I just moved into the community and thus far, I have mixed emotions about my new home. The original saying, "Don't Judge A Book By Its Cover" can definitely be applied to this community. Although Westchester at Clarimont is aesthetically beautiful, there are some hidden problems that can make a new tenant or existing resident a bit disheartened. Thus far, we've experienced three five issues, one being major than the rest.

Prior to our move in, we were told that the apartment would have a security system and microwave in the unit. But when we moved in, the security system was not installed and the apartment had not been wired for one. We were advised by a leasing agent that the leasing agent who sold us the apartment was probably new and inexperienced and gave us incorrect information. So instead of having an existing alarm activated, we had to pay for a wireless system and the activation on the day of our move in. Now we all know how expensive it is to move and the last thing you want to discover is an unexpected cost like a wireless security system! But we shrugged it off and built the bullet. We loved the way our apartment looked and was just happy to be out of another poorly maintained older complex.

But then we discovered that there was no microwave in the apartment too! Luckily for us, we had decided to move our existing one with us. But if you look on their website, it clearly states that a microwave is apart of the amenities (although we did notice that security systems aren't included in the list). We didn't even bother complaining about that issue since we had our own. But just be aware if you do choose to move in to make sure that you get it in writing or some sort of confirmation what actual amenities you would have.

The other issue that we discovered on our first night or should I say early the next morning was an ANT infestation! They were all over our boxes in the kitchen and on the wall in the back of the stove and all over our cabinets! Luckily we had some bug spray that seemed to kill them off and we discovered that we had an open bag of sugar in one of our boxes and some molasses that wasn't closed tightly enough. But we noticed the next two days that this problem continued even though we had cleaned up the area. So we started asking our neighbors and we got consistent response that there is a very BAD ANT problem on the property in ALL of the buildings. Imagine our disappointment and disgust. All around us in the apartment were beautiful furnishings both ours and the amenities of the apartment and we thought we had finally found a nice home for the next 3 to 5 years, only to discover this pest problem. So instead of losing all hope and considering moving out by using their 30 day guarantee policy, we chose to stay and fight the ANTS. Thus far, ant hotels, getting their exterminator, and just trying to be extremely clean has helped. We only hope that our continued efforts will ward off the sugar ants and any other pests that my reside there.

We also had a problem with our mailbox keys having to be rekeyed on three occasions and like one of the other reviewers mentioned, the attitude of the leasing agent can be less than desired after you move in. They are all bubbly and friendly when trying to get you to sign on the dotted line, but after the move in, it's all downhill with the attitude. There's one leasing agent that won't come out of her closed in office to greet you unless you force her too. The others are lukewarm these days and appear to be afraid that your visit to the office or your phone call might be a complaint they just don't want to hear. It's as if they anticipate problems before you even explain the purpose of the visit or call.

Now that I've told you ALL of the BAD things, I think it's only fair to tell you the GOOD things too. One of the things I noticed about the other reviews is that they only focused on what's wrong and not what's right. Coming from another apartment complex that's about 15 minutes away from Westchester and much older than this apartment complex, I can tell you that Westchester is a step above what I had before. No, I didn't have ANTS or other pest problems but I did have a run down apartment, neighborhood, and "suspect" neighbors. The new features and convenience of Westchester is something to consider. They have garden tubs in both bathrooms, it's a very spacious apartment, and is very comfortable for our puppy to run around in. The kitchen is absolutely beautiful and if you're a cook or amateur chef, you'll love the open and airy kitchen with stainless steel sink and island. The marble counters are easy to clean. And because the complex is BRAND NEW, everything runs so well! The washer/dryer set are a nice size, as well as the refrigerator. And because we live on the top floor, the pantry is very spacious.

The walk-in closets are also very spacious as well as the bedrooms. We love the large picture windows and the computer desk nook. One of the delivery guys commented on how he thought it was a condo community and how he was impressed by the apartment as well. The few friends that have been over thus far have fallen in love with it too! The gym has plenty of state of the art equipment and unlike some of the apartments we visited, it's actually a nice size with serious equipment. Not to mention, I'm looking forward to enjoying the theatre room. The hilly community is also good for outdoor exercise and my puppy loves the challenging walks.

The only other minus is the noise from the expressway. But if you're a city girl like myself, the noise won't bother you as much.

I can't give this apartment complex a top rating but it does have potential to be a high quality community if they get rid of the ANT problem and the ATTITUDES of the leasing agents.

People have mentioned the security issues and break ins and unfortunately, crime is rampant no matter what part of town you live in. Just because this apartment is near a hispanic community doesn't mean it's a prime spot for theft. A little ole lady walking down the street with her purse clutched is also a target for theft. Walking to your car with shopping bags from the mall makes you a prime target for theft. Thieves prey on any and everyone and every place they don't discriminate. So if you're going to judget the complex based on the opportunities for break ins and car thefts, then no place will be safe for you because crime is everywhere. The complex I moved from had tons of break ins during the summer time and during the winter holidays and it was in Dunwoody. I've lived in Gwinnett County, DeKalb County, Fulton County and have either experienced or know others who have experienced crime so all you can do is be as observant and as protective as you can be.

