Parkside at Estrabrook

Pros

• They found Parkside affordable for the duration of their stay.
• They had no issues with stolen packages or neighbors.
• Maintenance was generally on top of their work.
• The office staff were helpful when needed.
• The location is great.
• Parking was excellent, with a great secluded lot and free overnight visitor parking.
• The underground parking was a plus, especially in winter.
• The building was festive and adorable with holiday decorations.
• In updated units, the kitchen had ample counter space and updated appliances.
• The space itself was a good size with large closets.
• The mail room was secure.
• They received their full security deposit back.
• They had a good relationship with the front office and maintenance team.

Cons

• The maintenance was unresponsive and required hints of legal action before they fixed issues.
• Some hallways and the entry/exit doors looked rough.
• Front desk staff were unfriendly at times.
• Office hours were inconsistent and often vacant during designated times.
• Parking could be a hassle, especially in winter.
• A tour was arranged but the room had already been sold without notifying them.
• The rent was high for what was offered, with price increases after the first year.
• Electrical work was poorly done: upside-down outlets and motion-sensitive lights that misbehaved.
• Laundry was extremely expensive and many machines were out of service for long periods.

Review

Parkside, a Milwaukee-area rental option that sits along the Oak Leaf Trail and across from Estabrook Park, draws a wide range of experiences from its tenants. Over several years of living there and moving out, residents consistently point to the same core theme: it's a solid value for the price and a convenient location, but the experience can be uneven depending on your day-to-day interactions with management, the building's upkeep, and your expectations about community life. Some tenants praise the neighborhood, the access to parking, and the responsiveness of the maintenance crew, while others recount frustrating encounters with office staff, erratic hours, and maintenance gaps that can turn small annoyances into bigger headaches if not handled promptly.

A recurring positive thread is affordability coupled with a strong sense of location value. Several reviewers highlight Parkside as a good deal for what it costs, especially given the proximity to the Oak Leaf Trail, Estabrook Park, and a range of local amenities. The property is described as convenient for quiet living, with some tenants appreciating that despite being near a bustling corridor, it can feel peaceful inside the units. Parking is repeatedly praised, particularly the availability of an underground option and a large lot behind the building, which proves especially welcome in winter. There are also mentions of useful on-site perks - such as a secure mail room, a workout area, a community room, and the possibility of free overnight visitor parking - that contribute to a sense of being taken care of without paying a premium.

Maintenance quality is a mixed bag but skews toward the positive in several accounts. A number of residents say that when problems arise, maintenance staff respond promptly and effectively, contributing to an overall sense of reliability in the core services. There are, however, notable counterexamples where maintenance responsiveness faltered. One reviewer described a situation where the issue persisted until they hinted at potential legal action, after which the team finally addressed it. Another veteran resident lauds the maintenance staff by name, noting that the team is generally on top of their work. This duality - routine maintenance being solid, with occasional outliers - is a common theme that colors how people perceive the property, depending on which specific issue they encounter and when.

The leasing and office experience is where the narrative splinters the most. Several reviews recount positive interactions with the leasing office, especially when staff members go above and beyond to help with unexpected issues or to accommodate requests. On the other hand, there are multiple stories about unwelcoming or unresponsive office staff, inconsistent office hours, and tours that don't go as promised. One person's attempt to tour a room ended with the room being sold and no notification given in advance, causing frustration and a sense of wasted effort. Another reviewer recounts a history of inconsistent office hours that sometimes left tenants without access to packages or help during designated times. The sentiment here seems to hinge on which staff member you meet and at what moment you need assistance.

Housing quality and building ambiance present a spectrum as well. Some tenants describe the interior units as updated or well-appointed, with big kitchens, ample cabinet space, and pleasant bathrooms. Others detail quirks and issues: upside-down electrical outlets, motion-activated lights that misbehave, and doors that are finicky or hard to open. A common complaint is the cost structure of some amenities - most notably the laundry, which is described as expensive, with $1.75 per load for both washing and drying in one review - and a laundry system that, at times, has only partially worked with a finite number of machines available. Smells in hallways from neighboring tenants and odd maintenance quirks in specific units (like bedroom windows that are hard to operate) also appear in several accounts, coloring perceptions of the building's upkeep.

The social environment and resident mix are another point of divergence. Some reviewers note a quiet, mostly respectful community that includes a mix of college students, families, and seniors, with occasional social events that help foster a sense of community. There are mentions of a well-regarded holiday display and organized activities that make the building feel festive and neighborly. Conversely, other tenants describe the building as less inviting to visitors and friends, noting that it doesn't feel welcoming to the idea of a lively social life. One review specifically cautions that the property does not feel friendly to outgoing or socially active tenants, suggesting it's better suited for quiet, low-key living.

