Willo-Grove Apartments in Willoughby, OH

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 pool area is well-maintained with nice furniture and two high-end grills for residents to use.
• The manager Bill is described as the nicest person, knowledgeable and friendly.
• The location is great, close to downtown Willoughby and Willoughby Commons.
• The staff and maintenance are friendly, professional, and quick.
• The units have recently been remodeled with brand-new appliances.
• The apartments are spacious with ample closet space.
• The grounds are well-kept and the area feels peaceful.

Cons

• The rent has definitely shot up over the last few years.
• Mold grows on almost everything in the units.
• There is no ventilation and the AC is basically a window unit, making cooling in humid summers a challenge.
• Paper-thin walls mean neighbors are heard constantly.
• Bugs recur yearly, including bees, stink bugs, and earwigs.
• Rent prices jumped from about $800 to nearly $1,000, which many feel is not worth it.
• Snow removal was poorly handled, leaving cars stuck in unplowed lots.
• Management is described as horrible and unresponsive, including not returning security deposits after years.

Review

This community is best suited for older adults who want to stay close to downtown Willoughby, favor housing with updated interiors and strong on-site amenities, and can tolerate rising rents and some trade-offs in sound insulation. It appeals to residents who appreciate a peaceful, residential street setting coupled with convenient access to Willoughby's core: walkable proximity to shops, parks, and the downtown vibe. For long-time renters who value a sense of belonging and a property that continues to invest in common spaces, Willo-Grove often feels like a solid, livable option - especially when a renovated unit becomes available and management is responsive.

Those who should consider alternatives include tenants with heightened sensitivity to environmental issues or noise, and anyone prioritizing predictability and low operating costs. The most persistent cautions point to mold in some units, ventilation gaps, and frequent odors in older buildings, which can translate into costly remediation for residents. Several reviews recount small or dated kitchens, thin walls, and neighbor-caused disturbances that magnify evenings and weekends. This is not a hands-off option: laundry costs, occasional service delays, and a less predictable upkeep record in certain blocks demand careful scrutiny before signing.

The strongest positives come through in areas such as updated interiors, good-sized layouts, and a robust amenity package. Many units have been remodeled, with modern appliances and attractive common spaces that rival high-end properties in feel. The clubhouse, pool, and gym draw frequent favorable mentions, and the overall milieu at Willo-Grove can be quiet, safe, and well located. Service-minded staff and on-site maintenance are cited repeatedly as reliable, with several residents praising quick responses and professional work. For those who can leverage well-maintained, updated spaces, the upsides can feel substantial and tangible.

Yet the main drawbacks carry significant weight in a decision. The property rests on older construction, which translates into ventilation gaps and inconsistent climate control, with some units relying on window AC that struggles in humid summers. Mold complaints surface from time to time, and there are recurring concerns about pests and odors, especially in lower levels. Rent has a history of notable increases - some residents report double-digit jumps - which complicates budgeting for seniors on fixed incomes. Other irritants include small kitchens, pest issues, unreliable laundry machines, parking/driveway issues, and the perception that some management decisions or billing practices have fallen short.

The best balance of factors emerges for those who place a premium on location, social and recreational amenities, and a willingness to accept environmental caveats as manageable risks. The combination of renovated units in the right building, supportive staff, and strong near-term value can offset many concerns if the unit chosen enjoys modern appliances and solid soundproofing from neighbors. Prospective residents should approach with a clear plan: confirm the specific unit's mold history and ventilation setup, verify the current rent structure and any planned increases, and review the deposit and move-out policies before committing. Tours should include a close look at the laundry area, hallways, and parking conditions, along with a frank assessment of snow removal practices in winter.

In practical terms, Willo-Grove is a viable choice for seniors and others who prize a walkable Willoughby address, the lure of updated homes, and active common spaces, provided there is tolerance for rent escalations and older-building quirks. Those who cannot accept potential mold exposure, ongoing maintenance gaps, or inconsistent communication from management should look elsewhere and compare options with newer properties or buildings known for stronger environmental controls and steadier budgeting. Ultimately, a disciplined site visit - seeing several different units, meeting the management team, and asking for recent maintenance and pest-control reports - will determine whether this community aligns with the specific needs and financial realities of the household.

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)