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Many positives, few negatives
From:
8apts8years
Date posted:
12/25/2003
Years at this apartment:
2002
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2003
I have lived in eight apartments in six complexes in three states since 1996. My current residence at Dunwoody Courtyards has been the best yet.
That is not to say that the complex is flawless. The major shortcomings are parking and neighbor noise. The major advantages are proximity to MARTA rail, attentive staff (during business hours) and affordability.
Parking -- You get one assigned space here. There is "underground" gated parking beneath several buildings, but I live in a building with normal surface parking. There are not enough non-reserved spots for visitors and residents with a second car, which can result in difficulties parking at night. On several occasions (at least once a month) my reserved space has been taken by some illiterate numbskull who can't read the "Reserved Parking" sign directly in front of my space. There is a policy to tow these cars, but at night I have sometimes had difficulty reaching the towing company.
In general the parking is not a big issue for me since I work very early in the day and come home while most people are away at work. But it may be an issue for you, especially if you want to invite guests in the evening.
Everyone here knows parking is a problem and the management is trying to come up with creative solutions.
Noise -- Unlike my previous residence (Archstone Woodlands, Smyrna, GA) there is little ambient noise. The complex is bounded by a small, quiet office park (occasional construction noise aside) and some pricey single-family homes. Most of the noise is from the neighbors -- college students who like to play extremely loud stereos. We said good riddance to two such neighbors below us only to have another pair of loud college boys replace them.
Fortunately, management has been very responsive to our complaints, even levying fines against the worst offenders. They will even come over and listen for the noise in person -- if you notify them while it's happening during business hours. After hours you have to call the incompetent answering service and hope they will take a message.
Neighbors -- As I mentioned, there is a significant number of college students (attending nearby American Intercontinental University) in the complex. Otherwise, a racially diverse mix of young (20s-30s) professionals. Extremely few children, and I've seen none old enough to cause trouble.
Management -- Very professional. There has been some turnover in my 18 months, including three different managers. However, all complaints are treated with respect and prompt attention.
The only drawback is that after hours, the answering service has become increasingly inept and even rude in recent months. If I were ever to have a late-night service emergency, I would be quite concerned.
Maintenance -- Very professional and very competent. Archstone has a one-day guarantee on service requests and backs it up with action. On occasion I have had longer waits but only for very minor issues.
Construction -- I have a third-floor, two-bedroom unit ("roommate plan") with a vaulted ceiling (living room) and a fireplace. It is quite spacious and the large south-facing windows admit a lot of light, so it is one of the brightest apartments I've lived in. Yet, with dark curtains, I am able to keep the bedroom dim for my early bedtime.
The kitchen is a bit small, but since it is open to the living room, it's not cramped.
Grounds -- The complex is mostly buildings and pavement; there isn't much room for landscaping given the small land area, but they do well with what they're given. The garbage dumpster occasionally overflows -- a problem that has become more frequent recently, about once a month.
The mail center is located right next to the dumpster. I live a short walk from both, but residents on the north end of the complex (near the pool) will have quite a trek. Occasionally people will stop their cars in the one-lane trafficway to get their mail, creating a traffic obstruction.
Amenities -- The fitness center is nice, but the equipment is increasingly falling into disrepair (missing pins, malfunctioning aerobic equipment). The outdoor jacuzzi had to be closed and paved over, allegedly due to resident abuse. The outdoor pool is nice with a large number of tanning chairs around it.
Location -- It is about a 10-minute walk (1-minute drive) to the North Springs MARTA station, making it convenient to go to Buckhead, Midtown, downtown and the airport without the hassle of parking and traffic.
The complex opens onto Peachtree-Dunwoody Road with no traffic signal, but traffic is light enough at most hours to limit your exit delay to less than one minute. However, Peachtree-Dunwoody is prone to significant traffic-light delays at peak hours at other intersections (Abernathy Road to the south and Spalding Drive to the north).
Another drawback is the relative lack of destinations (except MARTA) within walking distance. It is 3/4 of a mile to the nearest restaurants, and a 45-minute walk to the nearest grocery (Publix). Walkers and joggers will find limited scenery; you're basically limited to the 3-mile stretch of Peachtree-Dunwoody Road and a bunch of lame cul-de-sacs.
Dunwoody Courtyards' location close to GA-400 and I-285 makes it a good central location for couples or roommates with jobs in widely separated parts of Metro Atlanta (e.g. one works in Cobb and the other in Gwinnett).
Affordability -- Our rent went DOWN $133/month this year! This complex is an excellent value.
Overall -- I think most people would be quite satisfied with this place. I strongly recommend it, especially if you are quiet and want to live downstairs from us!
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