Prairie Oaks Senior Housing II in Verona, WI

Pros

• Prairie Oaks is described as a friendly and welcoming community.
• The maintenance and management team are responsive, respectful, and helpful.
• Prairie Oaks is a homey, clean, and safe place to live.
• Laura and Gary are very helpful with apartment dealings and repairs.
• Laura is patient, responsive, efficient, and goes out of her way to meet residents' needs.
• Residents would recommend Prairie Oaks to others, noting its safe suburban location and nearby amenities, with community events like popcorn Tuesdays adding a nice touch.

Cons

• They left two emails and several calls requesting a tour of Prairie Oaks ll Apartments, but there was no response and the voicemail had not been set up.
• No one answers the phone during office hours or returns calls, and they have been trying to get their security deposit back for 2.5 months, with the reply that the check is in the mail.
• There were no one-bedroom units available.

Review

Prairie Oaks Senior Housing II in Verona is best suited for seniors who want a warm, home-like environment with a clearly adult, respectful community. The reviews repeatedly highlight a friendly, supportive staff and a maintenance team that is responsive and matter-of-fact about getting things done. Residents describe the atmosphere as safe, quiet, and inviting, with a neighborhood feel that makes it easy to settle in. The combination of clean, comfortable spaces and a social rhythm - events like popcorn Tuesdays and regular staff engagement - pushes Prairie Oaks II toward the top for those who prioritize personal attention and a sense of belonging over flashy amenities.

That said, not every senior will find it a perfect fit. Prospective residents who require consistently brisk administrative responsiveness should scrutinize the operations, because several reviews note difficulty reaching the office by phone or getting timely return calls. A persistent issue is refund timing on security deposits, with reports of delays stretching into months. Availability can also be a limiting factor: several units described as having "nice views" and good-sized rooms, yet a scarcity of one-bedroom layouts means couples or solo residents seeking that specific plan may face compromises or longer waits. For some, this administrative friction and unit-type constraint outweigh the comfort and community advantages.

The strongest arguments in favor - staff warmth, hands-on maintenance, and a true sense of home - often offset the cons in practical terms. When repairs or apartment-related requests arise, the maintenance and management teams are praised for speed, courtesy, and reliability, and a couple of standout staff members (notably Laura and Gary) receive frequent commendations for flexibility and responsiveness. The homey feel is reinforced by a clean, well-kept environment and safety assurances that come from a small-community vibe: neighbors know each other, and staff are readily available to help. For families prioritizing day-to-day livability and a supportive culture, these advantages commonly trump the administrative headaches.

Daily life at Prairie Oaks II centers on comfort, accessibility, and social connection. Residents describe a suburban setting with convenient access to a few nearby restaurants, straightforward mailbox routines, and posted cues that create a predictable routine. The physical campus - patios, heated parking, and a sense that living spaces are intentionally designed to feel like a residence rather than a care facility - supports independence while still offering backup when needed. The presence of simple, regular events provides meaningful opportunities for interaction, helping new residents integrate quickly. However, the lack of immediate one-bedroom availability and the potential distance within the property should be considered for those with specific layout or mobility needs.

From a cost and value perspective, Prairie Oaks II presents a sensible package in a Verona market where suburban advantages carry practical weight. Pre-tour notes mention options like heated parking and a bundled expectation that hot water and municipal services are included, which can simplify budgeting compared with utilities being billed separately at other communities. The core value rests on the combination of price with the tangible benefits of safety, accessibility, and a welcoming staff. Prospective residents should confirm current rates, what is included in the monthly fee, and how pricing might change as unit inventory shifts. The deposit issue underscores the importance of clarity and timely administration as part of the overall value equation.

In short, Prairie Oaks II is a strong fit for seniors who prize a genuine, neighborly atmosphere and dependable maintenance, paired with a safe locale and manageable daily rhythms. It excels for those who value staff-driven warmth and a home-like environment over sheer modernity or a wide array of floor plans. Alternatives should be considered by families prioritizing flawless administrative communication, guaranteed immediate access to preferred unit types, or newer facilities with broader unit variety. The next steps are clear: arrange a tour with the understanding that availability may limit immediate moves, verify the office's communication reliability, and ask direct questions about unit type options, deposit timelines, and what inclusions currently apply to pricing. With careful evaluation, Prairie Oaks II can be a lasting, comfortable choice for the right resident.

This part of Verona, Wisconsin offers a variety of amenities that cater to seniors looking for convenience and accessibility. With multiple restaurants nearby such as Draft House Bar & Restaurant, McDonald's, and Arby's, there are plenty of dining options to choose from. Additionally, there are several pharmacies in the vicinity including Walgreens and Verona Hometown Pharmacy for easy access to medications. For medical needs, there are several physician offices such as Meriter Medical Clinics and UW Health Verona Clinic within a short distance. Parks like Veterans Park and Badger Prairie Park offer opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Cafes like Grace Coffee provide a cozy atmosphere for socializing or enjoying a cup of coffee. The area also has theaters like AMC Fitchburg 18 for entertainment options. Overall, this part of Verona provides senior residents with a well-rounded community with various amenities and services to enhance their quality of life.

Restaurants

• Draft House Bar & Restaurant (0.1 miles)
• McDonald's (0.6 miles)
• Arby's (0.7 miles)
• Jimmy John's (0.7 miles)
• The Sow's Ear (0.9 miles)
• Cahoots (1.1 miles)
• Sugar River Pizza (1.2 miles)

Places of Worship

• West Madison Bible Church (0.8 miles)
• Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (1.5 miles)
• Heritage Congregational Church (2.2 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.8 miles)
• Verona Hometown Pharmacy (0.9 miles)
• Home Town Pharmacy (0.9 miles)
• Walgreens (1.8 miles)
• Walgreens (3.3 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (3.5 miles)
• Walgreens (4.1 miles)

Physicians

• Meriter Medical Clinics (1 miles)
• UW Health Verona Clinic (1.4 miles)
• Advanced Madison Eye Care (2.6 miles)
• Newstart, Outpatient Services (3.1 miles)
• Westside Family Pet Clinic (3.7 miles)
• 21st Century Oncology (3.8 miles)
• Sokol Advanced EyeCare (4 miles)

Parks

• Veterans Park (1.1 miles)
• Badger Prairie Park (1.2 miles)
• Thompson Park (1.3 miles)
• Blue Mound State Park (1.6 miles)
• Flagstone Park (1.6 miles)
• Fireman's Park (1.7 miles)
• Pilgrim Park (2.7 miles)

Cafes

• Grace Coffee (1.6 miles)
• Epic - Cassiopeia (2.1 miles)
• Starbucks (4.1 miles)
• Panera Bread (4.9 miles)
• Paoli Schoolhouse Shops & Cafe (5.1 miles)
• Moka (6 miles)
• Starbucks (6.1 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Fitchburg 18 (3.3 miles)
• Point Cinema Madison, Wi (3.9 miles)

Hospitals

• Cell Line Genetics (4.6 miles)