I am a middle-aged woman and, except for a few years, my family and I have always owned our own homes. I have also been a landlord. For Katrina I evacuated to TN and then about 1 1/2 hours from New Orleans. My house was flooded and I had no place to go. While in Memphis I looked at beautiful apartments with nature trails, fireplaces, and modern conveniences. I wondered why the New Orleans area did have similar places. When I returned to the NO area, I inspected apartments in New Orleans and called and searched the internet for apartments in New Orleans, Metairie, and Kenner. My first choice was a very nice apartment complex in NO, but they were a long time getting back into operation and weren't very nice each time I checked. The rental prices were very high (for example: $1000 for my first choice NO apartment (one bedroom);$1400 for one apt. in NO for a 4 plex with no screens, no pets, no security--since Katrina rents are very high). When I found the Lakes, I was very happy. The Lakes of Chateau South was a paradise away from the grey desolation of NO. The staff was extremely nice to me and very professional in their explanation of the lease, etc. The traffic was horrible the afternoon of my appointment and the staff member was extremely understanding when I called to say that I was going to be late. She told me not to worry. Not once did I feel that I was inconviencing her. My tardiness caused her to work an extra one and one-half hours. She took her time and answered all of my questions. The Lakes accepted my pet gladly and made me feel at home. They gave me a checklist to fill out when I moved in to indicate any problems or areas that needed cleaning. The walls were clean and fresh, the carpet was new, the fireplace was clean (as was the frig, the dishwasher and the washer and dryer). I reported that the bathroom needed additional cleaning, although it was not at all dirty--there was a water stain in the toilet; and the stove needed a little cleaning (It was not very dirty and I could have cleaned it myself; but I had cleaned the stove after my tenants one too many times, and wanted someone to clean it for me because I was now the tenant). One of the mini blinds was dirty. The cleaning ladies came and left the apt. immaculate. When I couldn't figure out the alarm system, the staff gladly helped me. It seems to take very little ac and heating to heat and cool the apartment. The neighbors are quiet and considerate. I was so afraid that I couldn't find a modern, clean, safe place to live. The staff is always very nice to me and the maintenance crews respond quickly. When I call with a question, they respond immediately. Of course with all the storm damage, things take a little longer to put back to normal. There is still some gate damage. I see that some of the storm-damaged trees must have been removed, and some have wind damage. But everyday I see that more is being done to bring the complex back to what it must have been before. One of the pond's fountains was out of order for a while, but now it works 24/7. The porch light covers that were cracked have been replaced, the apartments that still have some damage are being repaired. The pool area seems to be okay. The residents frequently use the tennis courts. Tenants clean up after their pets. Someone cleans the porch landings on a regular basis. I feel safe and I am glad to come home each day. The little lakes with the water birds and fish are beautiful and peaceful. The only thing that could be improved is the dumpster area at one end of the complex. Although the garbage trucks come often, some people seem to place their garbage next to instead of inside the dumpsters. I wouldn't mind living at the Lakes South for a long long time, or maybe permanently.

Your thoughts? Post a response to this review. Display my response: with my username anonymously Responses appear below reviews and one response per user is permitted.

   Free estimates on moving trucks      Find apartment share/roommates