I have lived here two years and am moving out next week. I previously wrote a review before some major changes that took place at the complex, so I thought it better to update what I think of the place after two full lease terms here and seeing the changes that have taken place.

When I moved to Windmeadows I got pretty lucky finding this place at a reasonable price ($570 for small 1br/1ba) in a safe and convenient location. Furthermore the management and office staff went above and beyond what was necessary to make residents comfortable. Although the workout room, pool area, laundry, and sport courts were a bit out of date they were usable and were at least kept clean and functional. Maintenance was prompt in returning requests (within 24 hours M-Sat and emergency maintenance literally in 5 minutes). Plenty of parking and movies, grocery store, restaurants, etc within walking distance. Never had a problem with crime in the neighborhood, loitering, or the like.

Now Windmeadows has changed. They attempted to convert them to condos but were not successful in selling them (trying to sell 640sf for $140k, it figures), so they decided to maintain an all rental facility (after telling the current residents "renew early or risk having your apt sold". So now what you have is some units that have been converted to condo style living (new everything inside) and units in their last renovated condition (like mine -- good, but a bit outdated) and rents rising regardless of what unit you have. What started as a $570 apt they were wanting to charge me significantly more (I don't remember what the new rate was but it was higher) for a lease renewal, with no substantial changes when they are renovating other units and renting them at the same prices. When I asked about this discrepency, they told me that the improvements they have made to the property in terms of landscaping, WiFi by the pool, laundry facilities (which they said they were improving but have really messed up as of right now), workout room, gated entry. In other words, improvements that don't mean much to me for the use I get out of them and don't justify the increased cost without improvement to the interior of the apt. Which brings me to the new management. Bad. New office staff and managers are pretty rude and just flat terrible compared to the previous staff. They don't seem concerned about the residents and are not at all flexible. Maintenance is still OK, but not as good as in the past. I have had a call in for about 24 hours now with no response. They often enter apartments with less than 24 hours notice for various things, and do alot of "depression work" maintenance (like powerwashing the roofs of the buildings and painting walkways leading up to apartments, for instance). Money that could be better not spent at all.

So anyways, the conveniences of living here are still there...location, quiet and safe neighborhood, good neighbors, some nice amenities. But, be ready to deal with average management, inept office workers who are generally unpleasant, average maintenance, and average prices for what you get. Oh, and 34th and Archer traffic from August-May. I guess in summary...when I moved in, I would have given them 4 stars, now I give them 3. mgFDbN4-dhkSMZ7zRmVH

User Responses
From: lbuddha	Date: 07/16/2007
Great review, and I think you are pretty much on the mark about everything. I've lived here as long as you have, and I've seen the same changes. Lots of improvements to the outward appearance, but not much to the interior apartment - which is what would really affect me. But, to all those people looking for a new place to stay - Windmeadows still has a lot to offer. The rent increases are pretty moderate from year to year, and no other complex in Gainesville has the same resort style look. It's worth the money, in my opinion!
From: aquaopal	Date: 11/01/2007
Very good review. You made some very valid points. I basically agree with everything you have said. I wish we had the old office staff/manager back.

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