Security, safety, and the overall living experience also yield mixed verdicts. A number of tenants report positive experiences: no significant package theft, no major disputes with neighbors, and a generally safe feel. In contrast, there are alarming anecdotes about safety concerns - one review mentions weed odors in hallways and references to police involvement - creating a perception that safety can vary by unit or by time of day. These conflicting reports remind prospective residents to consider location and building condition as part of their due diligence, and to weigh the overall sense of safety against their own expectations for a comfortable living environment.

For anyone considering Parkside, the takeaways are practical and nuanced. If your priority is affordability, a serene setting, and easy access to outdoor trails and parks, Parkside can be a strong match - especially if you value on-site parking, a secure mail system, and occasional perks like community events. If, however, you want a consistently seamless experience with a universally welcoming leasing team, predictable office hours, and a perfectly maintained unit with zero quirks, you might find the reality more variable. Prospective renters should inquire about current office hours, lease terms, and what updates have been completed in the specific unit they're considering. It's also wise to confirm the status of the laundry facilities and any associated costs, as well as the building's approach to noise, smells, and common-area maintenance.

In the end, Parkside appears to be a place that works well for many residents, provided they enter with realistic expectations about the trade-offs. It's a property that shines when maintenance and management collaborate well, when the office staff are responsive and welcoming, and when the unit you choose aligns with your budget and lifestyle. But for those who prize perfect upkeep, unvarying customer service, and pristine common areas, the experience may be more mixed. The consensus is not that Parkside is flawless, but that it can offer genuine value and a comfortable home, especially for quiet, budget-conscious tenants who appreciate proximity to parks, trails, and convenient city access.

This part of Milwaukee, Wisconsin offers a convenient and accessible location for senior living. With multiple pharmacies nearby such as CVS Pharmacy and Walgreens, residents have easy access to necessary medications and healthcare supplies. There are also a variety of dining options including Estabrook Beer Garden, Kopp's Frozen Custard, and The Cheesecake Factory for enjoyable meals out. The area boasts several parks like Estabrook Park and Kern Park for outdoor relaxation and recreation. Additionally, there are reputable medical facilities in close proximity such as Wheaton Franciscan - St. Joseph Campus and Aurora Sinai Medical Center for any healthcare needs. Places of worship like Redemption Lutheran Church and Honey Creek Church provide spiritual support, while transportation options like U-Haul Moving & Storage and Milwaukee Intermodal Station offer convenience for travel needs. Overall, this area offers a well-rounded environment with amenities that cater to the needs of seniors looking for a comfortable and accommodating place to live.

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.2 miles)
• Walgreens (0.8 miles)
• Walgreens (1.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2 miles)
• Walgreens (2.4 miles)
• Walgreens (2.5 miles)
• Walgreens (3.5 miles)

Restaurants

• Estabrook Beer Garden (0.4 miles)
• Kopp's Frozen Custard (0.8 miles)
• McDonald's (1.1 miles)
• The Cheesecake Factory (1.3 miles)
• Culver’s (1.4 miles)
• Culver's (1.4 miles)
• The Brick Pub & Grill (2.2 miles)

Parks

• Estabrook Park (0.5 miles)
• Kern Park (1.7 miles)
• Atwater Park (2.1 miles)
• Red Arrow Park (4.2 miles)
• Brown Deer Park (4.3 miles)
• Lakeshore State Park (4.7 miles)
• Algonquin Park (5 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (2.6 miles)
• Colectivo Lakefront (3.7 miles)
• Starbucks (5.5 miles)
• Starbucks (6.1 miles)
• Colectivo Coffee (7 miles)
• Starbucks (7.1 miles)

Physicians

• Rheumatic Disease Center (2.8 miles)
• Aurora Nephrology (3.5 miles)

Hospitals

• Wheaton Franciscan - St. Joseph Campus (3.9 miles)
• Aurora Sinai Medical Center (4.4 miles)
• Aurora Psychiatric Hospital (6.4 miles)
• Rogers Memorial Hospital (6.4 miles)
• Froedtert Pavilion (7.1 miles)

Places of Worship

• Redemption Lutheran Church (4.4 miles)
• Northwest Baptist Church (5.9 miles)
• Honey Creek Church (7.1 miles)

Transportation

• U-Haul Moving & Storage (4.7 miles)
• Milwaukee Intermodal Station (4.9 miles)