Taylor Ridge

Pros

• It is a nice place for seniors.
• The complex is quiet and friendly, with a good location and nice communal spaces.
• The common areas are always clean, and residents seem happy and friendly.
• The apartments are clean and functional, and the management team is good.
• The staff is friendly, and they organize lots of group activities for residents.
• The common area hosts annual family gatherings, such as Thanksgiving.

Cons

• The reviewer warns that people 55 and older should not rent there.
• Residents reportedly do not have freedom to socialize; some individuals will tell on others.
• Areas are taped off and residents are not allowed to leave their apartments.
• The place is described as causing depression among residents.
• Residents feel they cannot do what they want and freedom is restricted.
• Normal apartment living freedoms are not allowed here.
• The reviewer indicates they may seek a different place for a family member with fewer restrictions.
• Rent is criticized as needing to be reduced due to lack of amenities.
• No community rooms and no socializing are allowed; residents must stay in their apartments.
• Management and maintenance are lacking.

Review

Taylor Ridge, an elderly apartment complex in Cottage Grove, seems to evoke a wide range of experiences from its residents. On one hand, several people speak warmly of the community and the basic comforts the residences provide. On the other, a different thread of reviews paints a more troubling picture, with feelings of confinement and restricted social interaction. Taken together, the reviews reveal a place with both noticeable strengths and serious concerns, depending on who you ask and what matters most to them.

One of the strongest criticisms comes from residents who feel their freedom to socialize is severely limited. They describe a climate where social activity is discouraged or policed, with phrases like "areas taped off," and warnings that residents are "no longer allowed to leave your apartment." The impression is of a facility that emphasizes containment over community, which in turn leads to a sense of isolation and depression among some tenants. The call for lower rent paired with fewer amenities reflects a belief that the current restrictions are not balanced by meaningful benefits, such as accessible social spaces or common areas where residents can gather freely.

Yet the complex is not uniformly viewed through a bleak lens. There are affirmations that Taylor Ridge can be a nice place for seniors, with mentions that "many residents" live there and that it is a "very nice place." These comments highlight communities where residents feel at ease and content, suggesting a sense of belonging and stability. The positive takes often focus on quietness, a favorable location, and the presence of communal spaces that feel inviting and usable - elements that many seniors appreciate as they navigate life after retirement.

Another recurring theme concerns management and maintenance. Some reviews explicitly state that "management and maintenance is lacking," which casts a shadow over the living experience for anyone who prioritizes prompt service and well-maintained facilities. However, this critique sits alongside more favorable observations about cleanliness and upkeep in other accounts, indicating inconsistency in experiences that may be tied to different building staff, times, or specific units.

There are also notes that the property offers a calm, quiet atmosphere and a sense of neighborliness. Comments about being "quiet" and "friendly," and about the presence of "nice communal spaces," point to a place where residents can enjoy a peaceful environment and opportunities to socialize in a more lower-key setting. This dimension of Taylor Ridge seems to resonate with residents who value a tranquil home life and a gentle social rhythm rather than a bustling, activity-laden community.

Several personal anecdotes underscore the mixed reality. For example, one reviewer describes their father's long residence at Taylor Ridge, highlighting that the common areas are "always clean" and that the residents appear happy and friendly. They note that while the apartments aren't "fancy furnishings" - lacking items like granite countertops or stainless steel appliances - the units are basic, clean, and functional. Crucially, they credit what they perceive as a "good management team," suggesting that reliable leadership can make a meaningful difference in the day-to-day experience even if the accommodations aren't luxurious.

Another touching account comes from a relative who visits frequently and attends Thanksgiving gatherings in the common area. This perspective emphasizes the human side of the community: the staff seems friendly, there are efforts to organize group activities, and the visitor notes no personal complaints despite not living there themselves. This anecdote illustrates how Taylor Ridge can function as a social hub for families and residents when its atmosphere is welcoming and its activities are well-attended.

Taken together, the reviews present a nuanced portrait of Taylor Ridge. The complex appears to offer a quiet, well-located living environment with clean common areas and a willingness from some staff to host and organize activities. At the same time, a tension exists between a desire for social freedom and the reality of restrictions that some residents perceive as heavy-handed. For prospective tenants or their families, the most important question may be how much value is placed on community activities and social freedom versus safety, structure, and affordability. In short, Taylor Ridge seems to deliver a solid, comfortable home for some, while others feel the environment fails to meet their expectations for independence and social engagement.

This part of Cottage Grove, Wisconsin boasts a variety of conveniences and amenities, making it an attractive option for seniors looking to settle down in a peaceful community. With a selection of restaurants nearby such as Black Bear Inn and McDonald's, dining options are easily accessible. Additionally, pharmacies like Hometown Pharmacy-Cott and Door Creek Pharmacy are within close proximity for any medication needs. For medical care, there are several physicians' offices in the area including Cottage Grove Eye Care and UW Health Cottage Grove Clinic. Nature lovers will appreciate the nearby parks such as Ravenwood Park and Door Creek Park for leisurely strolls or outdoor activities. Places of worship like Hope Lutheran Church provide spiritual fulfillment, while transportation services from Crown Lift Trucks and U-Haul offer convenient travel options. Cafes like Starbucks and Panera Bread offer cozy spots for socializing with neighbors, and Flix Brewhouse provides entertainment for movie enthusiasts. Overall, this part of Cottage Grove offers a blend of practical amenities and recreational opportunities for older individuals seeking a comfortable living environment.

Restaurants

• Black Bear Inn (0.2 miles)
• McDonald's (0.2 miles)
• 1855 Saloon & Grill (0.9 miles)
• Culver's (1.2 miles)
• Oakstone (1.3 miles)
• Don Maguey Mexican Restaurant (1.4 miles)
• Cottage Cafe (5.1 miles)

Pharmacies

• Hometown Pharmacy-Cott (0.2 miles)
• Door Creek Pharmacy (0.2 miles)
• Hometown Pharmacy (0.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.7 miles)
• Metro Market Pharmacy (3.6 miles)
• Metro Market (3.6 miles)
• Walgreens (5 miles)

Physicians

• Cottage Grove Eye Care (0.3 miles)
• UW Health Cottage Grove Clinic (0.9 miles)
• Johnson Health Tech North America (1.3 miles)
• TLC Laser Eye Centers (5.2 miles)
• Luskin Allan T Md Dean Health System East Clinic Madison (5.3 miles)
• Accuear Professional Hearing & Audiology Clinics (5.7 miles)
• UW Health East Clinic (5.8 miles)

Parks

• Ravenwood Park (1 miles)
• Door Creek Park (2.6 miles)
• Paradise Park (4.9 miles)
• Kingston Onyx Park (5.1 miles)
• Secret Places Park (5.4 miles)
• Owl's Creek Park (5.7 miles)
• Sunny Valley Park (5.9 miles)

Places of Worship

• Hope Lutheran Church (3.3 miles)
• Eastside Evangelical Lutheran (6 miles)
• McFarland United Church of Christ (6.4 miles)
• Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary Catholic Church (6.7 miles)

Transportation

• Crown Lift Trucks (5.3 miles)
• U-Haul (7 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (5.5 miles)
• Panera Bread (5.7 miles)
• Starbucks (6 miles)
• Mcfarland House Ca (6.7 miles)

Theaters

• Flix Brewhouse (5.6 miles)