Stonecrest Apartments

Pros

• Residents love every event that is planned for them.
• The facility is nice and always clean.
• Two to three times a month, the administration sponsors activities beyond what the Resident Council plans.
• The building is well kept and clean.
• It is close to grocery stores, pharmacies, banks, and other shopping.
• Stonecrest has a full-time service coordinator.
• It is a HUD building with rent set at 30% of income, making it affordable.
• The onsite manager and staff are very professional.

Cons

• Some reviews describe the community as very ghetto.
• The front desk clerk was dismissive, ignoring requests and returning to his computer.
• Residents felt there was very bad management and poor treatment by staff in the past.
• A resident's mother was treated rudely by staff at a community event.
• There are many cliques and gossip among residents, making it unfriendly.
• The facility is criticized for disrespectful staff and unfit living spaces.
• People would not recommend this place to any elderly person.
• Some residents reportedly refused vaccines and had COVID, potentially spreading it to others.

Review

Stonecrest appears to be a senior housing community that elicits a wide range of experiences from its residents. Some people paint a picture of a thoughtfully managed, affordable place where the administration has made meaningful improvements, while others describe ongoing frustrations with management, staff interactions, and social dynamics among residents. Taken together, the feedback suggests a community with real strengths - clean facilities, accessibility, and an active calendar of events - alongside persistent challenges related to governance, communication, and resident culture.

Several reviews highlight a turning point driven by changes in leadership. One resident notes that after a period of poor management and restrictive practices during the pandemic, things began to loosen up about 1 1/2 years ago when a new administrator and staff arrived. According to that account, activities that had been suspended or limited were reopened, and the administration began sponsoring events that complemented what the Resident Council organized. The sentiment is that these efforts helped residents feel treated more like people and provided a sense of vitality and community. In the same vein, another reviewer emphasizes that the building is well kept and that the management team now actively fosters engagement, with additional activities several times a month and ongoing improvements being made.

Yet not everyone shares the same level of optimism. A number of comments center on dissatisfaction with how things were run previously and how some residents continue to see or experience friction within the community. There are references to "gossip and hurtful" behavior among a minority of residents, and some caution that negative talk should not deter others from moving in. A few accounts echo concern that social dynamics - such as cliques or unkind interactions - can color daily life, even as others acknowledge substantial progress and a friendlier environment under new leadership. The mixed feelings underscore that, for some, the social climate can be as influential as the physical space itself.

Personal anecdotes underscore both warmth and stumbling blocks. One long-time resident's family recounts a time when the resident's mother, a donor and council member, was treated poorly at a bazaar event after she brought a handmade quilted tablecloth - a moment that left the family questioning how much respect was being shown to longtime contributors. There is also a provocative remark about vaccination and COVID history among residents, with a view that some people have been resistant to vaccination and have experienced illness and transmission. Together, these stories illustrate a community that values generosity and involvement but can encounter lapses in courtesy or health-related tensions that shape day-to-day experiences.

The descriptions of the living environment range from strongly critical to appreciative. A brief, sharp comment - "Very ghetto" - appears alongside more detailed praise about the physical aspects of the property: "the facility is well kept and clean," and the location is praised for its proximity to groceries, pharmacies, banks, and other amenities. Specific positives include an on-site manager and staff, the presence of a full-time service coordinator, and a HUD-backed model where rent is set at 30% of income. Reviewers frequently mention that there are activities almost every day and that there is a sense of regular programming that helps residents stay connected and engaged.

Affordability and convenience clearly shape much of the appeal. The community emphasizes accessibility for seniors, with limited occupancy to 62+ and a subset of units designed for mobility challenges. The HUD framework and the proximity to daily necessities create practical value for residents who need stable, predictable housing that fits a modest budget. In addition, the building's location near a bus line, a coffee shop, and multiple banks makes routine tasks relatively easy and supports a degree of independence for residents who prefer not to rely on private transportation.

Overall, the picture that emerges is of a place with real potential and genuine strengths. For seniors seeking affordable housing with an active social calendar, Stonecrest can offer a supportive environment, reliable maintenance, and helpful staff. At the same time, the community's success depends on ongoing attention to leadership, respectful interactions, and effective management of social dynamics among residents. Prospective residents - especially those who value organized activities and affordable, well-located housing - may find Stonecrest a good fit, provided they also consider how the current climate of governance and community culture aligns with their expectations for daily life and neighborly engagement.

This part of Des Moines, Iowa, offers a variety of amenities that cater to the needs of seniors. With pharmacies such as Kayser Hearing Aid & Audiology and Walgreens located within close proximity, access to medication and hearing assistance is convenient. Additionally, there are several physicians' offices nearby, including Kayser Hearing Aid & Audiology Centers and Parks Area Family Physicians, ensuring easy access to healthcare services. The area also boasts a selection of restaurants like Dairy Zone and Heather’s Kitchen for dining options. In case of emergencies, hospitals like Unity Point Health and Mercy Medical Center are just a short distance away. For leisure activities, Stone Park provides a peaceful outdoor retreat while Cinemark Altoona And Xd offers entertainment options. Overall, this part of Des Moines offers a well-rounded community with essential resources for senior living.

Pharmacies

• Kayser Hearing Aid & Audiology (0.1 miles)
• Walgreens (0.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.7 miles)
• Target Pharmacy (3.7 miles)
• Walgreens (4.5 miles)
• Walgreens (4.8 miles)

Physicians

• Kayser Hearing Aid & Audiology Centers (0.3 miles)
• Iowa Oral And Maxillofacial Surgeons PC (1.1 miles)
• Parks Area Family Physicians (1.6 miles)
• Penn Medical Center (2.5 miles)
• Iowa Health Cardiology (2.5 miles)
• DMOS Orthopaedic Centers (2.5 miles)
• DaVita East Des Moines Dialysis (2.5 miles)

Restaurants

• Long John Silver's (1.8 miles)
• Dairy Zone (1.8 miles)
• The Depot (2.3 miles)
• The BUD TENT (2.4 miles)
• Tasty Tacos (2.6 miles)
• Smokey Ds BBQ (3 miles)
• Heather’s Kitchen (3.2 miles)

Hospitals

• Unity Point Health (2.6 miles)
• Mercy Medical Center 7 South (3.2 miles)
• Mercy Hospital Pediatric Unit (3.2 miles)
• Select Specialty Hospital-Des Moines (3.3 miles)
• Mercy River Hills Surgery Center (3.3 miles)
• UnityPoint Health - Iowa Methodist Medical Center - Emergency Department (4.1 miles)
• North 3 - IMMC (4.1 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (3.9 miles)
• Starbucks (4.3 miles)

Parks

• Stone Park (4.4 miles)

Places of Worship

• Saylorville Baptist Church (4.5 miles)

Theaters

• Cinemark Altoona And Xd (4.9 miles)