Oxbowl Bend Apartments

Pros

• The staff is very attentive and respectful.
• Kathy, the office coordinator, is the BEST.
• Terri, the building manager, is pleasant to talk to.
• The grounds are impeccably clean.
• The residents are quiet and friendly.
• It's pet friendly.
• Inside is nice and comfortable, with great space for family gatherings and holiday potlucks.
• For the money, it's a great value.
• The social worker checks on everyone.
• The staff helps residents figure things out when they need assistance.

Cons

• There was no one at the front desk.
• The coordinator was very rude.
• They wouldn't recommend the place to anyone.
• They advised not to send a parent there.
• The facility isn't fancy and lacks all the bells and whistles.
• They wished that the staff would take residents' requests and surveys seriously.

Review

The reviews paint a mixed portrait of Ox Bowl, a senior building that clearly evokes strong feelings from its residents. On one hand, there are experiences that feel troubling and concerning, while on the other, there are vivid accounts of warmth, practicality, and a sense of community. Taken together, they suggest a place that can be welcoming and affordable for many, but not without glitches that some residents feel are hard to overlook.

One review comes in with a sharp and uneasy accusation: there is often no one at the front desk, and the coordinator was described as very rude. The reviewer imagines what the treatment might be like behind closed doors and concludes, strongly, that they wouldn't recommend the place to anyone's parent. The sentiment is urgent and cautionary, framing Ox Bowl as a location where frontline staff behavior can color the whole experience, to the point of discouraging families from considering it for their loved ones.

In contrast, another view emphasizes practicality, comfort, and a strong sense of community. This reviewer acknowledges that Ox Bowl isn't fancy and lacks "bells and whistles," but argues that its true strengths lie in the everyday life it cultivates: comfortable spaces, friendly and quiet residents, and a well-kept exterior. The grounds are described as impeccable and clean, reinforcing a sense of pride in the property. The reviewer highlights the pet-friendly nature, though notes there isn't a designated pet area, advising residents to watch where they step. Inside, the environment is described as very nice and comfortable, with ample space for family gatherings, in-house parties, and holiday potlucks.

Staff interactions are a major part of this second review's positivity. Kathy, the office coordinator, is singled out as "the BEST" for going above and beyond - helping with Medicare and Medicaid information, assisting with groceries, arranging rides to the store or the doctors, and more. Terri, the building manager, is praised for being approachable and helpful on questions about the apartment and maintenance. The maintenance technician is described as adequate, with a caveat that there's room for improvement in how requests and surveys are handled in the long run. Overall, the reviewer presents Ox Bowl as a solid, value-driven place to live, especially given the cost of living today.

A third note resonates with warmth and longevity. It shares that a mom lived at Ox Bowl for ten years and calls it a great senior building. The social worker's role is highlighted as a reassuring presence who checks on everyone, and when residents need help, they are assisted in figuring out the best path forward. This account reinforces the sense that Ox Bowl can be a supportive, well-connected community for residents who engage with the available services.

Taken together, the reviews suggest a complex reality: Ox Bowl offers a sturdy sense of community, affordability, and clear benefits from attentive staff like Kathy and Terri, plus hands-on social support that can make a real difference over time. There are explicit concerns about front desk coverage and the tone of certain staff interactions, which can color a family's perception of the place and its willingness to advocate for residents. The pet-friendly environment and well-kept grounds contribute positively, even if there isn't a dedicated pet area. The consistent thread across the accounts is that the building can be a welcoming home with a loyal, friendly atmosphere, but success for residents may depend on one's experiences with specific staff members and the responsiveness of maintenance and administrative support.

For anyone considering Ox Bowl, these reviews suggest a balanced approach: acknowledge the strong community feel, the practical support network, and the cost advantages, but also be mindful of potential gaps in front desk coverage and responsiveness. It may be worthwhile to visit, meet the staff - including Kathy, Terri, and the social workers - and assess firsthand how requests are handled and how residents interact with the team. The overarching story is one of a place that can be a comforting home with the right fit, even as it presents some challenges that prospective residents and families will want to explore.

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.3 miles)
• Walgreens (2.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.4 miles)
• Cub Pharmacy (2.4 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (2.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.9 miles)
• Walgreens (2.9 miles)

Restaurants

• New Mandarin Restaurant (0.4 miles)
• Alloy Brewing (0.5 miles)
• Burger King (1.5 miles)
• Mandarin Buffet (1.7 miles)
• McDonald's (1.7 miles)
• Taco Bell (1.7 miles)
• Boston's Restaurant & Sports Bar (2 miles)

Physicians

• North Suburban Eye Specialists (1 miles)
• Mercy Orthopedics Clinic (1.4 miles)
• Dr Kara Durick, Optometrist, and Associates - Coon Rapids (2 miles)
• The Dental Specialists (2.3 miles)
• Suburban Radiologists (2.5 miles)
• HealthPartners Riverway Clinic Anoka (3.6 miles)
• Eyeklinic of Edinburgh (4.7 miles)

Places of Worship

• Ephiphany Catholic Church (1.4 miles)
• Saint Katharine Drexel Catholic Church (6.4 miles)
• Fridley United Methodist Church (7.5 miles)

Cafes

• Caribou Coffee (2.2 miles)
• Caribou Coffee (3 miles)
• Starbucks (3.7 miles)
• Starbucks (7.2 miles)

Parks

• Riverdale Park (2.6 miles)
• Pennisula Park (2.6 miles)
• Crooked Lake Park & Beach (2.6 miles)
• Pinebrook Park (3.2 miles)
• Sunshine Park (5.1 miles)
• Kelsey Round Lake Park (5.3 miles)

Hospitals

• Anoka Metro Regional Treatment Center (3.4 miles)
• Unity Hospital (6.4 miles)

Theaters

• Andover Cinema (3.5 miles)
• AMC Coon Rapids 16 (3.6 miles)