Goldentree Apartments

Pros

• The neighbors are so nice here it's like living in a small town community in the 60's.
• The staff are very friendly and efficient; Brandon fixed the AC quickly and wore a mask.
• Dave and Brandon were great - quick, courteous, and efficient.
• The new management seems AWESOME; she is very nice and takes you seriously, and gets things done promptly.
• The staff has been fabulous.
• They got brand-new carpet, paint, and countertops.
• The area is quiet and residents are mainly 55 years or older.

Cons

• The management is horrible and the apartments are run down, acting like an HOA that violates residents' rights.
• The price is attractive but the living conditions and management make it not worth the hassle.
• The management allegedly unplugged a kid's pool, depriving a mother of a chance to spend time with her child.
• Residents cannot peacefully enjoy their property because strangers look directly into their living rooms.
• The complex claims to be a 55+ community, but younger residents are living there and management misrepresents the rules.
• Heating is sometimes turned off while rent remains the same, leaving units uninhabitable in cold weather.
• Maintenance requests are rarely addressed promptly, and issues linger for years.
• The rules restrict visitors and caregivers, especially affecting elderly residents.
• Parking is poorly managed with visitors occupying spaces, sometimes leading to conflicts or law enforcement involvement.
• Applications are paid but then ignored, indicating dishonest management.

Review

These reviews present a landscape of highly polarized experiences at this rental property, with many residents describing a pattern of management missteps, slow or shoddy maintenance, and habits that feel more like a disrespect for tenant rights than a professional operation. A number of commenters frame the property as affordable and convenient, occasionally benefiting from a few responsive staff members, but those positives are frequently overshadowed by complaints about how residents are treated, how repairs are handled, and how rules are enforced. The property is often talked about in terms of two competing narratives: "the good, caring people who work here" versus "the management that shows little regard for residents' safety, peace, and dignity."

Maintenance and upkeep emerge as a central grievance across many reviews. Several retirees and long-term tenants recount potholes, ice and snow buildup, and sidewalks or walkways that remain hazardous for extended periods. Some specific examples include ice accumulating on porches or walkways that isn't cleared promptly, and appliances that fail or perform unreliably for long stretches. A recurring theme is that basic services - like heating in winter, repairs to leaks, or timely snow removal - are either delayed or performed with subpar results. In one telling note, heat is advertised as included, yet tenants report it being turned off for long stretches with no rent reduction or clear explanation, leaving residents to endure cold conditions while paying for a function they're not receiving. The overall impression is that maintenance is reactive, inconsistent, and sometimes insufficient to meet the needs of older or more vulnerable residents.

The sense of peaceful enjoyment and privacy is another frequent concern. Several reviewers describe situations where outsiders or visitors gather on small shared spaces, peering into windows or living areas, disrupting the intended quiet and private atmosphere. The way crowding and trespass concerns were addressed (or not addressed) becomes a point of contention, with some residents feeling that management does not enforce reasonable boundaries or protect tenants' right to a peaceful home environment. Compounding this is the perception that the property's advertised target demographic - often labeled as a 55+ community - is not being strictly enforced, with non-55 residents present and, in some cases, management imposing rules in ways that residents feel are inconsistent or unfair. The result for many is a sense that the property fails to deliver the calm, predictable atmosphere that people expect from a community marketed to older adults.

There are also vociferous complaints about how rules and safety measures are communicated and enforced. Several residents recount experiences of being accused of trespass for taking well-meaning actions on nearby vacant property (for example, setting up a small pool for a dying mother during a heart-wrenching Fourth of July weekend), which they frame as cruel misapplication of policy during an emotionally fraught moment. Beyond that, fireworks restrictions, feeding wildlife, and other regulations are cited repeatedly, with residents expressing frustration at what they perceive as rigid or punitive enforcement in places where common sense and compassion would be appropriate. Parking emerges as another flashpoint - visiting nurses, other guests, and new tenants sometimes end up occupying spaces that long-term residents rely on, leading to tense interactions or even discussions of calling the police to resolve disputes.

The reviews alternate between critical and complimentary depictions of management and staff. On one hand, several tenants praise specific staff members for their responsiveness and courtesy, noting that repairs are completed quickly when the correct personnel are involved. Names like Brandon, Dave, and Danielle appear repeatedly in such positive accounts, with praise for professional conduct, respect, and, in one instance, the added measure of wearing a mask during service. On the other hand, many accounts describe management as unresponsive, dishonest, or dismissive - taking money for applications or deposits and not following up, failing to return calls, or showing disregard for applicants who are trying to establish a home. A common sentiment is a sense of being treated more like an inconvenience than a valued resident, with some reviewers feeling that management prioritizes appearances or financial transactions over addressing ongoing maintenance and safety concerns.

