Washington Square Apartments in White Bear Lake, MN

Pros

• The location is handy.
• The staff is great.
• Residents hope the new management will be more compassionate.

Cons

• There are not enough parking spaces for all residents.
• On-street parking is limited.
• The building has numerous maintenance issues because it is old.
• Many apartments have flooded.
• Holes appear in walls on various floors and are not repaired promptly.
• Snow removal from sidewalks and the parking lot is delayed for days after a snowfall, if it happens at all, making it dangerous for residents, caregivers, and visitors.
• The prior housing manager was a tyrant.
• Residents are hoping the new manager will be more compassionate.

Review

Washington Square Apartments in White Bear Lake is best suited for independent seniors who can tolerate an aging building and occasional maintenance delays in exchange for a conveniently located, walkable base near amenities. The community works best for residents who don't require intensive hands-on help, who can tolerate occasional safety concerns tied to aging infrastructure, and who are comfortable supervising or advocating for repairs. Those who rely on reliable, timely maintenance, predictable safety standards, or a consistently professional management team should look elsewhere.

Families weighing alternatives should consider options with stronger upkeep histories, better parking and snow management, and a management culture that prioritizes proactive communication and compassion. The presence of a clearly responsive maintenance plan and steady leadership matters a lot here, and those who need guaranteed, prompt fixes, regular common-area refreshes, and dependable parking will likely find this site wanting. In short, this is not the right fit for residents whose daily peace of mind hinges on flawless facilities and consistently smooth operation.

On the positive side, the location earns practical value. Being in a handy spot means easier access for visits, appointments, and errands, which matters for routine life and social connection. Another workable upside is the staff presence: many team members are described as capable and engaged, and a portion of the office personnel can deliver genuine, warmer interaction. For residents who can overlook a few rough edges and leverage personal initiative to manage problems, these elements can contribute to a livable day-to-day experience.

However, the downsides dominate the decision calculus. The building's age shows in frequent maintenance issues: repeated floods in several units, cracks or holes appearing on multiple floors, and carpeting in common areas that need replacement. Repairs are not consistently timely, which compounds frustration and raises legitimate safety concerns for residents, caregivers, and visitors. Parking is insufficient for residents, and on-street spots are scarce; snow removal lags behind, turning sidewalks and lots hazardous long after a storm. Taken together, these factors undermine daily safety and comfort in a way that is hard to overlook.

Management judgment appears to be a central tension. Prior leadership is described as harsh, and the community is very clearly hoping the new management will bring genuine compassion and steadiness. A single staff member is cited as lacking professionalism, underscoring a broader issue: when management style and office conduct feel inconsistent, residents and families worry about who to trust with urgent needs. The balance between a few strong staff interactions and persistent administrative shortcomings makes this an uneven experience, where a few bright spots can't reliably counterbalance systemic gaps.

In the end, Washington Square Apartments should be approached with clear criteria in mind. For decision-makers seeking a robust location and a generally caring staff, there is still value here, but only if tolerance for ongoing upkeep challenges and a less-than-consistent management approach is high. For anyone prioritizing dependable maintenance, unmistakable safety standards, and a well-run building, alternatives are strongly advisable. Prospects should visit, ask pointed questions about maintenance response times, parking arrangements, and the current leadership plan, and compare those answers to nearby communities with proven track records for upkeep and professional, compassionate management.

This area of White Bear Lake, Minnesota offers a variety of amenities that may be appealing to seniors looking for a vibrant community. With a selection of restaurants, cafes, and pharmacies within close proximity, residents can easily access essential services and enjoy dining options. The presence of several places of worship provides opportunities for spiritual fulfillment and connections within the community. Additionally, the nearby parks offer recreational opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation. For medical needs, there are physicians and hospitals in the vicinity for convenient healthcare services. The local theater provides entertainment options for those looking to enjoy movies or live performances. Overall, this area combines convenience with a sense of community, making it a potentially attractive option for seniors looking to settle down in White Bear Lake.

Restaurants

• Cup & Cone (0.1 miles)
• Washington Square Bar & Grill (0.2 miles)
• Eat at Banning and Fifth (0.3 miles)
• The Alchemist (0.3 miles)
• Big Wood Brewery (0.3 miles)
• Rudy's Redeye Grill (0.5 miles)
• Admiral D's (0.8 miles)

Places of Worship

• St Mary of the Lake Church (0.1 miles)
• Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church (6 miles)
• St Jerome Elementary School (7 miles)
• North Heights Lutheran Church (7.7 miles)
• Transfiguration Catholic Church (8.2 miles)

Physicians

• Jaksa Stephen W DDS (0.2 miles)
• Victhom Human Bionics (2.2 miles)
• Northern Lights Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine (3.3 miles)
• Jacobs Carol RN (4.1 miles)
• Page Graydon T MD (4.1 miles)
• Suburban Radiology (4.4 miles)
• Minnesota Vein Center (5 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.3 miles)
• Walgreens (2.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.9 miles)
• Walgreens (4 miles)
• Walgreens (5.1 miles)
• Fairview Pharmacy Services (5.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (5.5 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (2.2 miles)
• Starbucks (6.8 miles)
• Caribou Coffee (8.1 miles)

Parks

• Red Pine Park (2.5 miles)
• Lake Varney Park (2.8 miles)
• Legacy Pines Park (3.7 miles)
• Bear Park (3.8 miles)
• Playcrest Park (3.8 miles)
• Joy Park (4 miles)
• Hazelwood Park (4.4 miles)

Hospitals

• St John's Hospital-Maplewood (4.1 miles)

Theaters

• Oakdale Cinema Oakdale, Mn (4.3 miles)
• AMC Rosedale 14 (9.1 miles)