What levels of care does this community offer?

Heathers Estates offers independent living, assisted living, and continuing care retirement community.

Are there photos of this home?

There are 20 photos of Heathers Estates on Mirador.

Can I shift to assisted living and memory care as needed?

Yes, Heathers Estates allows residents to age in place and adjust their level of care as needed.

What is Heathers Estates's address?

The full address for this community is 2900 Douglas Dr N, Crystal, MN, 55422.

Does this community offer respite care?

Yes, Heathers Estates offers respite care. Respite care in assisted living communities provides temporary, short-term relief for primary caregivers by offering professional care for their loved ones. It allows individuals to stay in an assisted living community for a limited time, giving caregivers a break while ensuring residents receive necessary support and assistance with daily activities.

Heathers Estates - Crystal, MN

Overall sentiment: Reviews of Heather's Estates are broadly positive, with strong and recurring praise for staff, community atmosphere, activities, location and value—tempered by consistent notes that the property is older and needs some upgrades, plus recurring technical and organizational issues (notably internet and dining logistics). Many reviewers emphasize that staff are friendly, welcoming, and helpful at intake and during residency; tour guides (Judy was specifically named) get frequent praise for property orientation. A dominant theme is that the community feels warm and homey: residents report forming friendships quickly, long-term tenants are satisfied, and the facility makes efforts to welcome newcomers (coffee and doughnuts, resident introductions). Maintenance responsiveness is another frequently cited positive—handyman and management are credited with same-day fixes, light bulb changes, and overall upkeep in many accounts.

Care quality and staff: Staffing receives largely favorable commentary. Multiple reviewers describe staff as kind, attentive, and going above and beyond, which contributes to peace of mind for families. Nursing visits, assistance with transitions to assisted living next door, and helpful office managers are noted. That said, experiences are not uniformly positive: several reviews describe mixed or negative management interactions—pleasant during touring or pre-contract but problematic afterward—and a few mention unhelpful or distracted staff (on phones) and one report of an unfriendly manager. These mixed accounts suggest generally good frontline caregiving with occasional leadership or communication lapses.

Facilities and grounds: The setting is a strong selling point. Reviewers repeatedly highlight beautiful grounds, a private interior courtyard, proximity to Bassett Creek Park, walking trails, lake/ducks, and a quiet, park-adjacent neighborhood. The indoor heated pool is a much-liked amenity (family access noted), and social areas like the great room and library are strong positives. Apartment sizes and layouts receive favorable comments—many cite spacious units, full kitchens, balconies/patios, washers/dryers in some units, and good natural light. Security measures and controlled entry are appreciated by families.

Building condition and accessibility: A common and important theme is that the property is older and shows it. Reviewers mention outdated finishes—wall texture, tubs, hall carpets needing replacement—and occasional unkempt exterior spots. Accessibility concerns arise: narrow long hallways, an elevator located at the end of halls, stairs to the main door, and some apartments with limited access create challenges for residents with mobility issues. Some parts of the community are described as 'basic' or in need of renovations. While many residents still find the community well-maintained for its age, prospective residents who prioritize modern finishes or full accessibility should consider these limitations.

Connectivity and logistics: Internet and connectivity are frequent pain points. Multiple reviews report inadequate DSL service and limited provider choice (CenturyLink singled out), with some apartments lacking internet access entirely. Dining logistics are another recurring practical concern: the dining facility is in a separate building, requiring residents to walk across a parking lot for meals—an inconvenience for some, especially in winter or for those with mobility challenges. Additional logistical issues mentioned include icy parking lots, unsatisfactory garage units, and lack of washer/dryer in certain apartments.

Activities and social life: The community is frequently described as active and social, especially for an over-55 crowd. Reviewers mention a wide range of activities—card games, bingo, water aerobics, tai chi, men's groups, outings, family potlucks, recitals, and ice cream socials—and note that participation is optional and many activities are low-cost or free. Bulletin boards and monthly calendars help keep residents informed. That said, a subset of reviewers felt activities were limited, not exciting, or that some residents avoid group activities; a few described fewer offerings since COVID. Overall, activities are seen as a major plus, especially for those seeking an engaged, social environment.

