Dogwood Plaza

Pros

• A hidden gem for senior living.
• The apartments are very clean and nicely sized.
• Wonderful place to live.
• Nice apartments.
• Great staff.
• The community area is bright and clean.
• It is great and affordable.
• Most residents are pretty nice.

Cons

• There are not enough parking spaces.
• A resident parks a trailer on the street, making it hard to see when leaving the property.
• Sidewalks near the handicap parking are chewed up.
• Residential raised gardens were taken down.
• The gym room has only two working machines; other machines are non-working.
• No internet is provided, though heat, AC, water, trash, and electric are paid for.
• A few residents push political and religious agendas that upset others.
• Management is hardly present, and complaints go unheard.
• The new president of residents is viewed as a dictator-like figure, causing unhappiness and staff departure.
• Residents can be cruel to others not of their faith and file complaints to force them to move out.
• Visitor parking is very limited.

Review

This senior living community presents itself as a mixed bag of practical advantages and noticeable drawbacks, shaping a picture that many residents and visitors navigate with a blend of appreciation and frustration. The most consistently praised feature is the size and layout of the apartments themselves: all one-bedroom units, described by several residents as awesome and spacious, with many saying the accommodations are both cozy and livable. For those seeking affordable housing, especially where rent is income-based, this place can feel like a solid match. The overall ambiance among most residents is friendly, and some visitors, including caregivers and Meals on Wheels volunteers, describe the place as clean and welcoming.

Parking and external access emerge as the most persistent headaches. There isn't enough parking for visitors, which leads to heavy reliance on street parking. The situation is exacerbated by a resident who parks a trailer on the street, creating a visibility hazard when leaving the property. Sidewalks near handicap parking have been reported as chewed up, and at one point raised gardens were taken down, contributing to a sense that the property's outdoor maintenance and safety features aren't as robust as they could be. A few reviews even note limited visitor parking as a constraint, which can put extra pressure on guests and caregivers who are trying to coordinate visits or deliveries.

Inside the building, maintenance and amenities don't always live up to expectations. The gym room is a frequent point of contention: two machines are often working (a treadmill and an exercise bike), while many other machines are non-functional, leaving residents with only a partial workout option. Internet access isn't provided, though heat, air conditioning, water, trash, and electricity are all taken care of as part of the living arrangement. While some residents enjoy a bright and clean community area and express gratitude for the comfortable, one-bedroom apartments, others view the gym and recreational facilities as underutilized or poorly maintained, which can dampen the appeal for active seniors seeking routine fitness options onsite.

Social dynamics within the community add another layer of complexity. Most residents are described as nice and friendly, but there are ongoing tensions around political and religious conversations that some find intrusive or divisive. A subset of residents pushes political or religious agendas aggressively, and there are accounts of residents feeling unsettled or upset by others who attempt to push beliefs on them. In particular, concerns about a specific group or behavior hint at cliques or social dynamics that can make certain conversations or interactions uncomfortable. Some residents advise that you either ignore the more heated voices or deal with the friction, but the degree of social pressure can still feel burdensome to those seeking a peaceful environment.

Management and governance are central to the overall experience, and they color many reviews with concern. Several comments describe management as hardly present, with complaints going unheard or treated as if deaf ears were turned toward them. A notable point of contention is the leadership structure within the resident community: a new president of residents has been described in strongly negative terms by some, likened to characters from the movie Mean Girls. This leadership is said to have created a sense of subjugation among many residents, and at least one long-time staff member quit in response to the dynamic. In contrast, others acknowledge a capable manager who is described as great but perhaps too accommodating or a "push-over" when faced with pressure from the president. The resulting impression is of a living community that would benefit from clearer governance, more resident cohesiveness, and a management presence that consistently supports residents rather than seeming to be swayed by internal political dynamics.

Despite these challenges, there are numerous testimonials of warmth and value. Some residents or their families highlight that a caregiver or family member found the community to be a good home, and a delivery person notes that it works well for their Meals on Wheels route. A few people vividly describe the place as a hidden gem, especially when they factor in the affordability and the pleasant, bright communal spaces. The overall sentiment is not one of overwhelming dissatisfaction, but rather a realistic, nuanced view: it can be a wonderful place to live if you can navigate the social climate, the management gaps, and the practical inconveniences that come with limited parking and a gym in need of maintenance.

In the end, this community seems best suited for seniors who value affordability, privacy, and one-bedroom independence, and who can tolerate a degree of social friction and sporadic management attention. If residents are comfortable addressing parking issues, contributing to a more respectful and inclusive social environment, and advocating for better facility maintenance, many will likely find the apartments themselves appealing and the day-to-day life manageable. For others, especially those who prioritize a consistently responsive management team and trouble-free recreational facilities, the experience may feel more challenged by the governance dynamics and operational gaps. Overall, it stands out as a solid option with clear caveats - promising for the right resident, but not without its ongoing tensions and logistical hurdles.

This part of Boise, Idaho offers a variety of amenities within close proximity, making it a convenient and accessible location for senior living. There are several restaurants nearby offering a range of dining options, as well as cafes for leisurely outings. Additionally, there are reputable physicians and medical facilities in the area, ensuring easy access to healthcare services. For entertainment, there is a movie theater just a short drive away. The presence of pharmacies provides convenience for medication needs, while the nearby park offers opportunities for outdoor activities and recreation. Overall, this neighborhood boasts a good mix of essential services and recreational options that cater to the needs and interests of seniors looking for a comfortable living environment in Boise.

Restaurants

• Jack In The Box (0.4 miles)
• Burger King (0.7 miles)
• California Mexican Foo (0.8 miles)
• Sonic Drive-In (1.1 miles)
• Café Zupas (1.2 miles)
• Red Lobster (1.2 miles)
• Applebee's (1.3 miles)

Physicians

• Goltry, VL, M.D. – E.N.T. Specialist – Head & Neck Surgeon (0.5 miles)
• Orthopaedic Associates: Emerald Office (0.8 miles)
• Jon Getz, MD - General Surgeon (0.8 miles)
• St Alphonsus Regional Medical Center (0.9 miles)
• Primary Health Medical Group West Boise (1 miles)
• Gem State Family Eyecare, PC (1.2 miles)
• Dermatology Clinic of Idaho - Boise (1.3 miles)

Cafes

• The Human Bean (0.7 miles)
• Dutch Bros Coffee (1 miles)
• Starbucks (1.5 miles)
• Starbucks (1.5 miles)
• Dutch Bros Coffee (2.2 miles)
• Dutch Bros Coffee (3.2 miles)
• Western Collective (3.2 miles)

Hospitals

• Surgical Care Affiliates (0.8 miles)
• Primary Health Urgent Care (1 miles)
• Intermountain Hospital Otptnt (2 miles)
• Southwest Idaho Advanced Care Hospital (2.2 miles)
• The Caughlin Clinic (2.4 miles)
• Spot International (2.6 miles)
• St Alphonsus Regional Medical Center (3.2 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (1 miles)
• Walgreens (1.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.4 miles)
• Albertsons Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (2.1 miles)
• Fred Meyer Pharmacy (2.2 miles)
• Walgreens (2.2 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Edwards Boise & IMAX (2.5 miles)

Parks

• Willow Lane Athletic Complex (3.2 miles)