The Courtyard in Appleton, WI

Pros

• Heather promptly called back and walked through the application steps; she was polite, friendly, and helpful.
• Heather is an asset to the community, with a positive attitude and a dedication to keeping the building safe, clean, and well maintained.
• The Courtyard staff is knowledgeable, accessible, and quick to answer questions or provide helpful suggestions.
• Residents appreciate Heather's organization and how she resolves issues quickly.
• Carrie goes above and beyond to meet residents' needs and keeps the building welcoming and well cared for.
• Management at the Courtyard is amazing, with a beautiful, clean facility and a friendly, caring environment.
• The Courtyard is described as a wonderful place with a strong community, friendly neighbors, and well-kept facilities.

Cons

• There is a bed bug infestation in the building that has persisted for at least a year and is described as bad.
• Residents have been charged for bedbug treatments that only provide a temporary fix.
• The reviewer warns others to move loved ones elsewhere until the entire building is treated.
• Carrie is described as having a horrific attitude and hanging up on residents.
• Carrie threatened to sue the reviewer for slander over the negative review.
• Management is criticized for not addressing concerns promptly.
• The reviewer worries that the manager could take advantage of vulnerable residents.
• The reviewer states that the manager cares more about negative reviews than actually addressing issues.

Review

The Courtyard in Appleton is best suited for independent seniors who want a well-kept, sociable 55+ apartment community with hands-on, responsive on-site management. It rewards residents who value a clean, welcoming environment and a proactive staff that helps with everything from move-in paperwork to ongoing questions about finances and building changes. The consensus from current residents centers on a strong management presence - careful with upkeep, quick to respond, and genuinely invested in making the building feel like a safe, comfortable home. For families seeking a place with a warm, community-oriented vibe and a manager who is easy to reach, The Courtyard checks most of the practical boxes.

Those who may want to consider alternatives are individuals or families whose top priority is pest control reliability and long-term eradication of infestations, or who require more formalized senior care services than independent apartments provide. Several reviews raise a persistent bed bug concern that stretches over a year and a half, with complaints about remediation efforts and the perception that charges for treatments have fallen on residents. Prospective residents should verify the current status of pest control, the scope of any remediation plan, and how costs are managed before choosing The Courtyard. For seniors with heightened sensitivity to pest issues or who want a more transparent, consistently documented remediation process, other options may be more suitable.

The strongest positives at The Courtyard revolve around leadership and daily living quality. Heather has been repeatedly acknowledged for guiding applicants through the admissions process with clarity, kindness, and practical resources, making a new move less daunting. Once residents settle in, Carrie emerges as a central figure - described as attentive, dependable, and genuinely engaged in maintaining a safe, well-kept environment. The building itself is portrayed as clean, welcoming, and nicely maintained, with staff and residents who interact in a friendly, respectful manner. The combination of proactive maintenance, accessible management, and an orderly, attractive common area creates a reliable baseline for everyday comfort and social engagement.

The main downside, and the one that cannot be ignored, is the bed bug situation and how it has been addressed in some narratives. When pest issues persist, trust in the building's control measures and willingness to address the core problem can falter. This friction is amplified by reports of dispute or discomfort in communications with management, which undercuts the otherwise strong impression of care and accountability. On balance, the bed bug issue reduces the otherwise high comfort level and should be treated as a potentially material risk. Prospective residents must scrutinize the current remediation plan, confirm ongoing monitoring, and seek assurances about transparent, resident-centered handling of any future problems.

From a practical standpoint, The Courtyard delivers on key operational expectations. The application and move-in process is smooth, aided by staff who are organized and communicative. The property is consistently described as clean, safe, and visually appealing, with a sense of community reinforced by frequent social opportunities and a welcoming atmosphere. The maintenance team is praised for prompt responses, which complements the resident-focused management ethos. For families evaluating options, these factors translate into fewer headaches during transition and a greater likelihood that the living space will feel like a stable home rather than a cold facility.

Ultimately, choice hinges on tolerance for pest-related risk and the importance placed on flawless pest remediation versus a vibrant, well-managed living environment. If independence, social connection, and a strong, hands-on management team are non-negotiables, The Courtyard offers a compelling fit - provided current pest controls are verified and the plan to prevent future infestations is transparent and robust. If the priority is a completely pest-free, uniformly risk-averse setting, or if the resident requires higher levels of care or more formalized oversight, alternatives should be pursued. In the right circumstances, The Courtyard can be a warm, dependable home with a capable leadership pair at the helm.

Restaurants

• Tom's Drive-In (0.2 miles)
• HuHot Mongolian Grill (0.3 miles)
• Denny's (0.3 miles)
• McDonald's (0.4 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (0.4 miles)
• Arby's (0.5 miles)
• Machine Shed Restaurant (0.5 miles)

Physicians

• Aascend Pain Institute (0.2 miles)
• 920 Wellness Studio (0.5 miles)
• Alexander Eye Institute (0.6 miles)
• Pearl Vision (0.6 miles)
• Dr. Nick Hafeman (0.7 miles)
• Michael P Vrabec, MD (0.7 miles)
• Winius, Michael Msw LCSW Cadc (0.8 miles)

Theaters

• Hollywood Cinema Appleton, Wi (0.3 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.3 miles)
• Starbucks (0.7 miles)
• Copper Rock Coffee (2.6 miles)
• Starbucks (2.6 miles)
• Starbucks (2.9 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.5 miles)
• Pick 'n Save Pharmacy (0.9 miles)
• Consumer Prescription Center (0.9 miles)
• Walgreens (1 miles)
• Home Town Pharmacy (1.6 miles)
• Walgreens (2.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.2 miles)

Hospitals

• Valley Thermography (0.7 miles)
• St Elizabeth Hospital Auxiliary (3 miles)

Parks

• Pierce Park (2.1 miles)
• Alicia Park (2.1 miles)
• Jones Park (2.5 miles)
• Erb Park (2.9 miles)

Transportation

• Appleton International Airport (ATW) (2.6 miles)
• Atw Bagage Claim (2.6 miles)

Places of Worship

• First United Methodist Church (2.8 miles)