Overall sentiment in the reviews is mixed but leans positive on value, community feel, and the physical environment, while showing consistent concerns about governance, co-op ownership limitations, and rule enforcement. Many reviewers praise Crestwood Village Co-Op IV for being affordable, clean, and well-maintained. Specific physical attributes that draw positive comments include one-story, two-bedroom/two-bath floorplans with nice kitchens, one-car garages, stand-alone or duplex-style homes, and an attractive wooded setting near preserved national forest land. Residents frequently mention fresh air, serene scenery with pine trees, and well-kept grounds. The association’s services—particularly lawn mowing and snow shoveling included in the association fee—are repeatedly noted as convenient, and the maintenance department, when mentioned positively, is described as responsive and helpful.
Social life and activities are another strong positive thread. The community is consistently described as a 55+ environment with many social offerings: bingo nights, flea markets, clubhouse events, volunteers running activities, and proximity to a golf course. Several reviewers emphasize friendly, long-term neighbors, a sense of privacy and safety, and many residents report being highly satisfied, some after decades of residency. For retirees seeking an affordable, quiet, and active community, these aspects make the village appealing.
However, governance and the nature of co-op ownership are the clearest sources of dissatisfaction. Multiple reviews warn that Co-Op ownership means you do not own the land or structure, which can limit legal recourse for damage to lawns or buildings. The application and transfer process is a recurring complaint: reports of denials without reason, alleged discrimination, cash-only purchase requirements, and an overall opaque or arbitrary approval system appear in several summaries. One reviewer references new laws requiring written explanations for denials, implying prior practices were problematic. Some residents recommend choosing fee-simple villages instead (Villages 5 or 6 were specifically mentioned), highlighting that ownership structure is a central decision factor for prospective buyers.
Rule enforcement and board behavior are additional sources of friction. Reviews include strong statements about strict HOA rules, fines for violations, and aggressive enforcement—one report even claims police were called over a walking-dog incident and others mention limits on family visits or overnight guests. Perspectives on staff and governance are mixed: many reviewers compliment an accommodating office, a welcoming and hardworking board, and committed volunteers; others describe rude office staff, slow issue resolution, trustees who don't listen, and prejudice from the president or board members. This inconsistency suggests variable experiences depending on timing, particular staff or board members, or individual circumstances. Prospective residents should view this as a governance risk: management quality and board culture can vary and have outsized effects in a co-op environment.
Practical infrastructure issues are also raised. Power outages have been mentioned, with at least one reviewer noting the need to rent a generator. Cell phone service is reported as poor or nonexistent in parts of the community, which could be a significant drawback for those who rely on mobile connectivity. Some homes for sale are described as being in poor condition, so buyers should carefully inspect resale properties. A few missing amenities were noted (a pool was specifically missed by one reviewer), and the association fee of about $300/month—while covering many services—remains an ongoing cost to weigh against the purchase price.
Patterns and takeaway advice for prospective residents: if you prioritize affordability, a quiet wooded setting, included basic exterior services, active social programming, and friendly long-term neighbors, Crestwood Village Co-Op IV receives many strong endorsements and can be an excellent fit. If, however, you are uncomfortable with the limitations of co-op ownership, possible opaque approval processes, strict rule enforcement, or variable board/office behavior, proceed with caution. Recommended due diligence includes: asking detailed questions about the co-op approval and resale process; requesting written policies on guest rules, enforcement, and fines; reviewing recent board meeting minutes and any records of disputes; checking cell-phone coverage at the property; clarifying the community’s emergency/power-outage plans; and speaking directly with a range of current residents (both long-term and recent arrivals) to understand governance consistency. Balancing the strong positives against the governance and infrastructure concerns will help determine whether the village matches an individual’s priorities.
