Lake Shore Drive Condominiums

Pros

• It looks great.
• The location is nice and hugely convenient.
• The condo building is nice in a hugely convenient location.
• There is a very nice Co-op nearby on 66th, just a few blocks away.
• Lake Shore provides its own bus service for residents and uses it for outings like Twins game packages.
• It is equipped for wheelchairs.
• Within a block one can access the Woodlake Trail and Nature Preserve, a nearly hidden gem.
• The building offers a game room with a billiard table.
• There is a well-appointed craft/shop/industrial work room with power saws, drills and many tools for resident use.
• There is a small but helpful workout room with a whirlpool tub, stationary bike and a treadmill.
• The building has a salon where hair cuts, sets and mani/pedis are available regularly.
• The backyard is beautiful and sloping, with garden plots for the green thumbs.
• There is a BBQ picnic area surrounded by green grass, beautiful flowers, and neighboring condo buildings that look like they belong in Italy.
• The building has had elevator updates and new windows; many improvements have already been undertaken.
• Buying here is described as a solid option.

Cons

• The person answering the phone for inquiries was unhelpful, unprofessional and extremely rude.
• The reviewer would not want their loved ones living there.
• The building is aging and needs to make some (maybe major) investments.
• Regular groceries are farther away since the Cub-owned Rainbow store has closed.
• There is a sense that not all Cub stores are great, and it's not just about square footage.

Review

This community presents itself as a well-kept, appealing option for those seeking an over-55 living environment in a highly convenient location. The exterior and public-facing areas give off a pleasing first impression, and several reviewers stressed how attractive the place looks. One person simply said, "It looks great!" while another called the neighborhood and building "Beautiful." The sentiment is that the place is aesthetically pleasing and offers a solid foundation for comfortable senior living, with a sense of pride in its presentation.

Location is repeatedly highlighted as a major strength. The building sits near the intersection of 66th Street and Lyndale Avenue South, placing it in a hugely convenient spot for daily life. Reviewers describe a nice, bustling area with a mix of shopping and dining options within easy reach. There are 50s- to 60s-era strip malls just blocks away on 66th and Nicollet, which many residents find well maintained and reasonably occupied. The nearby grocery situation has shifted over time, with a Rainbow/Cub store closure noted and groceries now more distant - originally suggested as roughly at 60th and Nicollet - but a Co-op on 66th is also just a short walk away. The overall takeaway is that the surroundings are lively and practical for everyday needs.

A vibrant sense of community and accessibility permeates the experience. The property is described as an over-55 building in a place that supports an active lifestyle. People appreciate the convenience of Lake Shore's own resident bus, which runs regularly and even takes residents on fun outings like Twins game packages. The transportation options aren't just about getting to and from appointments; they're about enjoying life, social activities, and staying engaged. The building's accessibility is evident in its design and amenities, and reviewers emphasize that the property is equipped to accommodate wheelchairs, reinforcing its suitability for residents who value mobility support.

Beyond street-level conveniences, the living environment is enriched by nearby outdoor and nature opportunities. Within a block one can access the Woodlake Trail and Nature Preserve, a nearly hidden gem tucked between I-35W, the Crosstown, and 66th Street. Described as a reclaimed piece of Richfield, this green space offers residents a nearby escape for walking and enjoying nature without venturing far from home. Such proximity to trails and green areas adds a layer of lifestyle appeal, making everyday living feel more connected to the broader landscape of the region.

Inside the building, there's a clear emphasis on recreation, wellness, and community spaces. A game room with a billiard table invites casual social time, while a well-appointed craft or industrial workshop - with power saws, drills, and several tools - supports hobbies and practical projects for residents who like to create or repair things. There's also a compact yet functional workout room equipped with a whirlpool tub, a stationary bike, and a treadmill, along with a salon offering regular haircuts, sets, and mani/pedis. Outdoor spaces include a well-kept backyard with garden plots for green thumbs and a BBQ picnic area surrounded by green grass and flowers. The overall vibe suggests a self-contained community where day-to-day life, socializing, and personal interests can all be pursued on-site. Some reviewers even note the neighboring condo buildings' aesthetic - described as Italian-looking - which adds to the neighborhood charm.

There's an ongoing sense that the building is aging and in need of investments, but there have already been meaningful updates. Reviewers mention elevator upgrades and new windows as examples of steps being taken to maintain the property's value and comfort. The sentiment is pragmatic: this is a place that is good and functional now, with ongoing improvements that reflect a commitment to maintaining a high standard for residents. The combination of amenities, location, and the opportunity for ongoing upgrades contributes to a balanced impression - positive overall, with a recognition that some capital improvements would be welcome in the near term.

