Saint Johns On The Lake North Residence

Pros

• The staff are wonderful, kind and accommodating.
• Taylor's and the Prospect Grill offer delicious choices, unique recipes, and wonderful service.
• There are abundant opportunities for activities and participation at St. John's.
• The programming and learning opportunities available are endless.
• The care and attention from the staff are amazing.
• The lake-view dining at Taylor's is wonderful.
• The new buildings offer incredible spaces for lectures, movies, and classes.
• The pool and gym rank with the best spas.
• The residents are a big part of life at St. John's on the Lake.
• St. John's on the Lake is a wonderful senior living community.

Cons

• The reviewer stated that St. John's badly serves residents who need help with daily living tasks, especially those in assisted living or memory care.
• The reviewer claimed the facility massively overcharges for these services compared to other facilities, and that the quality is disappointing.
• They warned not to pick St. John's if daily living assistance is needed, and cautioned about potential needs in the future.
• They asserted the facility will kick residents out if they refuse to pay exorbitant rates.
• They described St. John's as not a good place to age in place unless one is rich.
• They reported appealing to the facility to change decisions and being rejected without a coherent explanation.
• They criticized the facility's reply as disingenuous, noting it did not indicate who to contact or how to reach them to rectify the situation.
• They recounted a grandmother's experience of being left sitting in feces for hours due to understaffing, with staff unable to help, culminating in the grandmother's death.

Review

St. John's on the Lake emerges in these impressions as a large, multifaceted community that many families and residents deeply value for its sense of home, safety, and opportunity. For a number of writers, the place is a reliable, welcoming environment where independent living feels comfortable and well-supported. One family member, writing about a 9-year resident in independent living, paints a vivid picture of an apartment that feels tailored to her mother's needs: the space is decorated, safe, and secure, with staff described as wonderful, kind, and accommodating. The dining venues - Taylor's and the Prospect Grill - are highlighted for offering delicious options, unique recipes, and consistently good service. The overall vibe is that life here isn't just about existing day-to-day - it's about finding peace, joy, and fulfillment, with a strong nudge to contact Luci for more information.

Across multiple voices, the community's programming stands out as a core strength. Generous activity calendars create a busy, engaged atmosphere where residents and families note there is something for almost everyone. The sentiment is that people don't simply sit around; there are ample opportunities to participate in lectures, concerts, play readings, and other events. For those who value a more quiet pace, the same space offers a clear option to retire into solitude and recharge with a book or a nap, reinforcing the sense that choice and personal rhythm are respected here. The lakefront setting adds to the appeal, providing a picturesque backdrop for meals and social life.

A recurring thread in these reviews is the quality of staff and the warmth of community life. From receptionists and nursing staff to administrators, many accounts describe employees as attentive, caring, and consistently available to help. Families repeatedly express gratitude for staff who know both residents and their families, and who foster a sense of belonging. There are stories of meaningful connections to the local Parkinson's community, signifying that the staff support specific health communities with genuine engagement. One family notes how the programming and the people have allowed their father to flourish with friends and a supportive network, reinforcing the sense of aging gracefully within a thriving, Episcopal-influenced environment that welcomes diverse beliefs and identities.

Dining at St. John's is frequently praised, especially Taylor's, which is described as having an interesting, regularly updated menu, good value, and superior service. Patrons appreciate the lake-view dining experience, the pace of meals, and the inclusion of soup or salad and sides with most entr?es. A few guests, however, note a desire for additional enhancements, such as the wish for an espresso machine to complement morning routines and papers - small requests that reveal how the dining and social experience is both living and evolving. For many, Taylor's is a beloved part of daily life, a place where neighborly conversations and special occasions blend with excellent food.

The positive experiences extend beyond dining and events to practical amenities that families rely on. Several reviewers highlight accessible library services, tech support, and robust programming that keeps residents mentally and socially engaged. The sense conveyed is of a well-rounded ecosystem: lively cultural offerings paired with dependable resources - like computer help and local library partners - that support residents' independence and curiosity. The building itself is described as offering exceptional spaces for gatherings, lectures, and cinema, rounding out a comprehensive lifestyle that many residents feel proud to call home.

Yet, amid these many affirmations, there are also sharp cautions and critical memories. One review draws a clear line between satisfaction with independent living services and disappointment with daily living assistance and memory care. The writer asserts that assisted living and memory care services are aggressively priced and of lower quality relative to comparable facilities, and warns that residents could be pressured to leave if they resist paying the high fees. The reviewer emphasizes that aging in place might be impractical unless one has substantial financial resources. This perspective is paired with a strong, personal response to a facility reply - expressing frustration that explanations were unclear and that the offered path to remediation lacked concrete contact details. It's a sobering counterpoint that highlights how experiences can diverge dramatically depending on care needs and financial arrangements.

