The Arbordale

Pros

• Residents at The Arbordale feel welcomed and appreciate the sense of community that resembles family.
• The staff is described as friendly, accommodating, and attentive, always taking the time to engage with residents.
• The apartments are spacious, beautifully remodeled, and equipped with modern amenities like full kitchens and in-unit washers/dryers.
• Many residents enjoy the variety of activities available, including social gatherings, game rooms, and craft areas.
• The facility's location near walking and biking trails provides residents with access to nature and recreational opportunities.
• Residents have expressed satisfaction with the quality of meals offered by the on-site chef and appreciate that they have options for cooking their own meals as well.
• New residents report making many friends quickly due to the welcoming atmosphere and numerous social events available.
• Overall cleanliness of the community is consistently praised by residents who feel comfortable in their living environment.

Cons

• The dinner meal is mentioned as the least favorite aspect of living at The Arbordale.
• Some residents did not participate in outings and felt limited to bridge groups and parties.
• One visitor noted that the staff seemed more interested in making a sale than addressing their concerns during the tour.
• A reviewer mentioned that while the apartments were nice, they were not as spacious as desired.
• There is a lack of comprehensive amenities provided, such as cleaning and electric utilities, which some residents may find disappointing.
• Some apartments have very high shelves, which could be inconvenient for residents.

Review

The Arbordale community has garnered a reputation for its welcoming atmosphere and personalized touch, making it feel like home for many residents. Several individuals have expressed their fondness for the facility, emphasizing how the staff creates an environment that not only welcomes newcomers but also fosters a sense of belonging. Residents appreciate the familial bond that develops among them, often citing their shared experiences and interactions as one of the highlights of living there. For those looking for independent living options, The Arbordale stands out as a commendable choice in a crowded market.

One recurring theme among various reviews is the size and layout of the apartments. Many residents have noted that The Arbordale offers spacious layouts with notable features such as huge closets, full kitchens, and amenities like stackable washer/dryer units. Some apartments even come with beautiful patios that provide an inviting outdoor space where residents can enjoy nature. This emphasis on spaciousness appeals particularly to those who may be downsizing from larger homes yet still desire ample living areas. Despite some comments noting high shelves in kitchens requiring extra care when reaching for items, most agree that overall comfort in their living spaces is paramount.

The dining experience at The Arbordale received mixed feedback. While some enjoyed the quality of meals provided three days a week by a chef—who accommodates dietary restrictions—the consensus is that meal provisions vary based on personal preference. Some residents prefer cooking for themselves using their fully equipped kitchens, which adds to their independence. A few mentioned dissatisfaction with dinner options offered, indicating room for improvement in this area; however, breakfast options are appreciated by those who take advantage of them.

Beyond the living arrangements and meals, The Arbordale fosters an active lifestyle through numerous facilities and activities tailored to engage residents socially and recreationally. With amenities such as game rooms, libraries, craft areas, sewing rooms, pool tables, fitness centers, and organized outings available to all residents, many find plenty of opportunities to participate without having to leave the community grounds regularly. It’s apparent from testimonials that social interaction is encouraged within this vibrant setting; card games and community gatherings are common pastimes among friendly neighbors fostering deeper connections.

Equally important is The Arbordale's location adjacent to walking and biking trails along North Walnut Creek—a feature that many describe as both scenic and enjoyable while connecting them with nature and local wildlife. This accessible outdoor space enhances the enjoyment of pet ownership in this community; dedicated units accommodate pets directly entering into outdoor areas without navigating stairs or long corridors. For individuals keen on maintaining an active lifestyle alongside their furry companions or simply enjoying leisurely walks amidst nature’s beauty, this aspect of The Arbordale appears highly valued.

Ultimately, feedback suggests an overall satisfaction level among individuals who made The Arbordale their home—many expressing they could not have chosen better places for retirement living or independent lifestyles after significant life changes such as moving from long-time residences or previous communities they occupied previously. While some minor concerns were raised regarding specific services or apartment sizes during tours conducted by prospective residents exploring options available—it seems clear from glowing testimonials about resident happiness following moves here—that The Arbordale remains committed to continuous improvement while nurturing its already warm atmosphere blended seamlessly with modern convenience suitable enough for new adventures ahead.

This area of Urbandale, Iowa offers a variety of amenities and services that may be appealing for seniors looking to relocate. There are several restaurants nearby, including Teds Coney Island West and Viva Mexican Restaurant, as well as cafes like Panera Bread and multiple Starbucks locations. For healthcare needs, there are several physicians' offices and pharmacies within a short distance, such as Urbandale Family Physicians and Walgreens. Nearby parks like Lions Park provide opportunities for outdoor activities, while theaters like Flix Brewhouse Des Moines offer entertainment options. Places of worship like Covenant Presbyterian Church cater to spiritual needs, and hospitals like Mercy Franklin Center are easily accessible for medical emergencies. Overall, this area offers a convenient and diverse range of services that could contribute to a comfortable living environment for seniors.

Restaurants

• Teds Coney Island West (0.1 miles)
• Jethro’s BBQ n’ Bacon Bacon (1.6 miles)
• Valley West Mall (1.7 miles)
• Viva Mexican Restaurant (1.7 miles)
• McAlister's Deli (1.8 miles)
• The Keg Stand (2 miles)
• Olive Garden (2 miles)

Cafes

• Panera Bread (0.2 miles)
• Starbucks (1.6 miles)
• Starbucks (1.7 miles)
• Starbucks (2 miles)
• St Kilda Collective (3.3 miles)

Physicians

• Urbandale Family Physicians (0.2 miles)
• Iowa Nebraska Primary Care (1 miles)
• Dermatology & Dermatologic Surgery Center (1.1 miles)
• Woodard Hearing Centers (1.1 miles)
• Christian Eye Clinic (1.3 miles)
• Allergy Institute, PC (1.4 miles)
• Heartland Plastic Surgery (1.6 miles)

Pharmacies

• Onnen Co. (1.1 miles)
• Walgreens (1.3 miles)
• Walgreens (1.4 miles)
• MedPharm Iowa (1.5 miles)
• Walgreens (1.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.8 miles)

Parks

• Lions Park (1.4 miles)
• Kawanis Park (3.1 miles)
• Terra Park (3.3 miles)

Theaters

• Flix Brewhouse Des Moines (1.8 miles)

Places of Worship

• Covenant Presbyterian Church (2.3 miles)
• Shepherd Of The Valley (2.7 miles)

Hospitals

• Mercy Franklin Center (2.6 miles)
• Iowa Methodist Medical Center (2.7 miles)
• Spay Clinics (3.1 miles)
• Mercy Medical Center West Lake (3.3 miles)