Simeon Square Retirement Community in Michigan City, IN

Pros

• Simeon Square is clean, well cared for, and safe.
• It is conveniently located close to Immanuel Lutheran Church.
• The rooms are nice and affordable, with attractive life-lease options.
• Maintenance covers utilities and yard work, snow plowing, and other upkeep.
• The pastor fully recommends Simeon Square to his own family.
• Prospective residents are invited to tour with managers and residents who are happy to answer questions.

Cons

• The reviewer is skeptical that seniors would want to buy an apartment, noting that few have $62,000 or $70,000.
• The reviewer implies that the church and living facility profit from a resident’s death.
• The reviewer warns buyers to beware due to inconsistent pricing on the units.

Review

Simeon Square Retirement Community in Michigan City is best suited for seniors who want value-driven, semi-ownership living within a small, church-centered setting. It appeals to those who can mobilize upfront capital and prefer predictable, long-term costs over rent escalations. The life-lease concept and ongoing maintenance coverage create a home-like environment without the daily burdens of ownership, while a location adjacent to Immanuel Lutheran and an active church network promises built-in social life, meals, and activities. This is the choice for independent-minded residents who prioritize financial predictability and a stable, community-focused routine over a traditional rental apartment experience.

Those who should consider alternatives include households without substantial upfront liquidity or those seeking a straightforward month-to-month rental with maximum flexibility. Prospects who anticipate needing higher levels of care soon, or who want a path to exit that is clearly simple and fully cash-refund oriented, may find other communities more aligned. Pets can be a deciding factor, yet the pet policy isn’t crystal clear, and pricing ambiguity has left some potential buyers unsure. In short, any buyer who values transparent, single-track pricing and immediate, turnkey flexibility should explore other options.

The standout pros center on the financial architecture and bundled services. Two-bedroom units run around $70,000 and one-bedroom about $62,000, with maintenance fees covering heat and water and most routine upkeep. When contrasted with renting, where $1,100 monthly rent plus utilities can accumulate to well over $200,000 in 15 years, the life-lease approach can offer a far more stable long-term cost. The life-lease plans spell out long-horizon value: a front-loaded payment that depreciates or ends with reduced or zero equity, combined with a fixed monthly maintenance charge. Residents benefit from a clean, well-kept campus, with maintenance, yard work, and snow removal handled for them, plus a sense of safety and a social ecosystem built around the church community and regular activities.

The primary drawbacks are concrete and worth weighing. The upfront capital requirement is substantial, and the pricing structure itself can be confusing, thanks to multiple plans and lines of comparison. Reports of inconsistent quotes between units and plans create hesitation for newcomers seeking a clear apples-to-apples comparison. There is also the uncomfortable notion that equity may be tied to the resident’s stay and that the community, or affiliated church, may realize some benefit when a resident passes; this can feel unsettling to families oriented toward straightforward inheritance or refund expectations. With only a handful of reviews and mixed ratings, it is prudent to approach with rigorous questions and a written, side-by-side price analysis before committing.

Nevertheless, the financial upside can still be compelling for the right profile. When long-term residence is the objective, upfront costs translate into lower ongoing outlays and a predictable, maintenance-light lifestyle. The bundled services, standard maintenance, groundskeeping, snow removal, and common-area upkeep, reduce unexpected expenses and preserve cash flow, while the community’s church affiliation provides a built-in social framework that supports independence and reduces isolation. The result is a compelling value proposition for seniors who want to stay engaged, stay connected, and avoid the volatility of traditional rent while preserving a tangible sense of place and belonging.

For decision-makers, Simeon Square is a strong fit for those who value financial predictability, community cohesion, and a near-term church-aligned lifestyle, and who can commit to the upfront life-lease model. Those seeking a simple, month-to-month arrangement or who require more flexible exit options should compare aggressively with alternatives that offer clearer pricing and easier refunds. A prudent step is to request a detailed, written comparison of all available plans, verify the current upfront numbers, and confirm pet policies and room-availability. Conversations with current residents will illuminate day-to-day life, while a guided tour paired with explicit questions about refunds, depreciation timelines, and maintenance coverage will ensure the choice aligns with long-term health, mobility, and lifestyle goals.

Hospitals

• Franciscan Express Care (0.1 miles)
• Franciscan St Anthony Health (1.6 miles)
• Wound Care Center At Saint Anthony Hospital (1.7 miles)
• La Porte Hospital (9.6 miles)
• Iuhlp Liquidation (9.6 miles)

Physicians

• Urgent Care Center (0.1 miles)
• Health Partners Medical Group (0.1 miles)
• Katariwala Nasar M MD (0.1 miles)
• Lakeshore Bone & Joint (0.3 miles)
• MyEyeDr (1.1 miles)
• Franklin Clinic (1.1 miles)
• The Centre For Contemporary Dentistry (1.4 miles)

Places of Worship

• Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (0.7 miles)
• Queen of All Saints School (0.8 miles)

Restaurants

• Frosty Boy (1 miles)
• El Cajete (1 miles)
• McDonald's (1 miles)
• Carlson's Drive In (1 miles)
• Bubbles Ice Cream Parlor (1 miles)
• Rios Mexican Food (1.1 miles)
• Wendy's (1.1 miles)

Cafes

• Biggby Coffee Shop (1 miles)
• Starbucks (1.4 miles)
• Panera Bread (2 miles)
• Fluid Coffee Roasters (2.1 miles)
• Lakeshore Coffee & Specialties (2.2 miles)
• Dune Billies Beach Cafe (2.4 miles)
• Oink’s Ice Cream and Yogurt (9.5 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (1 miles)
• Walgreens (1.3 miles)
• Walgreens (1.4 miles)
• Meijer Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2 miles)
• Health Mart Pharmacy (2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3 miles)

Transportation

• Carroll Avenue Station (1.4 miles)

Parks

• Creek Ridge County Park (1.4 miles)
• Washington Park & Beach (2.8 miles)
• Red Mill County Park (6.2 miles)
• Mount Tom (9.6 miles)

Theaters

• AMC CLASSIC Michigan City 14 (1.5 miles)