Lakewood Hills in White Bear Lake, MN

Pros

• It is a nice place to live with many friendly people.
• The staff is amazing.
• The remodeled apartments are beautiful.
• The neighbors are friendly and create a welcoming community.
• The view of the pond is amazing.
• The park behind the apartment is a great, low-maintenance backyard.
• It offers many different layout options.
• The management is excellent, fast, and super friendly.
• The property is very pet-friendly, with responsive maintenance.
• The location is ideal, with nearby restaurants and a mall within a short drive.

Cons

• The proximity to the freeway was the only bad thing, with the noise being quite loud for apartments facing it.
• A terrible commute to work was a major drawback of living there.
• The reviewer often wishes they were back at their old apartment, indicating dissatisfaction with the current place.

Review

Lakewood Hills in White Bear Lake is best suited for active, independent seniors who want a modern, low-maintenance home that still feels connected to a real community. The remodeled apartments and spacious layouts deliver practical comfort, with kitchens that are notably well-appointed for everyday living. Pet owners in particular will find the environment welcoming, and that friendliness translates into a social atmosphere without aggressive programming - residents tend to know one another and look out for each other. A pond view and the option to step outside onto a pedestrian-friendly area contribute to a sense of retreat within easy reach of daily necessities. The neighborhood benefits from a location close to restaurants, a mall, and quick freeway access, making it a sensible choice for those who value convenience alongside comfort.

That said, Lakewood Hills is not a fit for every senior. The community centers on independent living, with no explicit on-site care beyond maintenance and staff support, so residents who expect daily nursing, memory care, or tightly managed health services should consider alternatives that offer a formal care continuum. For individuals who prize a completely quiet, ultra-private environment, the proximity to the freeway can be a drawback; some units face the highway and experience noticeable traffic noise, which may detract from restful evenings unless windows stay shut. Prospective residents who crave a robust social calendar or structured wellness programs similar to traditional retirement communities may want to compare options that provide more formalized activities. Finally, those with significant mobility or transportation needs should test commute realities, as even a short drive can become less predictable during peak hours.

From a practical perspective, the strongest positives are consistent: attentive staff, responsive maintenance, and a welcoming, pet-friendly culture. Several reviews emphasize how quickly issues are resolved and how courteous the team is, which translates into less daily friction and more time to enjoy the space. The remodeled apartments themselves feel fresh and functional, with hallmarks like quality kitchens and well-thought-out layouts that prioritize privacy in bedrooms tucked away from living spaces. The ability to keep a pet and the ease of getting around - the park behind the building, nearby shopping, and quick access to dining - mean residents can sustain an active routine without the headaches of home upkeep. These elements together create a dependable baseline of satisfaction.

Nevertheless, the location carries a cautionary note for certain tenants. Those who have previously relied on a car for long commutes or daily work routines may feel the impact of the nearby freeway, even with good insulation and closed windows. The best-case scenario is selecting a unit facing the pond or interior courtyard to minimize noise, since a freeway-facing layout can intrude on otherwise peaceful living. The absence of a formal care model also means arranging outside services when health needs shift, which can complicate planning for some families. While the social setting is strong, those seeking a turnkey, all-inclusive living experience with a guaranteed cadence of activities should evaluate whether the balance of independence and convenience aligns with expectations.

On balance, the pros notably offset the cons for the typical independent senior who wants ease of living without renouncing community. The dependable staff, pet-friendly policy, and modern, spacious units deliver tangible daily benefits: fewer maintenance hassles, a friendlier pace of life, and fewer errands thanks to nearby retail and dining. The quiet, park-adjacent setting plus the potential for lake views offers a pleasant blend of nature and convenience that many retirees crave. For those who value freedom to manage their own schedule, with a supportive team ready to help with upkeep and a community that makes social connections natural, Lakewood Hills often fits like a well-tailored option.

For families evaluating options, Lakewood Hills represents a strong fit when independence, practical amenities, and pet-friendly features top the list. It is less suitable for residents who require continuous care on-site or who must avoid even minor freeway noise, or for those who want a busy care-focused atmosphere. A thoughtful approach is to request a tour of multiple floor plans, prioritizing units away from the highway and checking the timing of maintenance responsiveness, which has been repeatedly praised. Ask about lease terms, pet policies, and what happens if health needs change over time. In the end, the decision hinges on balancing daily comfort, social opportunity, and the reality of future care needs - Lakewood Hills is a sound, practical bet for most independent seniors who place a premium on convenience and community.

This area of White Bear Lake, Minnesota offers a variety of amenities that may be appealing to seniors looking for a comfortable and convenient community. With a selection of restaurants ranging from casual dining options like McDonald's to more upscale choices like Osaka Sushi and Hibachi, there is something to suit every taste. The proximity to parks such as Lake Varney Park and Playcrest Park provides opportunities for outdoor recreation and enjoying nature. Additionally, there are several pharmacies nearby for easy access to medication and healthcare needs. For medical care, St John's Hospital-Maplewood is conveniently located within close distance. Religious individuals can find solace in nearby places of worship such as St Mary of the Lake Church and Transfiguration Catholic Church. Overall, this area offers a blend of convenience, comfort, and community for senior living.

Restaurants

• The Dog House Bar and Grill (0.4 miles)
• Golden Corral (0.5 miles)
• Osaka Sushi and Hibachi (0.6 miles)
• McDonald's (1 miles)
• Chili's Grill & Bar (1 miles)
• Sak's Sports Bar (1.7 miles)
• McDonald's (2 miles)

Parks

• Lake Varney Park (0.5 miles)
• Playcrest Park (0.6 miles)
• Joy Park (1.1 miles)
• Legacy Pines Park (1.1 miles)
• Casey Lake Park (1.2 miles)
• Hazelwood Park (1.5 miles)
• Rotary Park (1.9 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.4 miles)
• Walgreens (3.7 miles)
• Target Pharmacy (4.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.8 miles)

Physicians

• Jacobs Carol RN (1.3 miles)
• Page Graydon T MD (1.4 miles)
• Healthpartners Clinics (2.3 miles)
• Northern Lights Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine (2.4 miles)
• Retina Center (2.7 miles)
• HealthPartners Clinic (2.7 miles)
• Jaksa Stephen W DDS (3.4 miles)

Hospitals

• St John's Hospital-Maplewood (1.4 miles)
• Regions Hospital Burn Center (7 miles)
• St Joseph's Hospital-St Paul (7.6 miles)

Theaters

• Oakdale Cinema Oakdale, Mn (1.8 miles)
• Alamo Drafthouse Woodbury (7.5 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Mary of the Lake Church (3.2 miles)
• St Jerome Elementary School (4.6 miles)
• Transfiguration Catholic Church (4.9 miles)
• Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (6.1 miles)
• Cathedral of St Paul (8 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (3.7 miles)
• Starbucks (6.9 miles)

Transportation

• Union Depot (7.3 miles)