Willo-Grove Apartments

Pros

• The apartments are updated nicely inside.
• The price is fabulous, especially in these times.
• The common area is nicer than many hotel lobbies.
• The clubhouse, pool, and gym look recently remodeled.
• The manager, Bill, is the nicest person - knowledgeable and friendly - and even helped move a box.
• The staff and maintenance are friendly, professional, and quick to respond.
• The units were recently remodeled with brand-new appliances.
• The apartments are spacious with lots of closet space.
• The location is great: a quiet side street close to downtown Willoughby and Willoughby Commons.
• The pool area has high-end grills for residents to use and is well-maintained.
• The fitness center and pool are awesome.

Cons

• The rent has jumped significantly in recent years, making it less affordable.
• The buildings are old and have poor ventilation, relying on window-type AC units that don't cool well in humid summers.
• Mold is a recurring issue, reportedly causing damage to belongings.
• The kitchens are very small, making cooking difficult.
• The on-site laundry is overpriced and frequently malfunctioning.
• The walls are paper-thin, so neighbor noise is easily heard.
• There are regular pest problems, including bees, stink bugs, and earwigs.
• Rent increases and extra charges led to financial strain, including double-charging and disputed deposit deductions.
• Management has been described as rude or discriminatory and has engaged in gaslighting.
• A fatal incident occurred in a unit with alleged attempts to conceal it.

Review

Willogrove is a long-standing complex that leaves a mixed but real impression on its residents. For many, it has been a stable home for years, even decades, and that sense of continuity shines through in the way the place is described by people who've lived there through multiple seasons of rent increases and city changes. One reviewer notes a mother who has lived there for more than 20 years, underscoring a sense of staying power and familiarity that pops up in many back-and-forths about this property. The general mood among longtime tenants combines affection for the neighborhood and building with frank observations about what has changed over time.

On the bright side, Willogrove earns consistent praise for its location and the feel of the property when you walk in. The complex sits on a quiet side street with easy access to downtown Willoughby and the Willoughby Commons area, which makes for pleasant walks to coffee shops, parks, and other amenities. Reviewers repeatedly highlight the peace and quiet of the area, a feature that matters a lot to people who value a calm living environment. The interiors are described as updated and well-kept, with several mentions of recently remodeled units that boast brand-name appliances and a sense of newness that stands out against older builds. The clubhouse, pool, and gym are cited as looking modern and well-maintained, suggesting that the community invests in shared spaces and keeps them in good shape.

The management and maintenance teams also come up repeatedly in positive notes. Residents describe staff as friendly, knowledgeable, and responsive, with maintenance crews that are quick to address issues. In several accounts, the on-site manager is singled out as upbeat and helpful, sometimes going beyond the call of duty, such as assisting with a move or offering practical, human-scale assistance during a transition. Even the amenities get high marks from many tenants: a functioning pool when open, a well-appointed common area, and a gym that people actually use and enjoy. The size of the apartments is another plus for many residents, with ample closet space and a sense of roominess that makes even larger spaces feel comfortable, especially for someone living alone.

Yet Willogrove's strengths are counterbalanced by several persistent concerns that recur across the reviews. A frequent thread is the cost: multiple people note that rent has risen sharply in recent years. Some acknowledge that pricing may reflect market conditions and the value of the upgrades, but others - particularly seniors and longer-tenured residents - express anxiety about affordability and the perception that the cost of living there is creeping beyond what they can justify. One historical note reminds readers that rent was much lower in earlier decades, offering a contrast that underscores the real financial pressures that come with year-to-year increases.

Infrastructure and in-unit conditions also show a mixed picture. Several reviewers point to old construction in parts of the building, with some units lacking modern HVAC systems; window air conditioners and humidity issues are described as common, especially in the hotter months. Mold is mentioned by multiple tenants, with some reporting it as a recurring problem that affects comfort and even personal belongings - stories of mold affecting furniture, clothing, and bedding are alarming and highlight real quality-of-life concerns. First-floor units are singled out by some as being more prone to mold, while others note strong odors and ventilation problems. On a related front, several reviews mention a small kitchen layout that can make cooking feel cramped, a contrast to the otherwise generous square footage found in some units. Laundry, meanwhile, is a point of friction for some residents: coin-operated machines are costly, prone to issues, and the service company responsible for maintenance is described by at least one reviewer as difficult to reach.

Noise and neighbor relations add another layer to the experience. Paper-thin walls mean neighbors' conversations, footsteps, and TV sounds can travel, depending on the unit and the exact arrangement of floors and apartments. This is not uniformly negative - some residents report having respectful neighbors and being able to tolerate typical apartment living - yet it remains a significant factor for those who want quiet evenings at home. Pest issues, such as bees, stink bugs, and earwigs, recur in several accounts, reinforcing the sense that residents must sometimes live with upkeep challenges that are not purely cosmetic.