The applicant experience is another thread running through the narratives. Some reviewers report a frustrating application process marked by missed calls, locked office doors, and a lack of clear communication about openings. In several cases, applicants felt misled or misinformed - promised a move-in date or an opening, only to be left waiting or ignored after paying an application fee. The complaint is not just about the money; it centers on a broader pattern of disregard for prospective tenants who are trying to establish a home. This sense of dishonesty or poor follow-through, according to those recounting it, compounds existing frustrations about the overall operation and reliability of the property.

Despite the gravity of many complaints, there are still voices of satisfaction that remind readers not to paint the entire property with a single brush. A handful of residents describe the community as quiet, safe, and affordable, with well-liked staff who handle problems promptly and courteously. Some note that the apartments, while compact, offer features like included heat and a generally peaceful living environment, especially among residents who value the target demographic and the close-knit feel of a small-town- or 1960s-era vibe. A few reviewers highlight improvements brought by new management, suggesting that positive change is possible when the team is responsive and attentive to residents' needs.

Taken together, these accounts paint a complex portrait of a property that can be a practical choice on price and location but carries significant caveats. For some residents, the combination of reasonable rent, a quiet neighborhood, and a handful of conscientious staff members is enough to outweigh the drawbacks. For many others, chronic maintenance delays, ambiguous or inconsistently enforced policies, intrusive parking disputes, unsafe or uncomfortable living conditions in winter, and a management approach that can feel indifferent or even punitive create a sense that the overall experience is not worth the hassle or the risk. The most consistent refrain is the call for clearer communication, more trustworthy management practices, and a proactive approach to safety, upkeep, and respect for tenants' rights - especially for older residents or those dealing with urgent personal circumstances.

Located in Portage, Michigan, this area offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for seniors looking to settle down. With Kalamazoo - Battle Creek International Airport just 1.3 miles away, travel options are easily accessible. There is a variety of restaurants nearby ranging from fast food options like Taco Bell and McDonald's to sit-down eateries like Chili's Grill & Bar. For those who enjoy a nice cup of coffee or tea, cafes such as Starbucks and BIGGBY COFFEE are within a short distance. In terms of healthcare, there are multiple physicians' offices and pharmacies within 4 miles, providing easy access to medical care and prescriptions. The area also boasts several parks for outdoor recreation including Ramona Park and West Lake Nature Preserve. Additionally, the proximity to theaters like Celebration Cinema offers entertainment options for residents. Overall, this part of Portage presents seniors with a well-rounded community that caters to various needs and interests.

Transportation

• Kalamazoo - Battle Creek International Airport (AZO) (1.3 miles)

Restaurants

• Taco Bell (1.5 miles)
• One Well Brewing (1.8 miles)
• Taco Bob's (2.1 miles)
• McDonald's (2.6 miles)
• Sweetwater's Donut Mill (2.6 miles)
• Presidential Brewing Company (2.8 miles)
• Chili's Grill & Bar (2.9 miles)

Places of Worship

• Milwood United Methodist Church (2.1 miles)
• Southern Heights Christian Reformed Church (3.6 miles)
• Valley Family Church (4.6 miles)

Cafes

• Stryker Cafe (2.2 miles)
• Tim Hortons (2.9 miles)
• Starbucks (3 miles)
• BIGGBY COFFEE (3.5 miles)
• Water Street Coffee Joint (3.7 miles)
• Brite Eyes Brewing Co. (4.2 miles)
• Water Street Coffee Joint (4.6 miles)

Physicians

• Trestlewood Pediatrics (2.4 miles)
• Kalamazoo Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center (2.6 miles)
• Rx Optical, a MyEyeDr. Company (2.9 miles)
• Healthcare Midwest (3.1 miles)
• Health Partners (3.1 miles)
• Promed Physicians (3.4 miles)
• Delano Outpatient Clinic (3.4 miles)

Parks

• Ramona Park (2.7 miles)
• West Lake Nature Preserve (4.2 miles)
• South Westnedge Park (4.4 miles)
• Bronson Park (4.9 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (2.9 miles)
• Meijer Pharmacy (2.9 miles)
• Hardings Market Place (3 miles)
• Discount Rx of Michigan (3.4 miles)
• Walgreens (3.6 miles)
• Walgreens (3.7 miles)
• Midtown Market Pharmac (4.2 miles)

Hospitals

• WellNow Urgent Care (3.1 miles)
• Hilda's Rehab Clinic (4 miles)
• Bronson ProHealth - John St (4.4 miles)
• Bronson Hand & Elbow Surgery Specialists (4.5 miles)
• Kalamazoo Psychiatric Hospital (4.9 miles)

Theaters

• Celebration Cinema (3.5 miles)