My boyfriend and I went to see this apartment complex recently. After reading the information on its website and looking at some pictures, we thought it sounded great so we put a deposit on to hold the only available apartment for us until we could come see it. We were under a time crunch, so since it sounded so nice we figured we'd go see it just to make sure, then start moving our stuff in. Big mistake.

Sadly, we didn't realize that in 72 hours, that $450 deposit would be come non-refundable.

We were greeted courteously by the administrator at the desk. He was enthusiastic, very friendly. He then proceeded to show us the apartment. This is where it all went wrong.

The hallways were hot, really dark and dirty, smelly, and all out scary. I was like "Hm...I guess this is how all complexes must be. Hopefully the apartment will be nice, at least." (I've since found out upon seeing other apartment communities that jail-like hallways aren't the norm.)

We got into the apartment, and I thought I was having a dizzy spell. The floors were crooked in every direction from room to room. When we asked the administrator about it, he kind of chuckled, shrugged and said, "yeah well this building may have settled a bit. It's not as bad in the other ones." Mind you, I could probably have rolled a marble. Across the CARPET.

Not to mention that 'central AC' in this complex equals an air conditioner unit hooked up through the wall. The deception continues...

The porches are rotting away. The other apartment that happened to open up that we were shown that same day also had uneven floors and a poor paint job. The pool was disgusting as was the pool house, and there was a claim that the pool was being refinished and all brand new. Something tells me that's not really going to happen.

All in all, beware. The pictures make it look suburban and quiet, but it's right on a main street with lots of traffic and noise, and adjacent to an abandoned lot with grass growing through the pavement. The grounds outside look lovely, but once you get inside, it's a different story. All of this and the rent was over $1500 for 1 bedroom. Add that to a sketchy area in general and a rather pushy administration and you have Archstone Malden.

We have since learned the lesson of apartment hunting (this is our first non-residential apartment search): never put down a deposit until you know you're going to get it back! We're out $450, but we've stumbled upon the wonders of Avalon Oaks West. Personally I'd much rather be out $450 and living in a luxurious complex than be paying almost equal to a slum.

We'll be moving in soon, and I'd say to check out an Avalon Community before ever looking at Archstone. Archstone Burlington gave me the same impression and I was never actually able to even see the apartment, just the suped up 'model'. Be sure to always ask questions about legal and monetary policies before you sign anything, and I'm sure there must be some better communities in the greater Boston area that provide a much higher standard of living for equal or less money.

Hope this helps.

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