Dining and meals: Opinions on dining are mixed. Several reviewers appreciate the menu and homey atmosphere and report good meals and social dining events. Others note the dining area can be crowded, that the food 'could taste better,' and the inconvenience of having meals in a separate building. Free meals were mentioned by one reviewer, but this was not a universal claim.

Management, communication and onboarding: Communication channels (monthly calendars, bulletin boards, elevator news) are commonly praised. Maintenance responsiveness is repeatedly noted as a strength. However, some reviewers flagged inconsistent management interactions and gaps in new resident orientation—several new residents wanted a clearer welcome/orientation to routines. The variance in management experiences indicates the community performs well operationally for many residents but has room for improvement in consistency and newcomer onboarding.

Safety, family access and assisted living integration: The community is praised as family-friendly, with easy visits and family access to amenities like the pool. Security features and a controlled entry policy are appreciated. The adjacency of assisted living is a practical advantage for residents who may need to transition, and staff assistance arranging transfers is noted positively.

Polarization and final impression: Reviews show a majority of satisfied residents and families who value the community’s social life, helpful staff, affordability and setting. At the same time, there are some strong negative experiences—ranging from management complaints to maintenance/cleanliness or connectivity problems—that prospective residents should weigh. The most consistent concerns to verify in person are internet availability in specific apartments, accessibility from parking/entrances to living/dining areas, the condition of specific units (carpets, tubs, finishes), and dining logistics. For people seeking a warm, activity-rich, affordable community with a park-like setting and attentive staff, Heather's Estates appears to be a solid choice; for those needing modern finishes, guaranteed in-unit high-speed internet, or full accessibility without stairs or long walks, it may require careful unit selection or additional inquiry.

Heathers Estates stands at 2900 Douglas Drive North, right on the border of Bassett Creek Park in Crystal, Minnesota, and has been serving seniors since 1968, so you can tell it's got some history behind it and folks have figured out how to keep things running smoothly over the years, and when you drive up you'll see a big apartment complex with 136 units ranging from studios all the way to one and two-bedroom, two-bath options, plus they offer both independent and assisted living, and the whole property covers about 111,520 square feet. The place is run by Transforming Age, a non-profit, and Heathers Manor Assisted Living is right next door, so there's a sense of connection between the two, with all sorts of support as people's needs change, and they say their staff looks after folks with a focus on integrity, respect, and making life better for older adults through activities, care services, and a community feel. People who come here have the choice between different floor plans starting at $1,295 per month, and can bring along small pets, with a policy that allows dogs and cats up to 50 pounds, though there's a deposit involved. The buildings are non-smoking indoors, and there's parking available in a detached garage for an extra $50 a month, with laundry and linen services included to keep day-to-day chores simple, letting residents focus on social gatherings like weekly "Coffee & Doughnuts" get-togethers in the common areas or joining a group exercise class in the fitness room. You'll find apartments with features meant for aging in place, including wheelchair accessible showers, and on top of independent living, they offer assisted living, memory care, respite, and hospice options, meaning a person could move in and expect the right kind of help for most changes in health or ability over time, with care services like homecare, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and even doctors and nurses on call as needed. There's a swimming pool, hot tub, cafe, library, beauty salon, guest rooms, and a well-kept community room, and residents can use transportation services for errands or appointments. Heathers Estates caters to adults 55 and up who want to stay active- they focus a great deal on both privacy and company, encouraging community through social events and shared common spaces, and there's a well-maintained landscape for walks with views of the park and nature preserve next door. Residents can rely on maintenance staff, including a Handy Man familiar with the property, and management encourages tenants to keep an eye on their apartments, which means repairs usually get attention quickly. The focus is always on comfort, safety, meaningful connection, and keeping things as simple and peaceful as possible for everyone, with the flexibility to choose the right mix of independent living and support as time goes on.