I wrote a response to a review posted for these apartments at 6/14/20008. The response I posted (anonymously) was dated today (1/11/2009). I figured I'd write my own full review since I didn't realize I had an account and put my name to it. You can see my comments in that response, but I'll summarize here. I've been a resident for a year, living in the live/work lofts in the warehouse on Main Street (not in the main apartment building). I have never had a problem with parking or seen dead animals (some of the other posts mention this), but note that I park around the warehouse instead of in the covered, gated parking. I never really get into that area so I wouldn't be able to notice this. The grounds stay pretty clean and the very-few maintenance issues I had were taken care of before I moved in or very quickly (the couple I've had since moving in). Noise is an issue at times. I certainly can hear what's going on outside and the walls are brick without insulation so I've heard one of my neighbor's television frequently - but only in my closet, oddly enough. I also hear someone in the morning walking through the halls with their high heels. But I only hear these things when my apartment is silent (no TV or radio, the heater/ac unit isn't running, etc). I was able to hear the gym that was beneath me very loudly at times (it has since left). This was generally when it was silent, too, but once the owner had his music on really loud and it was a pretty big disturbance.

Porterdale itself is an old mill town, and there isn't much around here for shopping/eating. Covington is only 2 miles down the road, though, and I can just pop out there for restaurants, groceries, etc. Jimbo's is a simple grill but the cheesesteaks are delicious and the burgers are pretty good too. The coffee/bookshop is nice and I like their coffees. The bakery is world-class and there is a private school in my building, too. But don't come here expecting to walk across the parking lot for little things - I still dislike the lack of any type of convenience store or small market right in town (1/2 mile down the road there's a convenience store at the 4-way stop). The people of Porterdale are a mix of black and white, and kids are always playing at the park. I don't know anything about mentions of crackheads or drug dealing or anything like that. There are some nice old black guys walking around at times. I feel perfectly safe here (although I'm sure there is some crime - I'm not oblivious to that fact). If you've been to New York City (and I don't mean the touristy areas) or San Francisco/Oakland or LA (likewise) you'll realize how nice this place is. The same goes for when I moved from Conyers to Porterdale - it is much better. I do notice the odor from the river or treatment plant on rare occasions. It isn't very strong and never gets into my apartment.

As for the staff, the office staff didn't seem to be the nicest but I never had a problem with them. The new people seem much nicer, but I haven't had much experience with them. (I never really have much experience with office staff, except when I was a kid, and... well let's not get into that. But either you have a crappy place or you want way too much if you're in the office that much.)

My heating/AC bills can be high. I installed a programmable thermostat so I'm not heating this place when I'm gone. Also, they charge a flat $40 for water, which is much more than I paid at my old apartments (a single guy by himself who eats out often doesn't use a lot of water).

I've renewed my lease through to the conversion from apartment to condo. I like it here - everything I listed above I can deal with. I'm used to driving somewhere for food, because I've lived in suburbia for the past 18 years. And I love the look of loft. I love telling people I live in an old warehouse. Despite any "crackheads" or "drug dealers" walking around (I still haven't seen any) it feels safe and my neighbors are friendly. When it comes down to it, these lofts have everything I could want in an old loft type of apartment. The things mentioned above are small, in my mind, and I don't let small stuff bother me.

Ryan, unit #2220. odusyNYCcZ7yL3Bj5JtG

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