Archer Avenue Senior Residences

Pros

• They love the food and the peaceful atmosphere.
• The building is clean and quiet.
• It is a beautiful senior building.
• The facility is very nice and clean, and the people are very nice.
• The residents and staff are pleasant and welcoming.
• Her aunt found a great place to live there.
• Her mom has been there for almost five years, and the residents are wonderful.

Cons

• The building is poorly maintained, with leaking windows that let rain into the apartment.
• In winter the windows sweat and freeze, with up to three inches of ice on the inside.
• Management refuses to fix major problems and instead covers them up.
• One reviewer warned others not to move in.
• There is too much smoking.

Review

There's a mix of praise and caution tied to this building, with many residents highlighting the calm, homey vibe and good meals, while others point to serious maintenance problems that have left tenants frustrated. Several people mention the place as a peaceful, clean environment where meals are appreciated and the atmosphere feels quiet and comfortable. One couple even mentions the food and the tranquil ambiance as a major draw, expressing a desire to find an apartment there because the setting seems ideal for them.

On the flip side, a blunt warning cuts through the overall sentiment: do not move in. The strongest voice describes persistent neglect by management, detailing leaks that turn into actual water intrusion. The resident recalls rain pouring into an apartment, wintertime condensation and sweating windows that freeze, and as much as three inches of ice forming on the inside. According to this account, major problems are not fixed; instead, they're merely covered up. The tenant has been living there for five years and feels trapped, suggesting that the lack of pressure from tenants to leave is what keeps the issues unaddressed.

Amid the warnings, there are plenty of family-centered positive notes. Several references frame the building as a suitable place for seniors and loved ones. Phrases like "beautiful senior building" and mentions that a granny or mom stays there reinforce the sense that it can be a comfortable home for older residents. The recurring theme in these comments is cleanliness and a well-kept appearance, which contributes to the impression of a tidy, orderly environment that families appreciate.

The human side of the community comes through again and again. People who live there or visit speak of staff and residents who are pleasant, welcoming, and friendly. One reviewer notes having a "very good time" there and describes everyone as friendly, while another says the people who live and work in the building are "very nice." These remarks emphasize a strong sense of community and warmth, with family members expressing gratitude for the places their relatives can call home and the immediate sense of neighborliness that accompanies daily life.

Several comments reinforce the general cleanliness and the positive aspects of day-to-day life inside. Observations like "Very clean," "Very nice and clean facility," and "the residence are wonderful" appear repeatedly, contributing to a perception that the building is well-kept and that residents take pride in their surroundings. In addition to the cleanliness, some note good food as a standout feature, which helps explain why the place feels inviting to many seeking comfortable, low-stress living.

There's also a blunt, negative thread that cannot be ignored: the presence of smoking. At least one reviewer points out that there is "too much smoking," a factor that can significantly influence comfort and quality of life for current or prospective tenants, especially in a setting that is described as quiet and residential. This contrast - cleanliness and kindness on one hand, and smoking-related drawbacks on the other - adds to the overall sense that the experience at this building can vary greatly depending on personal priorities and the specific unit or floor someone ends up on.

Taken together, the comments sketch a picture of a building that many people find attractive for its peaceful environment, clean interiors, and supportive, friendly residents and staff, especially for seniors and their families. However, the strongest caution comes from a resident who describes serious maintenance neglect and risky living conditions, arguing that leaks, freezing windows, and unresolved issues degrade the living experience and undermine the building's otherwise positive aspects. The reality seems to be a blend of comfort and concerns, with the final impression heavily influenced by individual circumstances, the level of maintenance responsiveness, and sensitivities to smoking. If you're considering this place, it would be wise to visit in person, inspect current repair histories and conditions, talk to residents on the floor you're eyeing, and verify the smoking policy to ensure it aligns with your own comfort and health needs.

This part of Chicago, Illinois offers a diverse array of amenities that cater to seniors looking for convenience and leisure. With a variety of dining options ranging from local breweries to beloved pizza restaurants, there is something to satisfy every palate. Additionally, the proximity of multiple pharmacies ensures easy access to medication and healthcare necessities. For transportation, there are several public transit options available including CTA and Metra stations within a few miles, making it convenient for seniors to get around the city. The presence of parks provides opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation. Furthermore, the accessibility to healthcare facilities such as hospitals and physicians' offices ensures prompt medical attention when needed. Lastly, the presence of cafes allows for socializing over coffee or enjoying a meal with friends or family. Overall, this area offers a well-rounded environment that is conducive to senior living.

Restaurants

• Maria's Packaged Goods & Community Bar (0.5 miles)
• Marz Community Brewery (0.9 miles)
• The Barrel (1.2 miles)
• Portillo's (2.2 miles)
• Lou Malnati's Pizzeria (2.7 miles)
• Kaiser Tiger (2.9 miles)
• McDonald's (2.9 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (0.8 miles)
• Walgreens (1.1 miles)
• Walgreens (1.5 miles)
• Walgreens (2 miles)
• Walgreens (2.3 miles)
• Walgreens (2.4 miles)

Transportation

• CTA - Cermak-Chinatown (1.7 miles)
• CTA - Sox-35th Red (1.7 miles)
• CTA - Clinton (2.6 miles)
• Metra - LaSalle Street (2.6 miles)
• Jamba Union Station / Chicago (2.8 miles)
• Cta (2.9 miles)
• Ogilvie Transportation Center (3 miles)

Parks

• Ping Tom Memorial Park (1.7 miles)
• Coliseum Park (2.2 miles)
• Burnham Park (2.5 miles)
• Douglas Park (2.5 miles)
• Mary Bartelme Park (2.7 miles)
• Skinner Dog Park (2.7 miles)
• Skinner Bark Park (2.7 miles)

Physicians

• Illinois Eye Institute (1.9 miles)
• University of Illinois Mile Square Health Center: Near West Side (3 miles)

Hospitals

• University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System (2 miles)
• John H Stroger Jr Hospital (2.3 miles)
• Rush University Medical Center (2.3 miles)
• Shirley Ryan AbilityLab (4.2 miles)
• Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago (4.3 miles)
• Comer Children's Hospital (4.5 miles)
• St Bernard Hospital (4.5 miles)

Cafes

• Blue Bottle Coffee (3.4 miles)
• Intelligentsia Coffee (3.4 miles)
• Tiny Tapp & Cafe (3.5 miles)
• Wildberry Pancakes & Cafe (3.5 miles)
• Starbucks (4 miles)