Thompson Meadows in Saint Francis, WI

Pros

• They are satisfied with their stay at Thompson Meadows and would recommend the senior apartments to those who can afford them.
• It is a nice community for older people to maintain independence.
• The tour was very good, and the maintenance staff and leasing manager were helpful during the visit.
• The property offers a game room, activity rooms, personal garden plots, and a gazebo for enjoying nice weather.
• The surrounding area is quiet and free of heavy traffic, contributing to a pleasant environment.
• Everything is clean and well maintained.
• The front entrance is clearly marked, and the management team is friendly and welcoming.
• The apartments are beautiful and affordably priced, with beautiful surroundings and extras like personal garden plots.

Cons

• The entire building is infested with bedbugs.
• The management does not adequately treat the common areas; residents have had to pay to heat apartments, the sprays are ineffective, and bedbugs have spread to almost every unit.
• The building used to be nice, but now they're letting anyone move in, including bedbugs.
• The place is not nice to live in; residents are treated like prisoners.
• The management is very rude and unprofessional.
• Thompson Meadows loses power frequently and lacks emergency lighting in hallways and stairwells, making it dangerous when the power goes out.
• One reviewer felt too young to feel at home there and would feel like a misfit.
• The two-hour limit for visitors with small dogs is insane.
• It was too much of a hassle to get a place there.

Review

Thompson Meadows is best suited for independent seniors who want an affordable, quiet 55-plus living option with tangible amenities. The community works well for residents who value straightforward, budget-conscious apartments with utilities included in many plans, and who appreciate practical perks like personal garden plots, a game room, and a small social scene without the bustle of a larger campus. It appeals to those who prioritize a calm, low-stress environment, where movement is easy, parking is workable, and daily life can feel manageable. For families seeking simplicity and cost savings while keeping some light engagement on-site, Thompson Meadows checks several important boxes.

The obvious caveat is that this may not be the right fit for everyone. Those who require assisted living supports, ongoing medical monitoring, or robust on-site care should look elsewhere. A bedbug infestation that some reviews describe as pervasive, coupled with reports of ineffective treatments and residents sometimes bearing heating costs, raises serious health and comfort concerns that truly matter in long-term planning. Additionally, a pattern of what some describe as rude or inconsistent management, and tensions around rules and policies, can undermine stability for residents who crave dependable oversight and respectful interactions.

On balance, the pros do offset some drawbacks for the right resident. The building's cleanliness, quiet atmosphere, and approachable maintenance staff provide a solid foundation for independent living. Amenity-rich features - community rooms, garden plots, and a gazebo - encourage social connection and purposeful activity without leaving the property. The sense of security in a contained, low-traffic environment, along with the option to participate in familiar games and gatherings, contributes real value for seniors who value autonomy yet still want occasional engagement. For those who can tolerate the less reliable aspects, the affordability and basic comforts are meaningful.

Safety and reliability, however, are notable sticking points. Power outages have been frequent and, alarmingly, emergency lighting in hallways and stairwells is not consistently present, which compounds risk during outages and can render the elevator unusable. This combination heightens concerns for mobility-limited residents and for families evaluating who truly can live independently here long-term. While some residents report positive experiences with a responsive maintenance team and a secure building, others describe slow responses and management turnover that erodes confidence. Those factors matter, because consistent, proactive leadership often makes the difference in a community that relies on staff to coordinate repairs, renew leases, and enforce rules.

Prospective residents should verify several practical details before moving in. Ask current management for a concrete remediation plan and timeline if bedbugs have been an issue, and request a recent pest-control history. Verify the status of backup power, emergency lighting, and elevator reliability, and tour during different times to gauge how staff handle urgent needs. Clarify pet policies and guest rules (such as the two-hour limit for visitors with dogs) to ensure they align with lifestyle expectations. It is also wise to talk with multiple residents about their experiences with management and with the leasing process, to separate isolated anecdotes from ongoing patterns.

In the end, Thompson Meadows delivers a sensible, budget-friendly option for independent seniors who prize quiet, cleanliness, and light community life, with garden plots and social spaces that add meaningful texture to daily living. It is well worth considering for those who can tolerate occasional management friction, the looming threat of pests, and intermittent safety gaps. For anyone requiring consistent, high-level support, pest-free certainty, and rock-solid emergency systems, alternatives - preferably newer or more fully staffed communities - are worth exploring, even if they come with higher rents. The right choice hinges on balancing affordability and autonomy against pest control reliability and safety infrastructure.

The area of Saint Francis, Wisconsin, offers a variety of amenities and services that may be appealing to seniors looking for a convenient and bustling community. With several pharmacies within close proximity, easy access to restaurants ranging from casual to upscale dining options, and nearby parks ideal for leisurely strolls or picnics, residents here have everything they need within reach. Additionally, the presence of reputable hospitals and physicians ensures that healthcare needs are easily met. For entertainment, there is a cinema nearby for movie enthusiasts. The convenient transportation options make it easy to get around the city or travel further distances if needed. Overall, this part of Saint Francis provides a well-rounded environment for seniors seeking a vibrant and accessible place to call home.

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (1 miles)
• Walgreens (1.3 miles)
• Walgreens (2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.3 miles)
• Target Pharmacy (2.3 miles)
• Walgreens (2.7 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.9 miles)

Restaurants

• Papa Luigi's (1 miles)
• The Landing (1.1 miles)
• The Vanguard (2.2 miles)
• McDonald's (2.2 miles)
• Wendy's (2.3 miles)
• Franky's Newport Lounge (2.4 miles)
• Culver's (2.6 miles)

Parks

• South Shore Park (1.6 miles)
• Humboldt Park (2 miles)
• Runway Dog Exercise Area (3.9 miles)
• Henry Maier Festival Park (4 miles)
• Paliafito Park (4.1 miles)
• Lakeshore State Park (4.6 miles)
• Red Arrow Park (5.3 miles)

Cafes

• Hawthorne Coffee Roasters (2 miles)
• Starbucks (2.3 miles)
• Colectivo Coffee (2.7 miles)
• Colectivo Lakefront (5.7 miles)

Transportation

• MKE Runway (2 miles)
• Concourse C (2.2 miles)
• Concourse D (2.2 miles)
• Security Checkpoint (2.3 miles)
• Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport (MKE) (2.3 miles)
• Delta Ticket Counter (2.4 miles)
• Milwaukee Intermodal Station (4.9 miles)

Hospitals

• Aurora St Luke's South Shore (2.7 miles)
• Aurora St Luke's Medical Center (4.2 miles)
• Froedert Drexel Square Clinic (5.6 miles)
• Aurora Sinai Medical Center (5.6 miles)

Physicians

• Layton Avenue Dermatolgy Clinic (4.3 miles)
• Sports Medicine & Orthopedic Center (4.3 miles)
• Innovative Pain Care (5.8 miles)
• Greendale Health Center (6.7 miles)

Theaters

• South Shore Cinema Oak Creek, Wi (5.2 miles)