Cedarwood

Pros

• The management, led by Lena Nash, has transformed Cedarwood into a place residents can call home.
• Lena Nash is described as an amazing, hardworking, caring manager who ensures residents are well taken care of.
• The leasing office staff, especially Lena, are kind, professional, and responsive to residents' needs.
• Maintenance and cleaning staff are praised for timely work orders and keeping units clean.
• The community is noted for being friendly, safe, and conveniently located near shopping, parks, and medical facilities.
• Upgrades in management and Lena's leadership have greatly improved the resident experience.
• New residents feel welcome and supported by the management team.
• The property is described as beautiful, well-kept, and pleasant to live in.
• The management team is credited with going above and beyond to make life easier and reduce stress for residents.

Cons

• The reviewer says the apartment is the worst they have ever seen.
• Everything was a disaster upon move-in and nothing was clean.
• The refrigerator is very old and disgusting.
• Management seems to care more about money than tenants' well-being.
• The reviewer regrets moving here.
• The price is expensive.
• The previous management was difficult and the community was described as ghetto under them.

Review

Cedarwood is painted in the memories of many long-time residents as a quiet, friendly place to raise a family. For years it was described as a calm, well-kept community where neighbors looked out for one another and the staff - often praised as attentive and professional - added a layer of reassurance. The general spirit was one of appreciation for the location, the convenience of nearby shops and parks, and a sense that the living environment was solid and dependable. Yet, as with any community, the mood is a tapestry of voices, and the threads so often come down to who is overseeing the place at any given time and what's happening inside the building.

That tapestry shifted sharply on January 2, 2025, when a fire was set in front of a resident's door. In the aftermath, tenants reported a lack of hallway cameras and the absence of clear answers from management regarding the investigation. The incident left several residents feeling exposed and vulnerable, and it cast a shadow over a place many had previously praised. The heart of the tension was not just the event itself, but the sense that the management's priorities might be misaligned - caring for dollars over the day-to-day well-being of residents. A 14-day notice with conditions was issued to the resident who needed to retrieve clothing and belongings, intensifying the sense that safety and fair treatment were now core questions for the community.

Despite that rough turn, the narrative around Cedarwood is not one-note. Numerous residents express gratitude for specific staff members who kept the place moving forward. Temp manager Jesse is credited by some for stepping in during a tough stretch, with maintenance crews and cleaners also singled out for their hard work. Several reviewers point to the price of living at Cedarwood as a concern, noting it's expensive, and many urge the installation of cameras both inside and outside to bolster security and peace of mind. The underlying message across these voices is a call for balance: maintain the quality of life and community spirit while ensuring the financial and safety aspects are in line with residents' expectations.

From the moment Lena Nash began to be seen as the lead manager, a bright thread reappeared in the Cedarwood story. Lena's presence is repeatedly associated with transformation. Review after review highlights her as a dedicated, caring, and highly responsive manager who makes a tangible difference in the day-to-day lives of residents. Comments describe her as a great listener, someone who works hands-on to keep units available and clean, and a manager who will go above and beyond for her residents. The appreciation for Lena isn't isolated to a single quarter or a few weeks; it runs through years of feedback, including notes about her leadership, her respectful tone, and her willingness to roll up her sleeves even during long days.

The sentiment extends beyond Lena to the broader leadership shift that several residents credit with stabilizing and elevating the Cedarwood experience. Lang Nelson is frequently named in tandem with Lena as the force behind upgrading management and bringing in Lena Nash as head manager. Across multiple generations of residents - five, seven, ten years and more - the sense is that the community finally has a leadership team that listens, responds, and delivers. Jeanette at the front desk is also mentioned as effective and personable, reinforcing a picture of a staffed environment where residents feel seen and valued. In this ecosystem, the physical surroundings - lobbies that look well-kept, lobby areas that are clean, and a front-facing team that meets residents with courtesy - are all part of a larger narrative about respect and accountability.

For many who have called Cedarwood home for a long stretch, the change in management has produced a palpable shift toward a more welcoming, stable, and resident-focused culture. The reviews speak to a sense of pride: a community that is not merely a place to live but a place that feels like home because the people in charge genuinely care about the residents' well-being. Positive reflections about the neighborhood's safety, its proximity to shops and services, and a generally pleasant living atmosphere run side by side with heartfelt praise for Lena's leadership and the ongoing improvements she has overseen. Long-time residents often mention that the community has shed a previous image they once worried about and that it now stands as a place where families can feel secure and supported.