Finances and move-out experiences showcase the more difficult side of the Willogrove story. A number of reviews mention missteps with billing, such as a month where rent was double-charged and auto-deduction caused financial strain during a cross-country move. Deposit disputes also appear in the narrative, with one reviewer feeling penalized for damages they believed were not their responsibility and for which they had previously been assured would not be charged. These financial slip-ups add stress to an already complicated life event - moving across the country - and leave a residue of mistrust in administrative processes for some tenants. Other incidents, including a significant blinds replacement request and a subsequent charge, contribute to a sense that communication with staff can be uneven, with some residents feeling that promises do not always translate into fair outcomes.

Despite these challenges, the complex does not lack defenders. A sizable portion of residents speak warmly of the on-site team - especially the managers and maintenance staff - whose day-to-day professionalism and willingness to help make up for other shortcomings. The amenities' appeal, the modern touches in remodeled spaces, and the strong sense of community contribute to an overall impression that, for many, Willogrove remains a viable, even attractive option. For people prioritizing location, updated common areas, and accessible outdoor spaces, the complex offers substantial value, especially for those who can tolerate or mitigate issues like ventilation, mold, and occasional billing glitches.

In the end, Willogrove presents itself as a place with a clear set of trade-offs. It delivers a strong neighborhood feel, convenient proximity to downtown and parks, and well-maintained common spaces with updated interiors. It also carries legitimate concerns that prospective tenants should weigh carefully: the potential for mold and ventilation problems, aging infrastructure, noise from thin walls, occasional pest issues, and the reality of rent increases that outpace some households' budgets. For seniors and long-term renters who prize stability and a friendly local staff, Willogrove can still be a good home - provided you choose a unit carefully, inspect for dampness or odor, and have a frank conversation with management about costs, maintenance plans, and what to expect in the way of repairs and billing.

This part of Willoughby, Ohio offers a variety of amenities that cater to senior living. With numerous restaurants such as Panini's Bar and Grill, The Wild Goose, and Ballantine within close proximity, residents have plenty of dining options to choose from. Additionally, there are several pharmacies nearby including Rite Aid and Walgreens for convenient access to medications. For healthcare needs, there are multiple physicians' offices such as Physician's Pavilion and Family EyeCare Clinic in the area. Places of worship like Saint Mary Magdalene Parish provide spiritual support for seniors. Parks like Coulby Park and Lake Metroparks Farmpark offer opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. The nearby hospitals such as Lake Health and University Hospitals ensure quality healthcare services are easily accessible. In terms of convenience, cafes like Starbucks are also situated within driving distance. Overall, this neighborhood in Willoughby is well-equipped to meet the needs of seniors looking for a comfortable and convenient living environment.

Restaurants

• Panini's Bar and Grill (0.3 miles)
• The Wild Goose (0.6 miles)
• Ballantine (0.7 miles)
• Barrio Willoughby (0.7 miles)
• McDonald's (0.8 miles)
• Beal's Pickles 'n' Pints (0.9 miles)
• El Palenque (1.1 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Willoughby Commons (0.5 miles)

Pharmacies

• Rite Aid (0.8 miles)
• Lake Health Pharmacy - West Medical Center (1 miles)
• Walgreens (1.2 miles)
• Discount Drug Mart (1.5 miles)
• Walgreens (2.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.3 miles)
• Marc's Stores (2.4 miles)

Physicians

• Physician's Pavillion (1 miles)
• Family EyeCare Clinic (1.9 miles)
• Murphy Paul DDS MSD (2.2 miles)
• Dr Timothy Kowlski (2.3 miles)
• Visiting Physicians Association (2.5 miles)
• Lampl Barry A DO (2.6 miles)
• Cleveland Clinic - Willoughby Hills Family Health Center (2.9 miles)

Places of Worship

• Saint Mary Magdalene Parish (2.3 miles)
• St Andrew Byzantine Catholic Church (6.2 miles)

Parks

• Coulby Park (4.1 miles)
• Willow Park (4.3 miles)
• North Chagrin Reservation (4.9 miles)
• Whiteford Park (5.6 miles)
• Overlook Beach Park (5.7 miles)
• Lake Metroparks Farmpark (6.1 miles)
• Holden Arboretum (6.2 miles)

Hospitals

• The Cardinal Clinic by Lake Health (5.8 miles)
• Mentor Surgery Center (6.8 miles)
• Lake Health (6.9 miles)
• University Hospitals (7.4 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (8 miles)