LEE Center of Hibbing

Pros

• The residents are described as friendly and caring about the Lee Center community.
• There are many groups of friends among the residents.
• The social coordinator plans many activities for residents.
• There is a great rental agent helping residents.
• AEOA meals and other resident benefits are available.
• The complex feels like a giant family.
• Pets are welcome.
• The staff are friendly and helpful, and the environment is clean.
• The building and grounds are clean and in top working order.

Cons

• Exclusive senior housing is discriminatory toward other classes of people who could use affordable housing.
• The hallways smell of mildew and mold.
• The people who work here are very rude.
• Many rentals are moldy, overpriced, and owned by slumlords.

Review

LEE Center of Hibbing is best suited for seniors who want a socially vibrant, moderately assisted living environment where independence is respected but daily help is readily available. The community clearly prioritizes connection: there are abundant activities planned by a proactive social coordinator, a welcoming environment for pets, and a setup that supports independent living while providing options to tap into meals and other supports through AEOA. For families seeking a place that feels like a busy, caring neighborhood rather than a sterile institution, this center offers a compelling mix of affordability, activity, and a strong sense of belonging. It appeals particularly to residents who value frequent social engagement, convenient access to services, and a “giant family” vibe that many reviews emphasize.

That said, certain realities make alternatives worth considering for some households. Those who want a newer building with fewer aging-structure quirks or who prioritize consistently flawless upkeep may want to look elsewhere. The community’s age shows in the physical plant, and at least one visitor notes a mildew-related odor in hallways. Additionally, while the staff are admired by many for helpfulness and generosity, there are dissenting impressions about staff interactions. Families pursuing non-age-restricted affordable housing or options that emphasize quieter routines with a more private, less social atmosphere may find other Hibbing options more aligned with their goals.

The strongest pros at the Hibbing center are the human connections and daily activity rhythm. The living environment is repeatedly described as clean and well-maintained, with residents forming friendships and creating a “giant family” feeling. A lively calendar, driven by a skilled social coordinator, translates into nearly daily events that keep seniors engaged, which mitigates the isolation that can accompany aging. The community’s inclusiveness is reinforced by pet-friendly policies and a sense that staff, the people who know residents best, often go above and beyond. In practical terms, those seeking meaningful daily engagement and a social lifeline may find these facets worth more than the physical wear on the building.

On the flip side, the concessions required by an aging facility matter for families evaluating long-term fit. The physical plant’s age can translate into maintenance challenges and, for some, noticeable odors in common areas. Even with a generally supportive staff culture, there are reports of less positive interactions with some employees, which can color the experience for residents who prioritize consistency and warmth from every staff contact. The naming of exclusivity, an “older adult” only environment, also raises a legitimate concern for families who would like options for multi-generational housing or for residents who want to remain in Hibbing without a strictly senior-specific community. These factors can influence daily life more than anticipated, particularly for those prioritizing a pristine, modern setting and uniformly high staff responsiveness.

For decision-making, the key is matching expectations to reality. If the goal is a rich social life, accessible services, and a sense of community that treats residents like family, this center delivers with notable strength. Pros that strongly offset the main drawbacks include the robust activity calendar, genuine resident camaraderie, pet-friendly policies, and the practical benefits tied to AEOA meals and other supports. Families should, however, verify whether the physical condition, odor concerns, and mixed staff impressions align with the required comfort level for their loved one. A focused visit, walking the halls at different times, inspecting apartments, and chatting with residents about everyday interactions, will reveal whether the social environment supersedes any maintenance caveats.

In the end, LEE Center of Hibbing serves best those who prize community immersion, an active lifestyle, and affordable senior living with access to supportive services. It is especially suitable for seniors who want daily activities to structure their days and who value being part of a closely connected, caring ecosystem. If quiet privacy, state-of-the-art facilities, or uniform staff warmth across all contacts are non-negotiables, or if multi-generational living is a priority, alternatives warrant serious consideration. The prudent path is a disciplined tour, direct questions about maintenance and staffing, and conversations with current residents about their daily routines. When the fit is right, the rewards, companionship, purpose-driven days, and practical supports, can outweigh the imperfect realities of an aging building.

Hospitals

• Radiation Therapy Center-Fairview (0.1 miles)
• Fairview Range Billing Service (0.2 miles)
• Fairview University Medical Center Mesabi (0.2 miles)
• Leisure Hills Of Hibbing (1.5 miles)
• Duluth Clinic-Chisholm (5.8 miles)
• Fresenius Medical Care (18.8 miles)

Transportation

• Mesabi Regional Medical Center Heliport (0.2 miles)
• Hibbing Taxi (0.6 miles)
• Storage on the Move (0.9 miles)
• Tac Tran (1 miles)
• U-Haul (1.1 miles)
• Z - Taxi (5.9 miles)
• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (6.9 miles)

Cafes

• Mesaba Java (0.3 miles)
• Sunrise Bakery (0.8 miles)
• Sunrise Deli (1.1 miles)
• Caribou Coffee (1.3 miles)

Physicians

• Anastas Provatas, MD, Hematology /Oncology - Leading Physicians of the World (0.3 miles)
• Rudberg Susan Fairview Mesaba Clinic Hibbing Hibbing (0.3 miles)
• Hanger Clinic: Prosthetics & Orthotics (0.3 miles)
• Fairview Mesaba Clinics (17.9 miles)
• Eveleth Iron Range Clinic (18.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• Baron's Pharmacy (0.3 miles)
• Baron's Pharmacy - Hibbing Family Medical Clinic (0.3 miles)
• Baron's Pharmacy - Fairview Mesaba (0.3 miles)
• Super One Foods (0.3 miles)
• Thrifty White Pharmacy (0.4 miles)
• Thrifty White Drug (0.5 miles)
• Walgreens (0.5 miles)

Restaurants

• Hardee's (0.5 miles)
• Subway (0.6 miles)
• Steak Escape (0.6 miles)
• The Rhythm Deli (0.9 miles)
• Homer Tavern (1 miles)
• Sportsmen's Restaurant & Taverna (1.1 miles)
• Courtyard (1.1 miles)

Places of Worship

• Blessed Sacrament Church (0.8 miles)
• Wesley United Methodist Church (0.9 miles)
• Connect Kids (0.9 miles)
• Abundant Life Church (1 miles)
• First Assembly Of God (1 miles)
• Blessed Sacrament Parish (1.1 miles)
• Grace Lutheran Church Lcms (1.2 miles)

Parks

• Hibbing Parks & Recreation (0.8 miles)
• Hibbing Park (1.2 miles)
• Vic Power Park (1.2 miles)
• North Hibbing Dog Park (2.2 miles)
• Playground (5.6 miles)
• Long Year Lake Park (6.3 miles)
• Keewatin City Park (6.9 miles)