Amid the sea of praise, a few voices offer more critical notes. Some residents recount a difficult move-in experience, finding bathrooms and refrigerators in less-than-ideal condition, and characterizing certain earlier interactions with management as unhelpful or frustrating. There is also a recurring call for lower costs and more transparent explanations about fees and service charges, along with a consistent demand for upgraded amenities (like cameras or better security features) that would further reassure tenants. These comments are not wishing away the improvements but rather complement the overall portrait with a sense that there is still work to be done to meet every resident's expectations.

Taken together, the story of Cedarwood is one of renewal anchored by strong leadership. A community that once faced significant turnover and dissatisfaction now speaks in a chorus about Lena Nash's care, Lang Nelson's strategic upgrades, and a front desk and maintenance team that strive to respond quickly and thoughtfully. The recurring themes are safety, responsiveness, and a genuine commitment to making Cedarwood feel like a home rather than just an apartment complex. While concerns remain - cost, the desire for more cameras, and the prickly memories of past management - the prevailing tone is one of appreciation for a management team that listens, acts, and continues to cultivate a living environment where residents can thrive. In this light, Cedarwood appears poised to keep growing into the kind of community that many residents already celebrate: a place where neighbors are friendly, the grounds are cared for, and a leadership team that residents trust will stay the course.

Located in the heart of Crystal, Minnesota, this neighborhood offers a variety of essential services and amenities for seniors. With multiple physicians' offices nearby, including Northwest Family Physicians PA and Partners In Pediatrics, residents have easy access to medical care. Pharmacies such as CVS and Walgreens are also within a short distance for convenient prescription refills. For dining options, there are several restaurants like Big Louie's Bar & Grill and Culver's close by. Additionally, beautiful parks like Twin Lake Beach Park and French Regional Park provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and leisurely walks. Places of worship such as Elim Church Center and Fridley United Methodist Church are easily accessible for those seeking spiritual fulfillment. In case of emergencies or more serious medical needs, hospitals like Regency Hospital and Unity Hospital are just a short drive away. Overall, this area offers a blend of healthcare services, dining options, recreational opportunities, and spiritual support making it an ideal location for seniors looking for a vibrant community to call home.

Physicians

• Northwest Family Physicians PA (0.2 miles)
• Partners In Pediatrics (4.2 miles)
• Eyeklinic of Edinburgh (4.7 miles)
• Northstar Pain Care Clinic (4.7 miles)
• Fairview Fridley Clinic (5.2 miles)
• Suburban Radiologists (5.9 miles)
• Eye Care Center (6.1 miles)

Restaurants

• Big Louie's Bar & Grill (0.3 miles)
• Pub 42 (1.6 miles)
• Culver's (2.2 miles)
• Wendy's (2.3 miles)
• McDonald's (3 miles)
• White Castle (3 miles)
• Original Pancake House (4.6 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (1.1 miles)
• Walgreens (1.7 miles)
• HyVee Pharmacy (1.8 miles)
• Walgreens (1.9 miles)
• Walgreens (2 miles)
• Park Nicollet Clinic (2.8 miles)
• Walgreens (3 miles)

Parks

• Twin Lake Beach Park (1.3 miles)
• French Regional Park (4.3 miles)
• Pinebrook Park (5.4 miles)
• North Loop Dog Park (5.9 miles)
• Boom Island Park (6 miles)
• Silverwood Park (6.5 miles)
• Dakota Dog Park (6.7 miles)

Cafes

• Caribou Coffee (1.5 miles)
• Starbucks (5.5 miles)
• Dunn Brothers Coffee (6.9 miles)
• Starbucks (6.9 miles)

Places of Worship

• Elim Church Center (2.1 miles)
• Fridley United Methodist Church (5.6 miles)
• Westminster Presbyterian Church (6.9 miles)

Hospitals

• Regency Hospital (4.3 miles)
• Plymouth Surgery Center (6.2 miles)
• Unity Hospital (6.2 miles)