Philipp Square in New Prague, MN

Pros

• They liked everything about Philipp Square.
• They could do anything they wished to do for activities.

Cons

• The place is horrible.
• Barb ASP charges residents for wear and tear.
• The facility has many rules that take advantage of the elderly.
• The complex has only one elevator, making it hard for handicapped residents when it breaks.
• Barb blamed everything on tenants and did not refund the full down payment after cleaning.
• Barb is described as a horrible person who exploits the elderly.
• Philipp Square has a long waiting list.
• Residents at Philipp Square must bring their own furniture and appliances.

Review

Philipp Square in New Prague stands out for seniors who prize personal control over their living environment and can tolerate a slower, more individualized onboarding process. This community appears best suited for highly independent residents who want to furnish and decorate their own space, set their own rhythms, and pursue a flexible, self-directed social life. The upside is a venue where residents can bring their own furniture and appliances, coupled with a notable degree of freedom in choosing activities and daily routines.

Those weighing alternatives should note who may want to look elsewhere. For seniors needing reliable hands-on assistance, predictable daily support, or consistently responsive management, Philipp Square may fall short. A long waiting list compounds this concern, delaying access to care or a settled move-in, which can be a critical drawback for families with a tight timing window. In addition, prospective residents should compare with nearby options like Mala Strana, which some reviewers cited as offering better overall handling of transitions and more robust engagement opportunities, to ensure a fit with expectations on service and atmosphere.

On the positive side, the facility's approach to autonomy is appealing. The option to come in with one's own furnishings and appliances reduces moving stress and allows immediate personalization of space. The environment is described as capable of supporting broad, self-directed activities, a feature that can keep engaged seniors mentally and socially active without imposing rigid programming. The ability to set one's own agenda and pursue individualized interests can offset the absence of a formal, regimented activity schedule for residents who value self-direction over structured programming.

However, significant drawbacks temper those advantages. The most vocal concerns center on accessibility and reliability: an elevator serves only one way to access upper floors, and one account alleges the elevator was out of service for four months in a year. For residents with mobility limitations or visitors who rely on smooth vertical transport, this is a material risk that can influence daily living, safety, and adequate access to essential areas. The severity of such an outage is magnified by the perception that repair timelines and contingency planning were not adequately communicated, potentially turning a welcome independence into dependence on limited means.

Financial and administrative friction adds another layer of caution. One highly critical review describes burdensome wear-and-tear charges and a dispute over a substantial portion of a down payment, with claims that reconciliation hinged on staff availability rather than fair negotiating. The tone of that account suggests a culture where customer service and transparent billing may be inconsistent, and where residents or families could feel left to navigate conflicts without strong advocacy from management. In short, the financial relationship with Philipp Square appears to require careful scrutiny, documentation, and a clear, written policy on deposits, charges, and dispute resolution before committing.

The practical takeaway is clear for decision-makers: Philipp Square can work for a specific profile - independent seniors who want to claim their space, control their environment, and tolerate the risk of limited on-site accessibility and potential administrative friction in exchange for move-in freedom and activity latitude. For those requiring dependable care, rapid occupancy, predictable maintenance, and transparent, resident-centered billing, alternatives should be explored. Prospective families should demand current maintenance histories, confirm elevator reliability, request a written policy on deposits and wear-and-tear charges, and, if possible, speak with current residents to gauge the consistency of management responsiveness. If timing is flexible and self-directed living aligns with the resident's temperament, Philipp Square may be a workable choice; if not, there are more reliable paths to a settled, well-supported senior living experience.

Located in New Prague, Minnesota, this area offers a variety of amenities for senior living. Close proximity to medical facilities such as Dental on First, Goldsmith Eye Care, and Queen Of Peace Hospital ensures easy access to healthcare services. There are also several dining options nearby including Czech ers Sports Bar and Subway for convenient meals. For outdoor activities, parks like Memorial Park and Trenda Memorial Park provide opportunities for relaxation and recreation. Additionally, pharmacies like Walgreens and Walmart Pharmacy are located within a short distance for medication needs. Places of worship such as Wels and Grace-N-Mercy Ministries offer spiritual support for seniors seeking community connections. Transportation services such as U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer and My Taxi Carver are available for convenient travel around the area. This bustling neighborhood provides a comfortable and convenient living environment for seniors looking to settle down in New Prague.

Physicians

• Dental on First (0.1 miles)
• Goldsmith Eye Care (0.2 miles)
• Parkview Medical Clinic (1.1 miles)
• Edina Eye Physicians & Surgeons, P.A. (1.2 miles)
• Family Health Medical Clinic (9.5 miles)
• Roushdy Sherif MD (11.1 miles)
• Belle Plaine Clinic (11.1 miles)

Restaurants

• Czech ers Sports Bar (0.2 miles)
• Subway (0.9 miles)
• Giesenbrau Bier Co. (1 miles)
• Efi Corporation (2.2 miles)
• Next Chapter Winery (4.2 miles)
• St Patrick's Tavern & Restaurant (5.1 miles)
• Brewster's Bar & Grill (6.2 miles)

Hospitals

• Queen Of Peace Hospital (0.3 miles)
• MCHS New Prague (0.3 miles)

Parks

• Memorial Park (0.5 miles)
• Trenda Memorial Park (8.7 miles)
• Lonsdale Dog Park (9.4 miles)
• Holzer Park (9.6 miles)
• The Purple Park (10.1 miles)
• Rice Lake Park (12.2 miles)
• Willows Park (12.8 miles)

Pharmacies

• Variety Galore (0.9 miles)
• Walgreens (1.1 miles)
• First Choice Pharmacy (8.8 miles)
• Coborn's Pharmacy (10.7 miles)
• Bell Pharmaceuticals (11 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (15.7 miles)
• Hy-Vee Pharmacy (16.3 miles)

Places of Worship

• Wels (2.5 miles)
• Grace-N-Mercy Ministries (3 miles)
• St Patrick Rectory (5.2 miles)
• Holy Trinity Church (6.2 miles)
• Triumphant Life Church (8.5 miles)
• Immaculate Conception Church (8.8 miles)
• St Catherine Of Spring Lake (9.5 miles)

Cafes

• The Coffee Shop (8.6 miles)
• Caribou Coffee (17 miles)

Transportation

• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (9.2 miles)
• U-Haul Neighborhood Dealer (14.4 miles)
• Scotts Helicopter Service (15.1 miles)
• My Taxi Carver (15.3 miles)