Community life also has tangible social benefits, as illustrated by positive experiences using shared spaces. For example, a party room used for an 80th birthday gathering showcased the kind of social, family-oriented activities that strengthen connections among residents. The presence of a versatile party space reinforces the sense that this is not just a place to live, but a community where residents celebrate milestones together. The overall tone from these observations is that there's real value in the social and communal fabric the building provides, complementing the practical conveniences and on-site amenities.

Overall, the reviews present a nuanced portrait: a beautiful, well-located condo building that offers a rich suite of amenities, strong accessibility, and a clear community focus. It is praised for its looks, its proximity to shops, trails, and transit, and its on-site facilities that support hobbies, fitness, and social gatherings. Yet it's also acknowledged that the building is aging in parts and could benefit from additional investments to preserve and elevate its standing. One practical takeaway captures the verdict succinctly: if you're considering buying here, you could do a lot worse. The combination of convenience, social opportunities, and on-site resources makes this a compelling option for many seeking senior-friendly living with a strong sense of community. However, potential buyers or renters should weigh the ongoing maintenance needs and ensure they're comfortable with any upcoming capital improvements as part of the long-term plan.

Located in the vibrant city of Richfield, Minnesota, this neighborhood offers a convenient and diverse array of amenities suitable for senior living. Within close proximity, there are multiple dining options such as Pizza Lucé, McDonald's, and Culver's, as well as pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS for easy access to medications and healthcare needs. Nearby physicians' practices provide specialized medical care, including dermatology services at Southwest Dermatology Specialist and cardiology expertise at University of Minnesota Physicians Heart at Fairview Southdale Hospital. For leisurely activities, residents can enjoy cafes like Panera Bread and Starbucks, catch a movie at the AMC Southdale 16 theater or take a stroll through the serene Centennial Lakes Park. Access to transportation is also convenient with bus stops and LRT stations nearby for easy travel around the area. Additionally, there are places of worship such as Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in the vicinity for spiritual fulfillment. Overall, this neighborhood in Richfield offers a well-rounded community with essential services for seniors looking to settle in a comfortable and accessible location.

Restaurants

• Pizza Lucé Richfield (0.1 miles)
• McDonald's (0.1 miles)
• Taco Bell (1.5 miles)
• Taco Bell (1.6 miles)
• Culver's (1.6 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (1.8 miles)
• Shake Shack (1.9 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1 miles)
• Walgreens (1.5 miles)
• Walgreens (1.6 miles)
• Walgreens (1.9 miles)
• Walgreens (1.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.9 miles)

Physicians

• Southwest Dermatology Specialist (0.6 miles)
• Fairview Southdale Physicians Building (1.8 miles)
• University of Minnesota Physicians Heart at Fairview Southdale Hospital (1.9 miles)
• CCRM Fertility of Minneapolis (1.9 miles)
• Endocrinology Clinic of Minneapolis (2 miles)
• Twin Cities Orthopedics Edina - Crosstown (2.1 miles)
• Southdale Pediatrics (2.3 miles)

Cafes

• Panera Bread (1.4 miles)
• Starbucks (2 miles)
• Starbucks (2.2 miles)
• Jinx Tea (3.3 miles)
• Spyhouse Coffee (5.3 miles)
• Dunn Brothers Coffee (5.9 miles)

Theaters

• 0705 Amc Southdale 16 (1.8 miles)

Hospitals

• Fairview Southdale Hospital (1.8 miles)
• VA Medical Center (4.3 miles)
• Park Nicollet Methodist Hospital (4.9 miles)
• Abbott Northwestern Center For Outpatient Care (5.3 miles)
• Csc Gi Lab (6.3 miles)
• Hennepin County Medical Center (6.3 miles)

Parks

• Taft Park (2 miles)
• Centennial Lakes Park (2.1 miles)
• Bossen Field (3.1 miles)
• Lake Hiawatha Park (4 miles)
• McGuire Park (4 miles)
• Minnehaha Falls Dog Park (4.7 miles)
• Wabun Picnic Area (4.7 miles)

Transportation

• Delta Employee Bus Stop #1 (3.1 miles)
• Terminal 2-Humphrey (3.1 miles)
• TSA Checkpoint 1 (3.1 miles)
• Mall of America LRT Station (3.2 miles)
• Concourse F (3.7 miles)
• Concourse E (3.8 miles)
• Escape Lounge (3.8 miles)

Places of Worship

• Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (5.3 miles)
• Westminster Presbyterian Church (6.2 miles)