Willow Lakes Estate

    161 W River Rd, Elgin, IL, 60123
    2.7 · 6 reviews
    • Independent living
    AnonymousCurrent/former resident
    2.0

    Friendly neighbors, terrible maintenance, overpriced

    I moved here for the independent 55+ lifestyle, clubhouse and lakeside location and I like the friendly residents and activities. But the lot fees are ridiculously high and maintenance is basically non-existent: awful roads, crumbling curbs/driveways, leaking laundromat roof, nonfunctional fire hydrants and a seawall started seven years ago that's still unfinished. Frequent water outages/boil advisories, abandoned moldy homes, skunk smells and a pothole injury with no compensation make me worry about safety and health. Office staff can be pleasant and sometimes responsive, but repairs are slow, promised services often aren't delivered, and overall it feels like a money drain - I wouldn't bring my mom here without serious caution.

    Pricing

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    Amenities

    2.67 · 6 reviews

    Overall rating

    1. 5
    2. 4
    3. 3
    4. 2
    5. 1
    • Care

      1.0
    • Staff

      2.7
    • Meals

      2.7
    • Amenities

      2.8
    • Value

      1.8

    Location

    Map showing location of Willow Lakes Estate

    About Willow Lakes Estate

    Willow Lakes Estate sits at 161 W River Rd in Elgin, Illinois, where folks age 55 and up can find a maintenance-free lifestyle with a bit more peace of mind, so you'll notice the site rent covers grass cutting and snow removal, which means less to worry about there, and the community has on-site management services if any questions come up during the day, usually available on weekdays from nine to five. People living here have a choice of model homes, including the Coolidge and Palm Beach, all designed with open floor plans, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a kitchen set up for easy use, and there's an ensuite bathroom in the master bedroom along with extra bedrooms for guests, an office, or a hobby. The homes use energy-efficient windows and durable siding plus a roof that looks nice from the road, and the bath fixtures keep a modern look without getting too fancy, so it feels comfortable and easy to take care of.

    You'll find community features like a private, stocked lake where residents can fish, and there's also heated outdoor swimming pool, a clubhouse with a fitness center, a library for some quiet reading, and water frontage sites, so some homes have a nice view. The place does allow pets, which is good for folks with a small dog or cat, and you'll see community activities now and then that people can join to meet neighbors or stay busy. There are customizable floor plans so you can pick what suits you best, with Dutch Housing known for focusing on quality construction.

    Willow Lakes Estate offers care services if someone needs help with daily routines, medication, or personal care, and those programs support seniors who want some assistance while staying as independent as possible. There's specialized help for folks with Alzheimer's or dementia, including secure areas and memory activities, and respite care helps families who need a break every now and then. Independent living is a big part of the place, so you can keep doing things on your own or get the help you need, and meals are included in some plans for those who want them. The whole setup leans towards keeping life simple and low-maintenance, though you might want to check out the online virtual tours at mymhcommunity.com and see the houses up close before stopping by. The place has a mixed reputation with a 2.7 overall review rating, so it's a good idea to read through what others have said. Directions and open house hours are set up for anyone wanting to visit.

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