Lakewood Hills

Pros

• The staff is amazing.
• The remodeled apartments are beautiful and spacious, with a top-notch kitchen.
• The neighbors are friendly.
• The view of the pond is amazing.
• The park behind the apartment is a great maintenance-free backyard.
• There are many layout options to choose from.
• The place is pet-friendly.
• Maintenance is responsive.
• There is no noise from neighbors.
• The location is ideal, with restaurants and a mall nearby and close to the freeway.

Cons

• The proximity to the freeway is a drawback due to loud noise for apartments facing it.
• The terrible commute to work was a significant drawback.

Review

A warm sense of community comes through in the many quiet words of people who have lived here. Across several reviews, residents describe a nice place to call home, filled with friendly faces and a welcoming atmosphere. The heart of the experience seems to be the people - neighbors who feel more like friends, and staff who are consistently described as amazing, fast, and genuinely kind. Even those who eventually move on carry fond memories, missing the sense of belonging and the daily ease of life here. Some residents talk about how knowing their neighbors and having reliable support from management made the difference during their time in these apartments.

The staff and the management receive high praise for their responsiveness and their approach to residents' needs. Review after review highlights an excellent, understanding, and accommodating team. People mention that maintenance is quick to respond and that the general management is approachable and friendly, which contributes to a low-stress living environment. One resident even thanks Lakewood Hills directly, underscoring how the staff made their experience positive for two years. The consistent appreciation for the people behind the scenes helps explain why many residents feel good about their choice to live here and many would happily recommend it to others.

A standout feature for many is the way the living spaces have been updated and redesigned. Several residents point to remodeled apartments that are beautiful, spacious, and thoughtfully laid out. One review calls the kitchen the best they have seen in an apartment, which is a striking compliment. The idea of hidden bedrooms offering added privacy also appears in the feedback, as does the overall sense of a clean, well-presented building. The attention to presentation extends to the building's entrance and exterior grounds, which are repeatedly described as clean and inviting. Taken together, these design and maintenance details contribute to an overall sense of you-get-what-you-see quality.

Location and surroundings play a big role in the appeal. For many, proximity to conveniences is a major plus: it's easy to reach restaurants, shopping, and even a mall within a short drive. The layout leaves options open for various lifestyles, with multiple floor plan choices that accommodate different needs. A park behind the apartment is praised as a great backyard - essentially zero maintenance for residents who want outdoor space without the upkeep. Some reviewers even note views of the pond or lake, which broader discussions suggest could be a positive draw for future renters who enjoy water views and serenity.

The community's pet-friendly stance is repeatedly highlighted as a major advantage. Several comments emphasize how accommodating and understanding the management is when it comes to pets, a theme that pairs well with the quick maintenance response and the overall ease of living. In addition to being welcoming to four-legged residents, the atmosphere feels quiet and respectful - neighbors aren't noisy, and the building's layout helps preserve privacy. For many, these factors together create a living experience that feels balanced and low-stress, especially for households who value pet-friendly amenities.

Of course, no place is without its trade-offs. A few reviewers point to the proximity to the freeway and the associated noise as a downside - most suggest it can be mitigated by keeping windows closed, while others imagine a lake-facing layout would offer a more tranquil experience. One resident notes that a terrible commute to work would have kept them here longer, underscoring how external factors like traffic and commute can influence overall satisfaction even when the living experience inside is strong. Still, the general tone remains positive, with many recognizing that certain floor plans or views could enhance the appeal even further.

In the end, the sentiment across these reflections is one of satisfaction and fondness. People describe a place where nice people, thoughtful amenities, and attentive staff come together to create a welcoming home. There are stories of spending meaningful time in the apartment, creating memories, and feeling a sense of pride in where they live. For those who stay, the experience feels complete - clean entrances, well-kept grounds, practical layouts, and a community that genuinely cares. And for those who move on, the lasting impression is of a place that offered real comfort, quick help when needed, and a kindness that lingers well after departure. Nice Place, Wonderful place and nice people - these closing notes echo a shared appreciation for the life once lived here.

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)