Highland Village Apartments II in Watertown, WI

Pros

• They note a nice apartment, nice people, and fun activities.
• They enjoy the wide range of extra activities and the shows provided.
• They really like the quiet, clean neighborhood with a secure lobby.
• Sherry, the manager, keeps tenants informed with monthly meetings and there is always something going on for those who join in.
• Residents seem friendly and tend to stay long-term.
• They moved in years ago and still love living there.
• Highland Village is a good find; the apartment is nice and handicap accessible, and the location is favorable.
• The views from the windows are great, with open fields, distant farms, and maple trees.
• There are plenty of activities to join, including transportation options like a bus to the grocery store.

Cons

• They describe the security deposit issue as souring the entire experience.
• They waited over a month for any update on the return of their security deposit.
• They were told they should receive an itemized statement within 21 days, but it took 42 days to arrive.
• They characterize the back-and-forth as due to poor excuses and a lack of accountability.
• They report that no one answers the phone, making inquiries about availability frustrating.
• They refer to Horizons' takeover as turning the place into a horrible environment with high turnover.

Review

Highland Village Apartments II in Watertown is best suited for independent seniors who want a comfortable, apartment-style environment with a lively but optional social calendar, quiet surrounding streets, and easy access to medical facilities and groceries. Residents who prize privacy and stability but still desire opportunities to engage, whether through planned activities, outings, or informal gatherings, will find the community’s rhythm appealing. The property delivers a secure lobby, clean common spaces, and floor plans that emphasize accessibility and easy maneuverability. For someone seeking a long-term home with a backdrop of open views and a neighborhood vibe, the combination of friendly neighbors and a manager who coordinates day-to-day life supports a satisfying, low-stress living experience.

But there are clear cautions for those weighing alternatives. Prospective residents should be wary if management transparency and dependable financial handling are non-negotiable. The property has endured management turnover since Horizons took over, and several reviews flag concerns about security policies and how visitors are managed. A pattern of difficulty reaching the office by phone appears in multiple accounts, and disputes around security deposits and refunds have caused real stress during move-out. For someone who depends on consistent communication and predictable financial practices, the uncertainties here warrant careful scrutiny and a plan to verify current policies before committing.

On the credit side, the positives stack up for residents who engage with the community. Apartments are described as clean, comfortable, and maintainable, with some units offering practical accessibility features that can ease aging in place. The grounds feel quiet and well-kept, and the security lobby gives a reassuring first impression. The calendar of activities, including shopping buses, social events, and culturally flavored programs, provides meaningful options for social connection or a light, enjoyable schedule if participation is desired. The manager, Sherry, is repeatedly praised for responsiveness: addressing repair requests promptly, welcoming new residents, and leading monthly meetings that keep people informed and connected to what’s happening in the building.

However, the main concerns cannot be dismissed. The 80 percent turnover claim after Horizons’ takeover signals deeper instability that can affect everything from maintenance responsiveness to overall community cohesion. Security and visitor policies remain a topic of discussion among long-time residents, suggesting a lack of settled, transparent protocols. The sense that the operation can shift with ownership means new residents should be prepared for potential adjustments and should seek explicit assurances about policies that affect daily life and personal safety. Even when the living space is solid, the surrounding management environment can color the entire experience.

In weighing the pros against the cons, the strongest offset comes from the social fabric, accessibility, and practical amenities that support independent living. For someone who values proximity to doctors and groceries, the peaceful rural-urban blend on the backside of the property is a meaningful bonus, as are the frequent activities and the active engagement opportunities. The solid management presence of Sherry when she is available adds a buffer against some of the administrative friction, especially for those who prioritize a responsive point person for repairs and questions. Yet potential residents should enter with eyes open: the financial transparency issues and turnover signals demand proactive diligence, documented move-out terms, written deposit policies, and a clear path for escalating concerns.

The bottom line is pragmatic: Highland Village II is a credible, comfort-oriented option for independent seniors who want a community with character, convenient access to services, and a strong social component. It works best for residents who can navigate occasional management churn and who place a premium on an active lifestyle within a quiet, accessible setting. Those who require consistently flawless administration, predictable financial handling, or guaranteed stability may be better served by alternatives with a steadier leadership track record and clearer, more rigid policies. For the right buyer, someone who wants to plug into a welcoming community while remaining self-reliant, this residence can be a solid, satisfying home, provided diligence is applied to confirm current practices and to establish a reliable line of communication with the management team.