One-word summary from someone who recently moved out: meh. The initial positive impression I got as a prospective tenant wore out a few months after signing my lease.

The infamous trains didn't bother me much, partly because I grew up near train tracks and partly because I chose an apartment closer to the Hollis (=non-tracks) side of the complex. Overall, considering the complex's urban/post-industrial location, I'd say my apartment was very quiet.

A number of things did bother me, though. First on the list: the woefully inadequate electric space heaters. During the winter months, the heaters needed to run almost constantly to keep my place warm. On top of that, their cheap analog thermostats needed to be constantly adjusted in order to maintain the same desired temperature throughout the day. Not your set-and-forget system.

Second on the list: black granite countertops in the kitchen and bathroom. They look great when they're clean, but you can just as easily see when they're not. Prepare to spend a lot of time wiping them down. You know exactly what I'm talking about if you've ever owned a black car.

Third: deferred maintenance of the complex. A luxury apartment complex shouldn't take months to do simple things like replace burned-out hallway lights.

Fourth: TV. You want cable or satellite' Satellite it is. From SBCHE. Who' Exactly. (They're a no-frills DirecTV reseller.) Terrible channel packages. No HDTV option.

Are there any good points' Sure. You have easy access to many expressways. Emeryville's free shuttle bus will pick you up at the corner of the complex and drop you off at the local BART station. There is a Starbucks and Subway in the complex. You are within walking distance of a Border's book store and an awesome local food court. Plenty of places to shop in both Emeryville and Berkeley. All great, except that none of the points involve actually living IN your apartment.

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