Aspen Hills Apartments in Traverse City, MI

Pros

• Aspen Hills is a wonderful place to live and a vibrant community.
• The apartments are great for one or two people.
• Management is very responsive and organized.
• Residents are very happy after living there for over two years.
• The community offers a wide range of activities, including Euchre Nights, potlucks, bingo, Coffee and Conversation, Sit and Fit, Bible Study, crafting, bake sales, and more.
• Residents are helpful with service-minded attitudes and show respect for their neighbors; the Residents Council is active and responsive.
• Group viewing parties for movies, sports, and events are hosted, and residents can use the Community Room and Sun Room to host their own events.
• The location is pet-friendly and quiet.
• There is a long waiting list to move in, reflecting high demand and desirability.
• Long-time residents have loved living there.
• The property has been remodeled, with updated floors and a refreshed exterior landscape.

Cons

• There is a long waiting list to move in here.
• There is a waiting list for Aspen apartments.

Review

Aspen Hills Apartments in Traverse City is best suited for active, independent seniors who want a warm, neighbor-focused environment with low-maintenance living. It fits one- or two-person households that prize a robust calendar of social activities and a quiet, residential setting. Residents describe Aspen Hills as a place where life stays rich, with management that consistently demonstrates responsiveness and organization. The property supports a busy lifestyle through structured events, from casual coffee chats to games, potlucks, and exercise classes, plus opportunities for involvement via an engaged Residents Council. The sunroom and community room become everyday hubs for reading, conversation, and hosting gatherings. Best of all, the community is pet-friendly and tucked into a quiet part of town, with remodeling signaling ongoing care. For those who value belonging, routine, and practical social support, Aspen Hills delivers.

This setting is not ideal for everyone. Prospective residents who require on-site medical care, memory support, or higher-level assistance should look elsewhere, since Aspen Hills centers on independent living and social programming. The apartments suit individuals or couples, which may leave larger households seeking more space wanting alternatives. Availability is a hurdle: a long waiting list means immediate moves are unlikely, so families must plan in advance and stay engaged with management. Those prioritizing privacy or minimal structured activity may find the programmatic rhythm too bustling. For seniors who can wait for a unit and enjoy a lively schedule, Aspen Hills is compelling; others should compare with communities offering ready access to care and broader floor plans.

The strongest positives are practical benefits of community life. Responsive management addresses concerns quickly, and the environment feels organized and predictable. The breadth of activities, cards, potlucks, bingo, coffee, exercise, Bible study, crafts, and events, creates abundant opportunities for connection, reduces loneliness, and fosters neighborly accountability through an active Residents Council. The pet-friendly policy and quiet location support daily comfort, while on-site spaces like the sunroom and community room encourage drop-in interactions and larger gatherings. Ongoing remodeling and landscape updates signal an investment in comfort. The main drawback is the waiting list, delaying access and requiring long-term planning. There is no on-site medical care, which limits suitability for seniors needing professional support, and the apartments target independence rather than care.

When weighed, the positives largely offset the tradeoffs. The rich activity schedule translates into tangible benefits: routine, social reinforcement, and a built-in support network that enhances wellbeing. The quiet, pet-friendly setting offers a relaxed environment compared with larger campuses. The strong sense of community is reinforced by a proactive Residents Council and spaces that invite participation. Remodeling signals commitment to keeping the property welcoming. For families prioritizing companionship, predictable programming, and belonging, Aspen Hills stands out as a dependable choice. The waiting period, while inconvenient, reflects a desirable, well-run community.

To evaluate Aspen Hills effectively, families should plan carefully. Start by recognizing the long wait and initiate contact early, while also aligning expectations about move-in timelines. Schedule a tour to assess space, accessibility, and overall atmosphere. Speak with current residents and the Residents Council to gauge the social climate and management reliability. Clarify what the rent covers and what costs may be added, including pet policies, parking, utilities, and maintenance. For elders who prize social programming, this community offers a robust calendar; for those needing care on-site, alternatives with memory care or assisted living should be sought. With clear questions and a proactive plan, Aspen Hills can fit into a thoughtful, long-term housing strategy.

Aspen Hills is a standout option for Traverse City seniors seeking connection, routine, and a well-organized independent lifestyle. It suits those who can wait for a unit and who do not require on-site care, while it may not fit families needing immediate moves or higher levels of medical assistance. The blend of responsive management, a rich activity slate, resident leadership, a pet-friendly policy, and a quiet setting makes the tradeoffs worthwhile for the right resident. For families ready to prioritize social engagement and a steady community, Aspen Hills offers a practical path to satisfying later-life living. The next step is straightforward: contact management to confirm availability, arrange a tour, and begin the waitlist process with clear expectations about inclusions, costs, and community norms.

This area of Traverse City, Michigan offers a variety of amenities that could make it an appealing option for senior living. Within a short distance, there are several restaurants to choose from, ranging from fast food options like Arby's and Burger King to more upscale dining at Fuji Sushi & Steakhouse. There are also pharmacies nearby such as Walgreens and Thompson Pharmacy for convenient access to medications. In terms of healthcare, the proximity to Traverse Health Clinic and Munson Community Health Center ensures that medical needs can be easily met. The presence of parks like Medalie Park and Hull Park provides opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation, while places of worship such as Bible Baptist Church and St Francis Catholic Church cater to spiritual needs. Additionally, there are cafes like Biggby Coffee and Panera Bread for socializing with friends or enjoying a cup of coffee. With easy access to Cherry Capital Airport for travel needs and nearby theaters like AMC CLASSIC Cherry Blossom 14 for entertainment, this area offers a well-rounded lifestyle for seniors looking to settle in Traverse City.

Restaurants

• China Fair Restaurant (0.2 miles)
• Arby's (0.3 miles)
• Jimmy John's (0.3 miles)
• Burger King (0.4 miles)
• Wendy's (0.4 miles)
• Sail Inn Bar & Grill (1.2 miles)
• Fuji Sushi & Steakhouse (1.5 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.4 miles)
• Thompson Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• Target Pharmacy (1.8 miles)
• Walgreens (2.1 miles)
• Mchc Pharmacy (2.2 miles)
• Rite Aid (2.4 miles)
• Petertyl Drug (2.6 miles)

Physicians

• Traverse Health Clinic (0.6 miles)
• Austin Shirley McLaren N Michigan Psychiatric (0.8 miles)
• Rising Star Wellness Center (0.8 miles)
• Well Spring Psychiatry (1.1 miles)
• Cass Street Ear Nose & Throat Associates (1.8 miles)
• Drew V. Collins (1.8 miles)
• Center for Integrative Medicine (1.8 miles)

Parks

• Medalie Park (0.7 miles)
• Hull Park (1.9 miles)
• Traverse City State Park (2.4 miles)
• Bryant Park (2.5 miles)
• Grand Traverse Veterans Memorial Park (2.6 miles)
• Clinch Park (2.6 miles)
• The Open Space (2.8 miles)

Transportation

• Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) (1.2 miles)

Places of Worship

• Bible Baptist Church (1.7 miles)
• St Francis Catholic Church (1.9 miles)

Hospitals

• Shepherd of Hope Clinic (1.7 miles)
• Munson Community Health Center (2.2 miles)
• Copper Ridge Surgery Center (2.8 miles)

Cafes

• Biggby Coffee (2.2 miles)
• Panera Bread (2.2 miles)
• Starbucks (2.3 miles)
• Cottage Cafe (2.3 miles)
• Starbucks (2.4 miles)
• Morsels (2.5 miles)
• Espresso Bay (2.5 miles)

Theaters

• AMC CLASSIC Cherry Blossom 14 (2.4 miles)