Good neighborhood, but you get what you pay for...
From:
bjohnson73
Date posted:
5/6/2008
Years at this apartment:
2007
-
2008
I lived at Summit at Mission Bay from 2007 to 2008, and I can say that some of the comments posted are probably less than completely fair. Often, people only post on here if they're unhappy (why most complexes on this site are rated at 50 percent or lower). I can offer a more objective and balanced view of my experience, as I am not disgruntled, but wasn't completely in love with the place either. It is an old community, and as such it does not have some of the amenities of newer complexes-but it is well maintained. My apartment had fresh paint, new vinyl and carpet and was spotless when I moved in. In fact, it was cleaner than the last much newer "luxury gated" community I lived in. I never saw a bug in the apartment and noise from other apartments was not much worse than in any apartment.
I had a few minor issues with plumbing, but they're only to be expected in a 55 year old complex and maintenance took care of them right away. The laundry rooms are not that well maintained, however many people do not realize that the complex does not operate laundry rooms-99 percent of complexes don't. Separate vending companies lease the space and provide the machines and upkeep for the rooms. I would suggest calling the number for the Vending company (posted on signs in the laundry rooms) and making a complaint, and also letting the manager know. The pool and fitness center are nice, but they do share them with two other complexes, so availability is limited. There is a reason for this however. These apartments (and the complex next door) were originally military housing and were not designed as separate complexes. The pool and fitness center were added later, and with the high cost of building something like this and the limited land area available, this was probably the best solution possible.
As for the staff, I found them to be for the most part very responsive, helpful and courteous. With only 3 people in the office and over 300 apartments, they are busy. I would recommend highly sending an e-mail for all non-emergent issues. This worked the best for me. We're all human and sometimes a phone call gets forgotten, but email is there to remind them.
I have lived in communities owned by the same company in different states over many years and I can say that there have been minor issues, but I've been very pleased overall. They are a publicly traded company and as such have responsibilities to their shareholders and have to make a profit (as most apartment companies do). They nevertheless have done a very good job of balancing residents' desires and requests with maintaining profitability.
Which brings me to my final point. These apartments are priced below the average for similar apartments. While newer complexes have washers and dryers in the apartments, better parking and more amenities, the average two bedroom apartment in an equally good neighborhood run anywhere from $300 to $500 per month higher. The rental pricing at Summit does factor in the lack of amenities, etc. Because of the age of the complex and the very high cost for improvements for buildings as old as these are, making them like new apartments is not economically feasable. One person stated that these should be razed. Well, be careful what you wish for. When I was there, I learned that the company is planning to eventually redevelop the property at some point in the future. What that means is that the complex will be razed and a new one built in it's place. This will probably mean 3 story buildings instead of two, underground or street level parking beneath the apartments, an onsite fitness center, etc. However, the rents will be at least $400 a month higher I'm sure. They have to make a return on the investment somehow.
In conclusion, if you're looking for a clean, well maintained apartment in a very good neighborhood for a reasonable price, and don't mind a no frills type of place, then I would recommend these apartments. But if you absolutely have to have a new apartment with amenities, then I'd say to look elsewhere, but I can guarantee it will cost more. San Diego is not a cheap place to live and you get what you pay for...
P.S. Garages were always available for rent when I was there. I had one the entire time and always had a place to park. The $75 per month is well worth it. And my garage had drywall walls, not chickenwire and no rats like one reviewer commented about. If you do by some chance get a garage with chickenwire or even worse rats, let the management know. They will be happy to solve the problem or switch you to a better garage. I changed garages (due to location problems) and it was as easy as sending an email to the manager.
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