Alice Nettell Tower-Low income hsg

Pros

• The apartment is beautiful.
• The management is great and helpful.
• The facility is great.
• The building offers weekly bingo and is adding more activities like coffee events.
• The location is convenient to downtown, the grocery store, and the nearby convenience store.
• Patti Smith, the manager, is a caring and compassionate person who does her job very well.
• The maintenance department works hard and does a great job.
• The view of Bailey Lake is fantastic.

Cons

• Some of the older residents bicker about others and talk nothing but smack by the entrance.
• Owners care only about rent, and promised fixes never happen.
• Management is said to gaslight renters to shift responsibility.
• The reviewer warns others not to retire there.
• The minimum promised improvements are rarely delivered.

Review

This collection of impressions presents a retirement-oriented apartment complex that seems to be a home for many and a challenge for others. On the bright side, it is described as a beautiful place with a strong sense of community, where the staff and facilities support a comfortable, social lifestyle. The building lends itself to easy living for older residents, with convenient access to downtown, grocery stores, and a nearby convenience shop in the neighboring building. The route bus passes by, making outings and errands more doable, and the overall vibe is one of a welcoming, well-equipped home for those who want to stay active in their later years. Activities like bingo every week and planned coffee events give residents opportunities to gather, socialize, and enjoy their time together, which many seem to appreciate.

Yet, beneath the surface of the amenities and social life, there are tensions and frustrations voiced by some residents. A recurring thread in the remarks is a sense of conflict among the older residents themselves, with at-the-entrance chatter and bickering that paints a less harmonious picture than the surface would imply. More troubling for some are complaints about renters versus owners and a pattern of promised fixes that apparently never come to fruition. There are accusations that management engages in gaslighting or shifts responsibility rather than taking accountability, producing a climate of mistrust and disappointment for those who feel neglected. In this view, the sentiment is strong: "Don't retire here!" and "Fixes promised never happen," which underscores a perception that the care and responsiveness residents expect are not consistently delivered.

Despite these criticisms, other residents recount years spent at the property with deep appreciation for its location and the social networks they have built. The proximity to downtown, the grocery stores, and even a nearby convenience shop in a neighboring building are highlighted as key conveniences that enrich daily life. The accessibility to public transportation - the route bus - adds to the sense of freedom and mobility, allowing residents to stay connected to the larger city beyond the grounds. For some, these practical benefits outweigh the downsides, and there is a clear willingness to return or stay because the location and daily life feel right.

A particularly emphatic endorsement centers on the Alice Nettell Tower Apartments themselves, described as excellent with a wonderful, friendly resident community. Safety is emphasized, and rent is portrayed as reasonable, which matters greatly in retirement living. A defining perk is the view: a fantastic sight of Bailey Lake, complemented by a favorable position near downtown. Within this strongly positive portrait, the staff receive high praise - Patti Smith is named as a caring, compassionate manager who excels at her job, and her colleague Shirley is described as a "complete sweetheart." The maintenance team is credited with hard work and effectiveness, contributing to a sense of home and stability. Taken together, these testimonials feel like aiding factors that make the Alice Nettell Tower a place many would be happy to call home.

There are notes of personal resonance beyond the formal management praise. One entry simply says "Friends home," suggesting that for some residents, the complex is a place where friendships deepen and a sense of belonging grows. The atmosphere, at least for these individuals, is less about institutional living and more about a community that feels like a supportive neighborhood. It's a small but meaningful thread pointing to an authentic social fabric that can be as important as the physical facilities.

Even when viewed through a more neutral lens, there are mentions of considerable scenery that may influence a resident's experience. Some describe the view as "nice," offering glimpses of the mine and Bailey's Lake during every-day life. While not every remark highlights spectacular features, the presence of a pleasant, view-rich environment can contribute to mood and satisfaction, especially in retirement where surroundings play a large role in daily happiness. The overall impression is of a place that can be both comforting and picturesque, even if certain procedural or interpersonal issues temper the experience for some.

In closing, the complex appears to offer a blend of strong positives and notable cautions. For those who prize a retirement setting with solid facilities, a helpful management presence, regular social activities, and a favorable location near downtown and essential services, the Alice Nettell Tower Apartments can be an attractive option. The affirmations about safety, affordability, community spirit, and especially the leadership of Patti Smith and the supportive work of the maintenance team carve out a compelling argument for choosing this place. At the same time, potential residents should weigh the concerns raised about maintenance responsiveness, inter-resident dynamics, and the feeling that some promises may not always be kept. The best fit will hinge on personal priorities: the value placed on a vibrant social life and dependable service versus the desire for flawless follow-through on repairs and a completely harmony-filled environment.

This part of Virginia, Minnesota offers a range of amenities and services that cater to seniors. With multiple physicians, pharmacies, restaurants, places of worship, and a hospital within close proximity, residents have easy access to essential healthcare and everyday needs. The numerous parks provide opportunities for leisurely walks and outdoor activities. Additionally, the transportation options available make it convenient for seniors to get around the area. The cafes in the vicinity offer a cozy atmosphere for socializing with friends or enjoying a cup of coffee. Overall, this neighborhood provides a well-rounded environment for seniors looking to settle down in a community that offers convenience and comfort.

Physicians

• Sundell Eye Associates (0.3 miles)
• Northwoods Surgery Center (0.3 miles)
• Northstar Hearing Center (0.4 miles)
• White Pine Orthopedics (0.6 miles)
• Fairview Mesaba Clinics (2.2 miles)
• Eveleth Iron Range Clinic (4.6 miles)
• Vision Pro Optical - Aurora (13.5 miles)

Restaurants

• Jues (0.3 miles)
• Sportspage Bar (0.4 miles)
• Queen City Sports Palace (0.4 miles)
• Coates Residence (0.4 miles)
• Magic Bar (0.4 miles)
• Northgate Cafe and Catering (0.4 miles)
• Freeze (0.5 miles)

Pharmacies

• Thrifty White Pharmacy (0.3 miles)
• Super One Foods (0.4 miles)
• Family Drug Mart (1.4 miles)
• Super One Foods (1.5 miles)
• Walgreens (1.6 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (2.6 miles)
• Super One Foods (8.9 miles)

Places of Worship

• Holy Spirit Church (0.5 miles)
• Sacred Heart Church (0.5 miles)
• St Mary s Church (0.7 miles)
• Sacred Heart Parish (0.8 miles)
• First United Pentecostal Church (0.8 miles)
• Unitarian Mesabi Uu (0.8 miles)
• Gethsemane Lutheran Church (0.8 miles)

Parks

• Olcott Park (0.6 miles)
• Miners Memorial Building (1 miles)
• Iron Range Off-Highway Vehicle State Recreation Area (5.3 miles)
• Eveleth Veterans Park (6.3 miles)
• Veterans Park (6.4 miles)
• Biwabik Park Pavilion (9 miles)
• Friends of the Greenhouse (14.9 miles)

Hospitals

• Virginia Regional Medical Center (0.7 miles)
• Essentia Health-Virginia (0.7 miles)
• Fresenius Medical Care (4.6 miles)

Transportation

• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (1.6 miles)
• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (2.9 miles)
• Eveleth-Virginia Municipal Airport (6.6 miles)
• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (13.7 miles)
• U-Haul (14 miles)

Cafes

• Robins Memory Lane Caf (4.3 miles)
• The Hive Coffee and Bakehouse (13.9 miles)
• Log Cabin Tavern & Cafe (15.3 miles)
• Black Bear Cafe (15.4 miles)