Ellet Gardens Assisted Living in Akron, OH

Pros

• Maintenance is very nice and quick, and the leasing office communication is smooth.
• The apartments and surrounding areas are consistently clean.
• The complex is quiet and well-maintained, with attentive management.
• Alicia in the office is helpful and professional, and Monika is a responsive asset to residents.
• The move-in process is smooth, and the apartments are clean and well maintained.
• The garages are a huge benefit, and the area offers convenient access to shops, restaurants, and gyms.
• Residents would highly recommend Ellet Park Gardens to friends and family.
• The grounds and landscaping are well cared for, with reliable snow removal.

Cons

• They describe the fees as excessive and opaque, with many extra charges for online payments, moving out, pet profiles, and more.
• They say parking is terrible and trash is left everywhere around the property.
• They claim the move-out process is punitive, requiring long notice and higher rents the longer one delays.
• They view the overall rent as overpriced for the quality and value received.
• They accuse the management of being rude, unhelpful, and unprofessional.
• They complain that maintenance is slow to respond or ineffective.
• They allege deceptive practices and questionable charges by the corporate office and property manager.
• They state the photos do not reflect the true condition of the units.
• They warn others to stay away and not to move in.

Review

Ellet Gardens, often referred to by residents as Ellet Park Gardens, is best suited for independent seniors who prize a quiet, well-kept apartment environment with responsive on-site staff and reliable maintenance. The property delivers on cleanliness, well-manicured grounds, and a sense of calm that makes day-to-day living predictable and low-stress. For families, this means fewer daily hassles and easier coordination of routine needs, especially when schedules are unconventional. Residents who value straightforward, friendly leasing interactions and a management team that can address requests promptly will find a stable home here. It is not the right fit for those seeking on-site care services, guaranteed budget predictability, or a no-surprises move-out experience. The strongest appeal centers on a serene setting and competent upkeep, with the caveat that costs and contract details demand careful scrutiny before committing.

Alternatives should be on the table for anyone who needs more than independent living or who cannot tolerate opaque pricing. Several reviews flag a complex, sometimes fee-heavy financial structure, including multiple upfront charges, recurring fees, and expensive move-out penalties. Parking shortcomings and inconsistent trash management also surface as recurring irritants. For families prioritizing transparent, predictable expenses, or those who require clear, written policies on refunds and deposits, the case for shopping around grows stronger. Prospective residents who anticipate frequent financial adjustments or who worry about being surprised by fees after signing should compare with other Akron options that publish pricing clearly and offer more predictable terms. In short, the community can work well for some, but it invites risk for those who must tightly manage a fixed budget.

The most persuasive pros are tangible and consistently reported: quick, courteous maintenance responses; smooth leasing office communication; and clean, inviting apartments and common areas. Residents repeatedly praise landscaping, snow removal, and overall property upkeep that reinforces a sense of pride in the place. When the on-site team, often highlighted by Alicia in the leasing office and Monika as the property manager, enters the interaction with warmth and competence, life here feels manageable and straightforward. These strengths matter most to seniors who want a low-effort residence with dependable repair turnarounds and a quiet, respectful community. Yet slipping into the same narrative, the main cons, especially the cost structure and move-out process, can overwhelm the positives for those with tighter financial parameters.

Evidence from residents who enjoy the best aspects of the property underscores the value of competent, responsive staff. Monika’s accessibility and communicative approach are repeatedly singled out as a dependable anchor for resident satisfaction, with Lewis the maintenance technician often cited for prompt service. The positive experiences in these cases hinge on consistent, respectful communication and a willingness to address concerns quickly. By contrast, a sizable slice of reviews paints a more troubling picture: aggressive or opaque fees, disputes over deposits, and alleged inconsistencies between advertised terms and actual practice. This divergence is not trivial; it signals that the experience will depend heavily on which team member is most involved in a given situation and on how carefully the lease and any amendments were reviewed before signing.

