My boyfriend and I lived in Willowbrook,(a part of mt. vernon, located on center road instead of off of RT 30,)for about a year, then moved and are actually moving back into a two bedroom instead of a one bedroom. Overall we were not discontent nor overly impressed. When we first moved in, it seemed like a welcomming community. They leave you a cute little "welcome to willowbrook," letter along w/ a cute little gift. For us they left, a lemon sponge cake mix and a loaf pan as well as a snowman dishrag (it was winter time) So that was cute, and for the most part the neighbors were friendly.
I read some of the reviews about dingy basements. I noticed when I visited the actual Mt. Vernon Apartments where my boyfriend's brother and his girlfriend lived, that their basement was much darker and dirtier, perhaps older than ours, but ours was fairly well lit and clean until one of the lights started dimming, and it is convenient that the laundry facilities are right down stairs and you don't have to leave the building to do your laundry (great during bad new england weather to be able to go downstairs in your PJs and slippers to do laundry.) It is also fairly inexpensive, $1.00 to wash, $1.00 to dry.
Rent is very reasonable especially w/ the heat and hot water included. All you have to pay extra for is electricity, which you have control over in your consumption.
As far as maintainence goes, when we first moved in there were a few minor issues, like the stove fan not working, and the dishwasher leaking. They came to fix the dishwasher promptly, but we never did end up getting the stove fan fixed. We also had trouble w/ our thermostat. Even in the winter time the heat was on way too high and we couldnt lower it. So when we opened our windows, we received a complaint from the office that we weren't allowed to do so or they would have to increase prices to compensate for the heat loss. Eventually they did come to fix the thermostat, but when they did so, they merely made it so that it was much cooler, but we still had no temperature control so we were just cold all the time instead of being too hot. I dont know which was worse. At least the maintainence guys were friendly when they came to fix things.
I didn't personally have any encounters with the management at the office, but my boyfriend had complained to me about the "threatening" attitude of the office managers, and one woman in particular (im assuming joanna'') was very rude. We are not the type to complain however, or hold grudges and focus on the negative. So despite those mino annoyances, we made the best of our space together and there were a lot of things we liked.
rent is very reasonable given what is out there these days.
I enjoy the fact that each apartment has one reserved parking spot so you know you'll have parking when you come home from work or wherever else, (but management only allows two vehicles per household, so make sure you only have two or they will find you in violation of your lease, also make sure your vehicle doesn't leak anything on their parking lot, i heard they dont like that from an ex-neighbor.)
location is great, tons of shopping and restaurants in the area, every chain you can imagine pretty much as well as a few "mom and pop" style places, though if you want great independently owned places you should take the 30 min drive to middletown. There is easy highway access and short commute to hartford, great selection of grocery stores, close to a few schools, close to "historical vernon." and quaint little bike trail that runs right behind the apartments, as well as a picnic area and field (we enjoy frisbee,) and a basketball court. Also, walking distance to Walgreens and the gas station convenient store (and dunkin) for those days where you really dont feel like driving to the grocery store for a gallon of milk or bread, or you REALLY want an iced latte.
Basically, you just have to make the best of things. People can always find something to complain about, and they have the right to do so, but overall I think this place is decent, and great for young people just starting out, even good for older folks who want a tiny quiet place to live. My boyfriend is less picky and likes it even more than I do. AD2Hw9Wn8Umb3NN1w1jt

Your thoughts? Post a response to this review. Display my response: with my username anonymously Responses appear below reviews and one response per user is permitted.

   Free estimates on moving trucks      Find apartment share/roommates