Island Place in Wausau, WI

Pros

• Island Place is an awesome place to live.
• The management team is thoughtful and responsive.
• Sandy, Kelly, and the maintenance staff are welcoming and helpful.
• The office staff, including Sandy and Kelly, are prompt in answering questions.
• The building is secure and meticulously cared for.
• The grounds are beautifully kept and close to walking trails and the river.
• The furnished apartments are wonderful and have everything residents need.
• The residents are kind and the community is welcoming.
• The Commons area is fun and inviting for family and friends.
• Housekeeping and cleanliness are excellent, and the complex is well maintained.

Cons

• They would give zero stars if that were possible.
• They paid a security deposit for a unit that later turned out not to be available month-to-month.
• The agency refused to refund the deposit, saying it would be extra work.
• They never signed a lease but could not get their deposit back.
• They received confusing communications and an automated account-deactivation email with no clear refund details.
• They were charged a stop-payment and NSF fees without being told a reimbursement check would be issued.
• The doors were locked and there was no staff to discuss availability, which felt very unprofessional.
• The management company was horrible, with rude treatment and poor garbage containment.

Review

Island Place in Wausau is best suited for independent seniors who prize a walkable riverfront setting, easy downtown access, and a built-in social fabric. It delivers a true sense of community with readily available amenities and a staff consistently praised for responsiveness. The property also attracts traveling professionals and contract workers who value furnished units and flexible leasing options, including month-to-month arrangements, making it a practical solution for short assignments. For residents who want to stay engaged, the river walk, nearby farmers market, library, and organized social gatherings create a daily life that feels less like a rental and more like a small town.

Those who require robust on-site care, advanced accessibility features, or a budget-first independent option should consider alternatives. A few reviews flag that the building is older and not the most modern, with visitor parking occasionally limited. A minority of residents report higher rents for what is offered, and at least one negative review highlights missteps around deposits and communication, suggesting variability in management quality. Prospective residents should verify current leasing terms, confirm visitor parking, and assess whether the expected level of administrative responsiveness aligns with needs.

On the upside, Island Place shines in staff reliability and upkeep. Multiple accounts sing of a clean, secure environment with well-kept grounds and meticulous common areas. The management team - Sandy, Kelly, Roy, and Gloria - consistently handles maintenance quickly and remains genuinely welcoming. Residents praise the quiet atmosphere, minimal hallway noise, and the sense of safety that comes with secure entrances. Furnished units and river-facing views, along with pet-friendly policies and easy access to trails, further bolster the appeal for independent seniors who want convenience without sacrificing charm.

The strongest offset to the cons is the community's liveliness and practical conveniences. The social calendar, coffee gatherings, and a library turn Island Place from a mere residence into a place where neighbors become friends. For traveling nurses and contract workers, the combination of furnished spaces, flexible leasing, and proximity to downtown creates a ready-made solution that reduces relocation friction. The river walk and nearby parks deliver real lifestyle value, making daily routines - walks, pet care, casual meetups - feel deliberate rather than incidental. In short, the positives tend to outweigh the drawbacks for residents who place high importance on people, place, and convenience.

Nevertheless, those who place top priority on parking logistics, price sensitivity, or formal senior-focused services should test the waters carefully. Limited guest parking can complicate visits, and the rent can be a stretch for fixed incomes in an older building. Island Place is not a care facility, so those needing robust on-site care should explore alternatives in the independent-living or assisted-living spectrum. A candid tour - with questions about leasing terms, maintenance response times, and any association fees - will reveal whether the current state aligns with expectations.

Ultimately, Island Place stands out as a practical, community-driven option for independent seniors and short-term residents who value location, social connection, and a well-managed environment. It is less suitable for those seeking the latest amenities, tight budgets, or guaranteed senior-focused services. Prospective residents should confirm leasing terms, parking policies, and the exact level of staff support before committing, and should speak with current tenants to gauge consistency. When these factors align, Island Place offers a compelling, livable option that can feel like home rather than housing.

This area of Wausau, Wisconsin offers a variety of amenities and services that may be appealing for senior living. With several parks nearby such as Isle of Ferns Park and Riveredge Parkway, residents have opportunities for outdoor recreation and leisurely walks. There are also multiple dining options including McDonald's, Jalapenos Mexican Restaurante & Bar, and Red Eye Brewing Company for convenient meal choices. Access to medical care is readily available with physicians like Dr. Kirk DeYoung and Aspirus Family Physicians within a short distance. Additionally, there are places of worship in the vicinity such as St Michael Catholic Church and Our Saviors Lutheran Church for spiritual support. Transportation options like the D bus make it easy to get around the area, while pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS provide convenient access to medications. Hospitals like North Central Health Care are also nearby for any medical emergencies or ongoing healthcare needs. Overall, this part of Wausau provides a mix of amenities that can support a comfortable and convenient senior living experience.

Parks

• Isle of Ferns Park (0.2 miles)
• Riveredge Parkway (0.4 miles)
• Marathon Park (1 miles)
• Riverlife Playground (1 miles)
• Merrill Ave Triangle (1.5 miles)
• Scholfield Park (1.8 miles)

Restaurants

• McDonald's (0.2 miles)
• Jalapenos Mexican Restaurante & Bar (0.3 miles)
• Red Eye Brewing Company (0.5 miles)
• Lil' Ole Winemaker Shoppe (0.5 miles)
• Hmong Eggroll (0.5 miles)
• KFC (0.5 miles)
• Chatterbox Bar (0.7 miles)

Physicians

• Dr. Kirk DeYoung (0.3 miles)
• Aicher David J DDS - Aicher David J, DDS - Advanced Dental Professionals (0.4 miles)
• Aspirus Family Physicians (0.9 miles)
• Michael Umland MD (0.9 miles)
• Bridge Clinic (1.2 miles)
• Bridge Community Health Clinic (1.2 miles)
• American Telepsychiatry (1.2 miles)

Cafes

• Whitewater Music Hall (0.3 miles)
• Biggby Coffee (1.1 miles)
• Starbucks (1.3 miles)
• Panera Bread (1.3 miles)

Places of Worship

• Institute of Christ the King (0.4 miles)
• Nulifesong Outreach (0.4 miles)
• Wausau Bible Church (0.8 miles)
• St Michael Catholic Church (1 miles)
• Our Saviors Lutheran Church (1 miles)
• Rocket Industrial Sales Meeting (1.7 miles)
• Remnant Student Ministries (1.7 miles)

Transportation

• D bus (0.4 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (1.1 miles)
• Young's Pharmacy (1.1 miles)
• Young's Drug Store (1.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.1 miles)
• Walgreens (1.3 miles)
• Trig's Floral & Home (1.4 miles)
• Young's Drug Store (1.5 miles)

Hospitals

• Safe Kids Wausau Area (1.4 miles)
• North Central Health Care (1.7 miles)
• Westhill Professional Building (2.3 miles)
• Aspirus Behavioral Medicine Clinic (2.3 miles)
• Oakview Professional Building (2.3 miles)