maintenance staff, along with the apartment itself, have made them feel blessed to have found a "forever home." Another reviewer highlights a "pleasant staff" and well-kept property, underscoring that the human element - employees who listen and respond - is a major part of what makes Oakland Woods feel welcoming and well managed.

The community also shines in its array of activities and services. Reviewers frequently mention amenities that support an active, socially connected lifestyle: a library, a gym, internet access, and convenient laundry for residents. The grounds are described as immaculate, and the general atmosphere is one of a caring environment where residents can pursue a variety of programs and socialize with neighbors. While there is the occasional caveat about a staff member who may be difficult, the prevailing sentiment is that the overall care and opportunities available contribute to a high quality of life for seniors.

Interwoven with the glowing remarks are serious concerns raised by at least one resident about discrimination. One reviewer bluntly states, "All I can say about village of Oakland woods they very racist. People of color have a very very hard time getting in." This stark claim contrasts with the otherwise overwhelmingly positive comments about accessibility and inclusivity, and it serves as a sobering reminder that experiences can vary significantly among residents. Acknowledging such concerns is important, even as the majority of feedback focuses on warmth, responsiveness, and community spirit.

Beyond human interactions, several notes emphasize a homelike and tranquil environment. Some residents observe that animals walk around the grounds and that their presence adds to the welcoming, almost family-like ambiance. Descriptions such as "beautiful and quiet" and "nice community" reinforce the sense that Oakland Woods functions as a safe shelter where many residents form meaningful connections with neighbors and staff alike.

Convenience is another recurring theme. The location is praised for being walkable to nearby neighborhood stores, including a grocery store, Dollar General, and Dollar Tree, which makes daily life easier for people who prefer not to drive. The community is repeatedly portrayed as a one-story setting that minimizes stairs and supports easy navigation. For families and caregivers, these attributes translate into a practical, low-stress living situation where routines can be maintained with minimal friction.

There is a nuanced mix of experiences when it comes to services and operational hours. Several comments highlight the value of a senior-focused community with opportunities for social engagement, learning, and healthcare-like support. One description lauds the place as "great for elderly or disabled," noting that it accepts Section 8, offers a range of activities, and provides essential amenities. Yet another reviewer mentions that the senior community has a "four stars" rating partly because there is no laundry and because the community center closes after 4 pm and shuts down entirely on weekends. This juxtaposition underscores that while many residents find Oakland Woods to be a boon, some practical limitations can affect daily routines and weekend availability.

Ultimately, the stories converge on a shared sense of gratitude and belonging. References to family members - mothers, grandmothers, and even a friend - living comfortably in the community convey a feeling of lasting attachment: "My mom lives here. Nice and quiet," "My granny has lived over here for more than 10 yrs and She loves it," and "The Neighborhood my grandmother called home for over 30 years." Reviewers frequently frame Oakland Woods as a safe, well-kept retirement option with a caring staff, supportive neighbors, and a living environment tailored to seniors seeking stability and companionship.

Taken together, Oakland Woods emerges as a community with many strengths: thoughtful layouts that aid mobility, responsive staff, robust on-site amenities, and a quiet, secure atmosphere that appeals to seniors and their families. It is a place where residents can feel at home, pursue a range of activities, and rely on a supportive network of staff and neighbors. At the same time, it is clear that addressing concerns about access and equity, as well as considering updates to facilities and hours of operation, could further enhance the experience for all residents and help ensure that every resident can enjoy the full benefits of this 55+ community.

This part of Pontiac, Michigan offers a variety of amenities that cater to seniors looking for convenience and entertainment. With multiple pharmacies such as Rite Aid and CVS nearby, accessing medication and healthcare needs is easily accessible. There are also several parks in the area, providing opportunities for seniors to enjoy nature and stay active. Additionally, there are cafes and restaurants within a short distance, offering dining options for those who prefer not to cook. Nearby hospitals like McLaren Oakland ensure that quality healthcare services are readily available. Places of worship and physicians' offices are also conveniently located for spiritual and medical needs. Overall, this area provides a mix of practical resources and recreational activities, making it a desirable location for seniors looking to settle in a vibrant community in Pontiac.

Pharmacies

• Rite Aid (1.4 miles)
• Rite Aid (1.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.7 miles)
• Rite Aid (1.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.5 miles)
• Rite Aid (3.8 miles)
• Walgreens (3.8 miles)

Parks

• Riverside Park (1.5 miles)
• River Woods Park (2 miles)
• Avondale Park (3.2 miles)
• Innovation Hills (3.7 miles)
• Firefighters Park (3.8 miles)
• Shain Park (5.9 miles)
• Dodge #4 State Park (6 miles)

Cafes

• Avon Donuts (1.5 miles)
• Panera Bread (2.8 miles)
• Starbucks (3.5 miles)
• Antonio's Cafe & Grill (4.2 miles)
• LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan (5.7 miles)
• Starbucks Reserve (5.9 miles)
• Starbucks (6.1 miles)

Restaurants

• Kerby's Koney Island (1.7 miles)
• The HUB Stadium (2.3 miles)
• Grand Tavern (2.8 miles)
• Little Daddy's (3.2 miles)
• Carnival Market (3.6 miles)
• CK Diggs (4.1 miles)
• McDonald's (4.2 miles)

Hospitals

• McLaren Oakland (2.2 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Hugo of the Hills Church (2.4 miles)
• Church Of The Holy Redeemer (3.9 miles)
• Kensington Orion (6.1 miles)
• Oakland Christian Church (7.1 miles)

Physicians

• Barclay Medical Center (6.3 miles)
• Troy Medical Center (6.4 miles)
• Oral & Facial Surgeons of Michigan PC (6.4 miles)
• Summit Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (6.5 miles)
• Millman-Derr Center For Eye Care (6.5 miles)
• Troy Orthopedics Associates (6.5 miles)
• Dr Mahjoub (6.5 miles)

Theaters

• Emagine Rochester Hills (6.4 miles)