Golden Oaks Apartments

Pros

• The complex is a safe and affordable option for seniors.
• Management stays on top of maintenance.
• A resident has lived there for over 20 years and enjoyed every year.
• The property has high demand and often has a waiting list.
• Residents reportedly return to Golden Oaks after trying other complexes because it is superior to its competitors.
• Its location next to Crestview Park is described as an oasis in the city.
• Wildlife such as deer and foxes can be seen from the property, giving a country feel.
• Chad the manager has been associated with the property for over 20 years, contributing to stable management.
• On-site maintenance staff live on the property for faster repair response and added safety.

Cons

• The management is ineffective and unresponsive, with no security and damaged vehicles left unaddressed.
• The elevator is frequently out of order, and the lack of clear signage makes stairs hard to locate for disabled residents.
• The property has declined and no longer feels safe, with hallways described as horrible and a pervasive odor in the west hall.
• Pests and mold are ongoing problems, and maintenance staff are not skilled; some office staff are rude and display a power-tripping attitude.
• The property is dirty, with potholes in the parking lot and a generally run-down condition.
• Bed bugs have been reported, and management does not keep promises.
• There is a lack of activities and coordination for seniors, with poor communication from management.
• Reviewers advise prospective tenants to go elsewhere due to safety and maintenance concerns.
• Tenants report roaches.

Review

Golden Oaks Senior Complex is described by many residents and visitors as a place with real upside and real challenges. For some, it's a safe, affordable option that suits seniors well, especially those who value a stable, well-maintained property with a strong sense of community. The complex sits next to Crestview Park, which several reviewers say creates an almost rural, oasis-like feel in the city. Wildlife such as deer and foxes are sometimes visible from the grounds, which contributes to the sense that you're living in a quieter, more natural setting. In this view, the proximity to park space, the quiet atmosphere, and the overall affordability make Golden Oaks a winner in the eyes of many.

A longtime resident who has lived there for more than two decades offers a very positive, almost testimonial-like portrait. This reviewer emphasizes safety and good value, noting that management stays on top of maintenance and that there is a stable, long-tenured leadership in Chad, the property manager who has been associated with the place for over 20 years. The on-site maintenance staff living on the property is highlighted as a factor in faster repair response times and enhanced safety. The same account points to a high demand for units - so much so that there is usually a waiting list - and claims that the complex maintains a level of superiority compared with its competitors. In addition to the safety and upkeep, there's praise for the social environment: "nice neighbors" and a sense of community where residents can feel supported.

Other reviewers echo the positive side, describing Golden Oaks as a good place to live for the elderly, citing clean, well-kept apartments and a generally quiet, peaceful atmosphere where residents are polite. Some spell out that, when things are running smoothly, it's a place where people feel safe and comfortable, with neighbors who contribute to a pleasant living environment. The overall tone from several testimonials is that, with a capable manager and reliable maintenance, the complex can be a genuinely good home for seniors seeking affordability and stability.

Of course, not every voice is wholly favorable. One review presents a starkly different picture, alleging mismanagement and a troubling lack of security. This account accuses a pair of managers - described as a couple who run the site - of failing to address problems and ignoring residents' needs. The reviewer claims that break-ins and property issues occurred and that neither the manager nor the owner took responsibility. There are even mentions of involving health and housing departments, painting a picture of frustration and fear about safety and accountability. This perspective contrasts sharply with the more glowing endorsements and raises questions about consistency in management and responsiveness.

There are also practical concerns raised by multiple residents. Elevators are not always in service, forcing residents - sometimes including those with disabilities - to use stairs, sometimes without adequate signage to indicate where stairs are, which can lead to unnecessary long walks and confusion. One comment notes a failure to mark doors clearly, leaving disabled tenants with extra effort. Maintenance issues crop up in other areas as well, with some reviews suggesting delays, incomplete work, or a lack of timely attention to problems. A few accounts even describe persistent pests - roaches, bed bugs - and mold, alongside complaints about rude or questionable office staff, which can sour the living experience for tenants who otherwise value the community.

Amid the mixed feedback, there are still positive notes about staff members who do deliver, particularly around the professional and compassionate demeanor of Chad, who appears to be a consistent point of contact for many residents and their families. Several reviewers acknowledge that the property's location and the affordability of income-based housing are compelling reasons to consider Golden Oaks. There are also mentions of residents who feel the place is nice and quiet, with friendly neighbors and a general sense of peace that makes it a viable option for retirees who are prioritizing safety and cost.

The lingering drama around management and programming is also a recurring theme. Some former residents and relatives of residents feel that when leadership changes or when key staff depart - such as a director who previously organized activities - the property loses momentum. There are complaints about the lack of activities, poor coordination, and slow communication, with suggestions that more could be done to engage seniors and keep them connected. A longstanding director's departure is described as a turning point, after which residents report fewer events, less responsiveness, and a sense that paperwork and administrative tasks fell behind. The overall impression from these comments is that the quality of life at Golden Oaks can depend heavily on who's in charge and how effectively the property delivers programs, services, and timely repairs.

Taken together, the collection of reviews paints Golden Oaks as a complex with undeniable strengths and real vulnerabilities. For some residents, it represents a safe, affordable option with a long-standing, attentive management team, a strong sense of community, and an enviable location near Crestview Park. For others, persistent maintenance issues, pests, safety concerns, inconsistent programming, and moments of perceived mismanagement outweigh the positives. The consensus seems to be: Golden Oaks can be a good home for seniors - especially those who prize affordability, stability, and proximity to green space - yet prospective residents should carefully weigh the importance of reliable safety measures, timely maintenance, and a consistent, resident-centered program of activities when making their decision.

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.3 miles)
• Walgreens (1.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.6 miles)
• Walgreens (4.4 miles)
• Hy-Vee Pharmacy (4.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.8 miles)

Places of Worship

• North Cross United Methodist Church (0.7 miles)
• Gashland Presbyterian Church (4.7 miles)
• Resurrection Downtown (5.4 miles)

Physicians

• Meritas Health Corporation (1 miles)
• Diagnostic Imaging Centers, P.A. (1.5 miles)
• Retina Associates, PA (1.5 miles)
• Veterans Evaluation Services (1.7 miles)
• Graham Bruce D (1.8 miles)
• Sunflower Dermatology & Medical Day Spay (1.8 miles)
• Aggarwal Allergy Clinic (1.8 miles)

Restaurants

• 54th Street Grill & Bar (1.6 miles)
• Side Pockets (1.9 miles)
• Jefferson's (2.1 miles)
• Hawaiian Bros (2.2 miles)
• Sonic Drive-In (2.6 miles)
• McDonald's (2.7 miles)
• Lost Bar (4.2 miles)

Cafes

• Panera Bread (1.7 miles)
• Blip Roasters (4.7 miles)
• Friendly Bean Coffee (5.2 miles)
• Starbucks (5.4 miles)
• Messenger Coffee Co. (5.4 miles)
• Mildred's (5.7 miles)
• Panera Bread (6.1 miles)

Hospitals

• North Kansas City Hospital (1.9 miles)
• Children's Mercy Research Institute (6 miles)
• Truman Medical Center (6 miles)
• Saint Luke's Medical Group (6.7 miles)
• Rehabilitation Services (6.8 miles)

Parks

• Bar K Dog Bar (4 miles)
• Paradise Falls (4.7 miles)
• Budd Park (5 miles)
• Barry Platte Park (5.8 miles)
• Washington Square Park (6 miles)

Transportation

• Amtrak Kansas City - Union Station (6 miles)
• KC Streetcar (6 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Barrywoods 24 (6.7 miles)