For families evaluating a move, practical steps should be non-negotiable. Schedule a tour with a specific focus on unraveling the fee schedule, request an itemized list of every charge, including application, deposits, prorated costs, and pet or garage fees. Demand a transparent explanation of rent increases and the criteria for charging for monthly services. Insist on receiving a documented policy for moves, refunds, and any cleaning or repair requirements that trigger charges at turnover. Speak with current residents about their monthly experience, especially around parking, trash pickup, and communication with the leasing office and maintenance. If care needs might grow, have a plan for transitioning to an assisted-living setting; do not rely on the property to provide a seamless escalation in services without a clear, written path. Compare this with other Akron communities that publish pricing and service inclusions upfront.

Bottom-line advice is mercilessly practical: Ellet Gardens/Ellet Park Gardens delivers a quiet, well-maintained living environment with generally responsive maintenance and an approachable on-site team in many cases. For residents who treasure serenity, functional upkeep, and proximity to shops and services, this can be a solid choice, so long as the price is understood and accepted. The core caution is cost transparency and the potential for heavy, sometimes disputed charges that undercut perceived value. Those weighing assisted living options should treat this as an independent-living rental with a caveat: verify the lease terms, secure written assurances on deposits and refunds, and test the management’s commitment to consistent pricing over time. If daily care, predictable budgeting, and on-site care options are non-negotiable, pursuing alternatives with clear pricing and proven care services will yield greater long-term clarity and security.

This part of Akron, Ohio offers a variety of dining options ranging from casual eateries like Bob Evans and Taqueria La Loma to more upscale choices such as Jilly's Music Room and The Game Grill & Bar. There are also several pharmacies in the area, making it convenient for seniors to access their medication. In terms of healthcare, there are multiple physician offices nearby including Akron Children's Hospital Pediatrics and Akron General Hematology & Oncology. Additionally, there are reputable hospitals such as Summa Akron City Hospital and Akron Children's Hospital within a short distance. For leisure activities, residents can enjoy a cup of coffee at one of the cafes like Starbucks or take a stroll in one of the nearby parks such as Summit Lake Park or Galt Park. Overall, this area provides a good balance of amenities and services that cater to the needs of seniors looking for a comfortable living environment.

Restaurants

• Bob Evans (0.9 miles)
• Taqueria La Loma (1.2 miles)
• McDonald's (3.3 miles)
• Thirsty Dog TapHouse (3.4 miles)
• Jilly's Music Room (3.8 miles)
• The Game Grill & Bar (3.8 miles)
• McDonald's (3.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (1.8 miles)
• Marc's Stores (2.4 miles)
• Walgreens (2.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.7 miles)
• Marc's Stores (3.8 miles)
• Walgreens (3.9 miles)
• Rite Aid (3.9 miles)

Physicians

• Akron Children's Hospital Pediatrics - Ellet (2.8 miles)
• Omar S Zmeili, MD (2.8 miles)
• Spi Gyn Onc (2.8 miles)
• Pediatrics of Akron (4 miles)
• Akron General Hematology & Oncology (4.2 miles)
• Internal Medicine Center of Akron (4.4 miles)
• Health Care Center Physicians (5.8 miles)

Hospitals

• Summa Akron City Hospital (2.8 miles)
• Akron Children's Hospital (4.1 miles)
• Summa Western Reserve Hospital (5.9 miles)
• Robinson Memorial Hospital (7.2 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (4.3 miles)
• Starbucks (5.1 miles)
• Molly Brown Cafe (5.7 miles)
• Nervous Dog Coffee Bar (6.7 miles)
• Starbucks (7 miles)

Parks

• Summit Lake Park (4.7 miles)
• Galt Park (4.8 miles)

Places of Worship

• Holy Family Catholic Parish Stow Ohio (6.8 miles)

Theaters

• Cinemark Cuyahoga Falls And Xd (6.9 miles)