Another thread comes from families who have watched loved ones thrive in St. John's. One account describes a father who found the environment perfect for his needs, including meaningful engagement through the Parkinson's community and strong staff support - the kind of endorsement that resonates with families seeking a long-term, stable home for a parent facing health challenges. A separate account celebrates the location, the "roost overlooking the Milwaukee Yacht Club," the well-appointed apartments, and the ongoing opportunities for lectures, films, and community activities. A writer with a longer tenure at the community recalls how the new buildings expand options for events and how the pool and fitness facilities rival top spas, underscoring a sense of growth and modernization alongside tradition.

Long-term residents add to the mosaic with personal, heartfelt anecdotes about daily life, friendships, and the overall atmosphere. One writer describes a daily life enriched by view-filled corridors, abundant plant-based dishes, and a strong, smiling staff that fosters health and happiness. The sentiment is that of a place where one's world broadens through cultural offerings and social connections, with the peace of mind that comes from knowing the staff cares not only for residents but for their families too. Another voice reflects on the joy of joining a beloved community, noting how simple pleasures - like a morning coffee, a paper, and a good meal - intersect with a robust social life.

Finally, the collection includes a poignant negative memory that cannot be ignored. A reviewer recounts a family tragedy: their grandmother was left in a distressing situation for hours, reportedly due to understaffing, and the family member frames the experience as a serious failure in care that cannot be excused by budget or busyness. The grandmother's experience, marked by suffering and perceived neglect, stands in stark contrast to the otherwise positive depictions and serves as a stark reminder that even a strong facility can falter in moments of strain. This memory shapes a cautious, nuanced view of the community - one that acknowledges the many successes and the real, serious risks that come with aging services.

Taken together, these reflections paint a portrait of St. John's on the Lake as a vibrant, capable, and largely beloved community for independent living, memory care, and assisted living alike. Families and residents routinely celebrate the welcoming atmosphere, the breadth of activities, the quality of dining, and the dedicated staff who aim to create a home-like environment. At the same time, the collective voice includes cautions about cost structures for daily living support, concerns about care quality in certain situations, and a powerful reminder of the vulnerabilities that can accompany aging. For many, the experience is deeply positive and transformative; for others, it remains an open question shaped by individual needs, expectations, and the realities of care. Underpinning all of this is a shared sense that St. John's on the Lake holds promise, invites involvement, and continually evolves to meet the lives of those who call it home. If you're curious or considering a visit, you'll likely hear a spectrum of perspectives, but the overarching message is clear: this is a place that many people hold dear, with people like Luci ready to help connect you to the community.

This part of Milwaukee, Wisconsin offers a variety of amenities that may be appealing to seniors looking for a convenient and vibrant neighborhood. With several cafes nearby such as Colectivo Lakefront and Hawthorne Coffee Roasters, there are plenty of options for socializing and enjoying a cup of coffee. In terms of healthcare, there are multiple pharmacies in close proximity including CVS Pharmacy and Walgreens, as well as hospitals like Aurora Sinai Medical Center and Wheaton Franciscan - St. Joseph Campus within a short distance. Additionally, there are several parks in the area such as Lakeshore State Park and Red Arrow Park where one can enjoy nature and outdoor activities. Public transportation is easily accessible with the Milwaukee Intermodal Station nearby, making it convenient to explore the city. Overall, this neighborhood offers a mix of amenities that cater to both leisure and practical needs for seniors considering senior living in Milwaukee.

Cafes

• Colectivo Lakefront (0.1 miles)
• Colectivo Coffee (3.6 miles)
• Starbucks (4.4 miles)
• Hawthorne Coffee Roasters (6 miles)
• Starbucks (6 miles)
• Starbucks (6.2 miles)
• Starbucks (6.5 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.2 miles)
• Walgreens (0.2 miles)
• Metro Market Pharmacy (1 miles)
• Walgreens (1.3 miles)
• Walgreens (1.6 miles)
• Walgreens (1.7 miles)
• Walgreens (2.5 miles)

Restaurants

• Jamo's (0.3 miles)
• McDonald's (0.4 miles)
• Glorioso's Italian Market (0.5 miles)
• Champion's Pub (0.5 miles)
• Casablanca (0.7 miles)
• Veggas Pub (0.9 miles)
• Company Brewing (1.1 miles)

Parks

• Lakeshore State Park (1.2 miles)
• Red Arrow Park (1.3 miles)
• Henry Maier Festival Park (1.9 miles)
• Kern Park (2.1 miles)
• Paliafito Park (2.6 miles)
• Atwater Park (2.6 miles)
• Estabrook Park (3.2 miles)

Transportation

• Milwaukee Intermodal Station (2 miles)

Hospitals

• Aurora Sinai Medical Center (2.1 miles)
• Wheaton Franciscan - St. Joseph Campus (4.6 miles)
• Aurora St Luke's Medical Center (5.4 miles)
• Aurora Psychiatric Hospital (6.1 miles)
• Froedtert Pavilion (6.8 miles)

Physicians

• Rheumatic Disease Center (6.4 miles)
• Froedtert Clinical Cancer Center (6.8 miles)

Places of Worship

• Honey Creek Church (6.5 miles)