Unlike most, I'm happy to put my email address on this so you can trust that it's not some jaded prior tenant. I'll explain each rating thoroughly.

Parking 3 stars.
You get one assigned spot. In my case, I lived alone, so it wasn't an issue for me. There is limited "guest" parking, so if you have 2 cars, as most people would, I can see it being quite a challenge. The parking lot is very poorly lit. There are lights, but the lot where I parked often had a malfunctioning light. Even when properly working, the lights are dim.

Noise 4 stars.
Of course, this is largely based on who your neighbors are. Mine were considerate, so noise wasn't an issue. Careful of the pet-friendly buildings. I was told mine was cats only, and then a dog moved in about a week after me. As it turns out, I think the leasing agent didn't know it was a cat-only building. Yes, the dog is still there -- I did call, and the response I got (honest) was "well is the dog VERY loud'"

Safety 2 stars
Again, I reiterate that the parking lot is very dim. The dumpsters are often visited by local animals -- mostly raccoons.

Construction 3 stars
I don't think there's anything overtly bad about the construction of the buildings, but it's not anything more than any other apartment complex with similar rent in the area.

Maintenance 3 stars
Let me preface this by saying the actual maintenace crew is probably the best thing going. However, MANY of my maintenance requests have included the hiring of outsiders (exterminator, specifically) and that situation is still miserable. You could call in "becoming one with nature". I call it "I was vaccuuming spiders, ants, webs, and crickets everyday -- on average 5 bugs a day." I'm bitten by bugs daily and my neighbors have confirmed they, too, have these issues. I'm breaking my lease early because for $850 a month, I deserve not to have the feeling something's crawling on me.

Office staff 2 stars
Um.. remember the dog story' They also gave me bad utility info upon move in, and because they didn't make a copy of my keys for the office, I had to give up my own keys for a day while they made copies. Nice isn't the same as competent. I don't much care if they're 'nice'.

Overall 2 stars
I've lived in other places in the area, and the perks that exist here (in-unit washer and dryer, ok for grills, low deposit) don't really make it worth it.


As mentioned in other people's comments, yes, if you cross Rand Rd you're in dangerous territory. I mean dangerous. You should check it out yourself since this statistic will become outdated, but I'd say that about 30 registered sex offenders live within a 1 mile radius of my address -- one of which is in the complex. I understand they have a right to live somewhere, but it's research you should consider doing, ESPECIALLY if you have kids, before choosing a complex. Just google the key words "Illinois sex offender". It's a matter of public record for a reason, folks.

On the surface this place will seem great -- not too many rules (I moved out of a rule-driven place in Wheeling - Mallard Lake -- and rules do keep out the riff-raff. The laundry thing probably sways a lot of people. I confess, it's very convenient.

A few things I didn't know prior to signing the lease...

1) The lease for your first year is 13 months.
2) DSL is not available in all buildings (check with SBC first) Cable internet is not available. Comcast is not the provider.
3) They'll actually charge you $10 the first month in order to set up your account. Yes, that's petty of me, but you're going to charge me for the administrative fee of collecting my rent'!'!
4) There is no 'if you buy a house' or 'if you're relocated for work' lease breaking clause. If you're friends with the leasing consultant (like someone I know -- but unfortunately not me)you might be able to waive the fee for breaking a lease. But if you're an average tenant, it's 1 months rent if you give 60 days notice, and 2 months rent if you give 30-59.

Good luck in your search. Contact me if you'd like more details than I provided. I tried to be explicit.

User Responses
From: Jabee04	Date: 08/13/2005
I disagree. This place has been a great experience for us. We are planning on renewing because of the apartment, maintenance, staff and location. Everyone I talked with agrees with me too.
From: visitor07	Date: 08/22/2005
I have a few questions to ask, but didn't see your e-mail address as you stated you added. Would you please post it?
From: destiny1979	Date: 04/29/2006
this information is outdated. the sex offender that was in the complex has moved. and the lease specifically says what the lease breaking fees are so i don't know why that would be a surprise. i knew fully that my first lease was for 13 months b/c they had a special of one month free rent if you sign for 13 months so maybe you didn't read something?? that's odd that i could be so informed and yet you were not. i am looking in to other places just because this place is very small, but from what i have researched clover ridge has the most to offer. i think i just need to de-clutter myself. hahaha
From: CubanGal	Date: 08/13/2006
I have lived in this complex for about 4 years. Everything in this review was true. This place is not perfect, most places are not "perfect" and if anyone on this board tells you that they live in a "beautiful" paradise, they are lying. Only reviews that show the good and the bad are valid. Be smart when you read these reviews. Am I renewing my lease? No, I am not and will post about it under the same name in a bit.

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