Independence Place I & II in Cleveland, OH

Pros

• Independence Place is described as a wonderful, clean, and affordable place to live.
• The staff, including Connie, Amber, Tina, Ioan, Dragan, and Greg, are consistently friendly, helpful, and attentive.
• The management team is proactive, cares about residents, and makes them feel at home.
• The maintenance team is professional, courteous, and quick to resolve issues.
• The apartments are modern, well-maintained, and located in a great, quiet neighborhood.
• The grounds and common areas are kept clean and inviting.
• The new ownership has implemented needed repairs, upgrades, and resident activities.
• Residents highlight the welcoming atmosphere and strong sense of community at Independence Place.

Cons

• The lease terms are onerous and essentially unbreakable, even in death, with deposits not refunded after choosing not to move in.
• Management is described as terrible, with never returning calls and ongoing rent increases paired with decreased maintenance.
• The ownership is accused of chaos, favoritism, and discrimination against tenants, suggesting they do not treat residents fairly.
• A significant leak occurred and emergency maintenance did not respond, raising safety concerns.
• The building is aging and may not be safe anymore.
• Rent increases are steep and burdensome, especially for seniors, including notable monthly hikes.

Review

Independence Place I & II in Cleveland is best suited for independent seniors who want clean, affordable apartments, a genuinely friendly on-site team, and a tangible sense of community. The property projects a calm, homelike atmosphere with well-kept grounds and a quiet neighborhood feel that appeals to residents seeking stability over flash. The staffing core stands out in reviews: Connie, Amber, and Tina repeatedly earn praise for warmth, problem-solving, and responsiveness, turning routine rent into a supportive living experience rather than a routine transaction.

That said, this community is not for everyone. Individuals who will require daily medical assistance, memory-care support, or higher levels of on-site care should consider alternatives, as Independence Place functions as independent living with some hospitality-type support rather than a full-service continuum of care. Rent and lease dynamics are notable sticking points for some residents. Several reviews describe regular increases tied to ownership changes, and others flag lease terms that feel rigid or opaque, including provisions around entry of belongings and a death-related clause that cannot be easily bypassed. Occasional concerns about communication and perceived favoritism also surface, suggesting that the experience can vary by unit and by staff assignment.

The strengths of Independence Place, however, often outweigh these drawbacks. Cleanliness and maintenance stand as repeatedly affirmed virtues, with modern, well-maintained apartments and common areas. Maintenance requests are typically addressed quickly, and the maintenance team - Ioan, Dragan, Greg, and others - receives consistent praise for professionalism and courtesy. The management team's proactive stance - addressing concerns, coordinating activities, and fostering a welcoming atmosphere - creates a sense of belonging that many residents emphasize as a core benefit. The location's convenience, in a quiet neighborhood with accessible shopping and services, reinforces the practical appeal for daily living.

Yet several practical caveats deserve close scrutiny. The building's age translates into occasional reliability questions for utilities and safety, especially when emergencies arise or when leaks occur, as one resident noted. Rent escalation tied to corporate policy, and the lack of clarity about what is included in the rent, can strain budgeting over time. Pet policy details and related restrictions can complicate life for animal lovers. A small but real thread of dissatisfaction appears in a few reviews regarding staff communication or management demeanor, underscoring that the overall experience can be uneven depending on the specific office team and property condition at any given moment.

For families evaluating this community, a disciplined, research-forward approach pays dividends. Schedule a thorough in-person tour with a checklist that probes apartment condition, floor plans, and the exact inclusions of the monthly rent. Read the lease carefully - especially sections on pets, balcony access, and the stated death-related provisions - and ask for real-world examples of how rent increases were handled during ownership transitions. Speak with current residents about responsiveness and consistency across both buildings, and request a candid accounting of emergency maintenance processes and response times. Engage with Connie or Amber to gauge ongoing accessibility and accountability, and observe communal areas and activity calendars to gauge whether the social life aligns with desired engagement levels.

Ultimately, Independence Place I & II presents a strong fit for independent seniors who prize a clean, well-maintained home and a warm, attentive staff within an affordable, neighborly setting. The evident improvements under new ownership - repairs, upgrades, and an expanding slate of resident activities - signal a property willing to evolve in the right direction. However, for those who require predictable pricing, transparent lease terms, unwavering maintenance reliability, or assured access to care services on-site, exploring alternatives with clearer governance and more comprehensive support may be prudent. The right choice hinges on balancing the comfort of a welcoming, well-kept home against the realities of aging infrastructure and the nuances of lease governance.

This area of Cleveland, Ohio offers a variety of amenities and services that may be appealing for seniors looking to live in the area. There are several pharmacies located within close proximity, making it convenient to access medication and healthcare needs. In terms of dining options, there are familiar fast food choices like Chick-Fil-A and McDonald's, as well as more casual options like Divot's Sports Bar. The presence of parks such as James Day Park and Cleveland Metroparks - Big Creek Reservation offer opportunities for outdoor recreation and leisure. Additionally, there are healthcare facilities nearby, including Southwest Family Physicians and CCF Fairview Hospital. Overall, this area provides a mix of conveniences and recreational opportunities that can cater to the needs and interests of seniors looking for a comfortable living environment in Cleveland.

Pharmacies

• Walmart Pharmacy (0.4 miles)
• Marc's Stores (0.7 miles)
• Walgreens (1.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2 miles)
• Marc's Stores (2.1 miles)
• MetroHealth Parma Medical Center - Pharmacy (2.3 miles)
• Walgreens (2.6 miles)

Restaurants

• Chick-Fil-A (0.7 miles)
• Kosta & Vics Restauran (1.9 miles)
• McDonald's (3.4 miles)
• Taco Bell (3.9 miles)
• McDonald's (4.1 miles)
• Divot's Sports Bar (4.1 miles)
• Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers (4.1 miles)

Parks

• James Day Park (1.5 miles)
• Cleveland Metroparks - Big Creek Reservation (1.9 miles)
• Surrarrer Park (3.6 miles)
• Primate Playground (4.9 miles)
• Strongsville Wildlife Area (5.1 miles)
• Metroparks Mill Stream Run Reserve North (5.3 miles)
• Bain Park (7.1 miles)

Physicians

• Cuyahoga County Board of Health (2.9 miles)
• Ent Allergy Health (3.1 miles)
• Southwest Family Physicians (4.4 miles)
• Allergy Diagnostic (7.1 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (3.4 miles)
• Metropolitan Coffee (4.3 miles)
• Starbucks (4.4 miles)
• Starbucks (6.3 miles)
• Starbucks (6.4 miles)
• Rising Star Coffee Roasters (7.1 miles)
• Ready Set Roasters (7.3 miles)

Transportation

• Cleveland-Hopkins International Airport (CLE) (5 miles)
• American Airlines Ticket Counter (5.2 miles)
• United Airlines Ticket Counter (5.2 miles)
• TSA Checkpoint C (5.2 miles)
• Concourse C (5.3 miles)
• Concourse B (5.4 miles)
• Hertz Rent A Car (5.6 miles)

Theaters

• Cinemark 383 Strongsville (6 miles)
• Cinemark At Valley View And Xd (6.6 miles)

Hospitals

• Benchmark Imaging Group (6 miles)
• CCF Fairview Hospital (6.4 miles)
• Trauma ICU (6.4 miles)
• Cleveland Clinic - Fairview Hospital (6.4 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Ignatius of Antioch Church (6.1 miles)
• St. Rocco's Church (6.5 miles)