My work takes me all over the US, sometimes for years at a time.
I've learned to carefully check everything out before signing a lease.
When I was told I would be working in Huntsville, I hopped on several 'Net sites, including ApartmentRatings.com, and made a list of possibilities.
I visited many of them before arriving at Royal Pines.
I was instantly impressed.
I work hard, and like to have peace and quiet at then end of the day.
When you drive into the place, it's like driving into the country.
The buildings are arranged in an odd pattern, not the simple rows-by-row found in many mid-priced "yuppie projects".
This seemed strange to me at first, then I realized that this enhanced the rustic ambiance of the place.
As the name suggests, the place is loaded with pine trees.
There are pine needles and pine cones on the ground.
Not the short jaggy ones, these are the nice long ones that are soft to walk on.
The grounds reminded me of a country resort, instead of an apartment complex.
I was greeted by a ceramic squirrel as I approached the office, but there are plenty of these friendly little guys around begging for peanuts.
The staff person loaded me onto a golf cart & took me to see a unit that was just becoming available.
She was very pleasant, easy to talk to and didn't try the pressure-sell.
The apartment was Beautiful!
It was on the second floor.
Sliding glass doors lead to a large patio, overlooking a stand of trees and rhododendron bushes.
There was even a swing hanging from the porch ceiling.
Inside, the place was your typical apartment, with electric stove, dishwasher, etc.
Wall to wall carpeted throughout, except the kitchen and bath.
The bathroom is divided, a large dressing area, sink and mirror, is separated from the bath & shower by a door.
There are hookups for laundry, of course, but there is also a coin laundry for residents attached to the common clubhouse.
The place has a working fireplace, in the living room, and a fan in the dining area.
The bedroom was large enough to accommodate my king-size, a large dresser and my BowFlex easily.
There's also a large walk-in closet off the master bedroom.
I wanted a 2-bedroom, the second to use as a den.
That bedroom is smaller, but could easily fit my desk, chairs and other equipment just fine.
There's also a pool, tennis courts and the aforementioned clubhouse for resident's use.
Royal Pines is within easy walking distance of two convenience stores and a Dollar General.
The new Bridge Street Towne Center outdoor mall is about half a mile away.
The main East-West shopping district of Huntsville is 2 exits, or about 5 miles, to the North.
It has very easy access to the interstates, and about a 15 minute drive to Huntsville Airport.
Through the trees lining the parking area, you can see the Saturn V at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.
I looked at two other properties before heading back to the hotel, even though I had just about made up my mind.
I decided to call that evening.
I told the manager that I would be renting there, and would be stopping by in the morning to sign the papers.
I'm still living at Royal Pines.
It's been nearly 2 years now.
The other residents are great people.
The property holds the occasional activity, like a movie, pool party or cookout.
It's great for getting to know your neighbors.
It's not unusual to get a friendly wave from one of them as you leave for work in the morning.
I have lived in many places across the States, and I do not give praise when it is not deserved.
Royal Pines is one of, if not the very finest, apartment properties I have ever lived at.

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