Cottages of Spring Lake Park

Pros

• She has always felt safe.
• The cottages are absolutely beautiful.
• The property is well cared for.
• It is a nice neighborhood.
• It is close to a park and a small lake.
• There are lots of sidewalks to walk on.
• The cottages are a wonderful fit for residents, and people enjoy living there.

Cons

• They note that maintenance is lacking at best, with broken sidewalks and unsafe conditions.
• They state driveways are not plowed and are unsafe for residents during winter.
• They say cottages are not maintained (stoves, water heaters, etc.) and rodents are an issue.
• They claim unwarranted fees were charged on a relative's deposit, equating to elder abuse or exploitation.
• They mention weekends can be noisy due to police activity along Highway 65.
• They complain the neighborhood is hard to navigate, taking 20 minutes to find a work delivery address.
• They describe the cottages as plain and unremarkable, despite the cost.
• They advise others to be cautious and to look for other options for themselves or loved ones.

Review

The set of cottages at the heart of this community seems to divide opinion as much as it unites families who value independent living. For many residents, this is a place that has offered stability, safety, and a sense of belonging for years. One aunt has called it home for more than two decades, living comfortably on an annuity while rent stayed low. The arrangement has fostered independence, with neighbors looking out for one another and staff or neighbors making checks if someone isn't receiving mail, underscoring a community that looks after its own. The location adds to the appeal: close to a Hy-Vee and the Blaine Senior Center, with easy access to familiar conveniences. Even when weekends bring a little extra noise along Highway 65 from passing police, most homes sit back from the highway enough to preserve a sense of quiet and safety - an atmosphere that has helped her feel secure over many years.

There is also a strong sense of possibility and fond anticipation for new residents. A friend's cottage impressed someone who hoped there would be an opening for them in the same cluster. The dream was specific and clear: a two-bedroom cottage with an attached garage. Those who've visited or rented a unit elsewhere in the community echo a similar sense of beauty and potential. The homes are described as absolutely beautiful, with the property appearing well cared for and nestled in a nice neighborhood. Proximity to a park and a small lake adds a leisure dimension, suggesting a lifestyle that blends comfort with outdoor space - a combination that many families find highly appealing.

Another voice in the mix speaks of their own experience with equal warmth. A couple of residents looked at one of the cottages and were won over by the overall presentation and the feel of the place. They highlighted a well-kept property, a pleasant neighborhood, and convenient access to nearby recreation and nature - again, a park and a small lake figure prominently in this favorable impression. The sense conveyed is one of pride in the maintenance and curb appeal, which reinforces the idea that the cottages can be a beautiful and desirable place to call home.

Not everything, however, is rosy. Several reviewers note practical and maintenance challenges that can affect day-to-day living. Winter conditions emerge as a recurring theme: the need to shovel, with sidewalks that can become slippery and driveways that aren't always plowed promptly. These realities matter when safety and mobility are priorities, particularly for older residents or those with mobility concerns. There are criticisms about the general upkeep inside some units as well - stoves, water heaters, and other appliances not functioning as expected, and even reports of rodents. The cumulative effect is a sense that the maintenance sometimes lags behind demand, turning what should be a comfortable home into a source of ongoing frustration.

A particularly troubling thread concerns financial practices and elder care. One review describes a grandmother, aged 99, moving out due to increased care needs, followed by claims that the Horning Group charged deposits with fees deemed unwarranted. The reviewer goes as far as to describe the situation as irresponsible or possibly elder abuse, urging caution and suggesting that prospective residents should seek alternatives. While this is a specific accusation tied to a single family's experience, it leaves a shadow over the otherwise positive image some hold of the cottages and serves as a warning to others to scrutinize deposits and fees carefully.

Another reviewer captures the common frustration with the neighborhood's layout and navigation. The sentiment is blunt: who designed the neighborhood and why did it take so long to find a delivery address? It's a reminder that even in a place perceived as safe and well-kept, practical headaches like confusing street layouts or hard-to-find addresses can detract from the overall appeal. This blend of design criticism alongside praise for safety and community feel illustrates the complexity of choosing a place to live.

Yet there are voices that return to warmth and satisfaction. One resident loves the single-level, cottage-style living and the ability to sit on a private patio. They celebrate an abundance of sidewalks suitable for walking, with easy access to shopping and other amenities. The management is praised for prompt problem-solving, reinforcing a reputation for responsive service that can make a substantial difference in comfort and peace of mind. For this reviewer, the cottages have been a wonderful fit, underscoring that, despite drawbacks reported elsewhere, the community can deliver a high-quality living experience when maintenance is timely and administration is attentive.

Overall, the collection of reviews paints a nuanced portrait of life in these cottages. The appeal centers on independence, safety, and convenience - the kind of life where one can age in place with minimal external disruption. The positives - affordable rent, a one-level layout, proximity to parks and shopping, and a responsive management - appeal strongly to families who prioritize a simple, walkable lifestyle in a structured community. The negatives - maintenance gaps, winter safety concerns, and occasional disputes over deposits or design - serve as a reminder that no living situation is perfect and that careful due diligence is essential. For prospective residents, weighing the comfort and community spirit against the maintenance realities and administrative questions will be key to determining whether this is the right place to call home.

This part of Spring Lake Park, Minnesota offers a convenient and accessible location for senior living. With several pharmacies within close proximity, residents can easily access necessary medications and healthcare services. The area also provides a variety of dining options, from casual fast food to sit-down restaurants, catering to different tastes and preferences. There are numerous physicians' offices nearby, making it convenient for seniors to receive medical care. In case of emergencies or more serious health issues, Unity Hospital is located just over a mile away. Additionally, there are several places of worship for spiritual support and community engagement. For recreational activities, there are parks and theaters in the vicinity for residents to enjoy. Overall, this neighborhood provides a mix of amenities that cater to the needs and interests of seniors looking for a comfortable and fulfilling lifestyle in Spring Lake Park.

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.2 miles)
• Walgreens (2.4 miles)
• Walgreens (3.3 miles)
• Walgreens (3.4 miles)
• Walgreens (3.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (4.7 miles)

Restaurants

• Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet (1 miles)
• Route 47 Pub And Grub (1.2 miles)
• Arby's (2.8 miles)
• McDonald's (2.9 miles)
• Invictus Brewing (3.2 miles)
• McDonald's (3.4 miles)
• Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers (3.5 miles)

Physicians

• Aesthetic Reconstructive Plastic Surgery (1 miles)
• Northtown Mall (1.1 miles)
• Fairview Fridley Clinic (2.5 miles)
• Eye Care Center (2.5 miles)
• Eyeklinic of Edinburgh (3.2 miles)
• Fairview Clinics (3.7 miles)
• Twin Cities Orthopedics Blaine (3.9 miles)

Hospitals

• Unity Hospital (1.1 miles)

Places of Worship

• Fridley United Methodist Church (2.3 miles)
• North Heights Lutheran Church (4.5 miles)
• Ephiphany Catholic Church (5.1 miles)
• Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (6.8 miles)
• Elim Church Center (7.7 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (2.8 miles)
• Caribou Coffee (4.1 miles)
• Starbucks (5.7 miles)
• Starbucks (6.2 miles)
• Caribou Coffee (6.7 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Coon Rapids 16 (3 miles)
• Andover Cinema (7.7 miles)

Parks

• Pinebrook Park (4.3 miles)
• Silverwood Park (5 miles)
• Lexington Athletic Complex (6.4 miles)
• Snail Lake Regional Park (6.8 miles)
• Twin Lake Beach Park (7.1 miles)

Transportation

• Lino Air Park (7.4 miles)