Oh BTW, the access gates don't work all of the time. They stopped on the third day of our new move in. LOL! But that's not surprising. Gated communities are a joke for the very reason that 85% of the time you're living in one, the gate never works. Plus, the complex has a bus stop right outside of the gate and people can walk in off the streets with no problem if they wanted to. Again, no community is 100% safe, but you can always practice being cautious.

So would I recommend this apartment complex to you or someone else' I would with some reservation and alot of EXPLANATIONS so you wouldn't be mad at me when you discovered this and perhaps other things during your stay.

I'm going to update this review throughout the year to keep you posted. I wish others would do the same. Tell the good and the bad and also keep people posted and give them tips on how you tried to resolve some of your problems. I think it's the responsibility of the tenants to voice your opinion and come together to get the complex to improve any issues that might arise instead of silently being disgruntled about a problem. With Westchester being such a new community, there is hope for change there unlike many of the older communities that would do best just to be torn down and rebuilt.

That's my two cents. What's yours'

User Responses
From: jthebest	Date: 07/16/2008
this has been one of the best reviews I've ever read...usually people don't state the "good and the bad" it's usually one or the other. Thanks for taking time to thoroughly state your experience. I am trying to move to the area from Florida by the end of July. I'm desperately looking for a decent place for my family to live. I will be working in Gwinnette County as a teacher and I'm a bit nervous about EVERYTHING being that I'm a Florida girl. Any suggestions? Thanks!!
From: becolberg	Date: 07/28/2008
jthebest...my recommendation is move to Gwinnett County. If you will be working there, it will cut down the traffic. Traffic stinks in Gwinnett...so try to stay as close as possible, to your job, or live in the city...so you are going against traffic... ALSO, THERE'S LESS CRIME.
From: safenotsorry	Date: 11/19/2008
Thank you for such a thorough review. I plan to relocate to Atlanta from the midwest in a few weeks and am still looking for a residence. I've been looking for some time now. I understand crime is everywhere and everyone should take responsibility for taking those extra steps to prevent being a victim of a crime. Saying all of that, I wanted to know how safe do you feel in the apartment community at Clairmont? In the halls or walking to your car? Also, how is parking for both residents and visitors? Available parking spaces seems to be an issue with many of the different apartment communities in the area. I understand there is garage parking for an additional $100/month, which seems excessive considering the monthly charges for rent. Are there any "hidden" fees to be aware of? Such as for pest control, garbage pick up, sewer, etc.? And what is estimated cost for your utilities every month? I would greatly appreciate any additional information you can provide. Thank you very much for yor time!
From: myrentingexperience	Date: 11/19/2008
You're welcome safenotsorry. I'm happy to do it as I would want to know as much about the place I'm moving to as well. Thus far, it's been less than a year, I can say that it's been pretty safe. The parking spaces are very close to our apartments, so you don't have to walk very far to your car and it's well lit. In fact, due to daylight savings and the fact that it gets dark so quickly, the property lights are very bright sometimes too bright from my window. LOL! But it's worth it. The parking decks aren't worth the extra $100 I'm afraid. They are like regular parking decks and I don't see them as being safer than just regular parking, but that's your choice. In regards to the track pick up and utilities, the track pick up has gone from $15 to $18.50 and I've recently received my renewal request, and the rent has gone up an extra $35.00. The water is paid through the rent and it's typically between $20 to $30 so that's not bad. These extra fees aren't hidden though, it's explained in detail in your contract as well as in your online account with them. They give a break down every month based on what you're being charged and give easy access to pay the rent online, which I prefer. The only pest we've experienced were the ants but they seem to be doing a good with pest control lately. This was around the time of year we moved in originally and the ants were BAD. We were SUPER clean because of it, but I've noticed that we're not having the same problem that we did in February...and we're not AS SUPER CLEAN as before...not dirty, but a little bit more relaxed than before...and haven't seen one ant. Let's keep our fingers crossed and prayers going up. LOL! But overall, if you don't mind the rent prices, you'll enjoy your stay. I have heard a few people complained but it was typically about a neighbor not the property itself. And they have a new manager who's doing a little extra thing here and there to add more purpose behind the high rent prices. Unfortunately though, that's how it is all over Atlanta unless you want to leave in a true ghetto. So good luck and hope to see ya as a new neighbor.
From: zingaro	Date: 11/10/2009
Thanks for your wonderful review for Westchester! I am seriously considering moving in here and was wondering if you have any other updates to your original post. They've brought down their rent for the 2br-2bath apartments and I loved the look and amenities they provide. Also, can you suggest other apartment complexes around in this area? I've looked at Gables Century Center (2 thumbs up but a bit expensive) and Camden St. Clair so far. I'm looking for something close to I-85 and near a shopping area preferably. Thanks!

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