I've lived here for 4 years and it's simply been an apartment. Nice neighbors on my floor, though I've heard negative reports on other floors. It's certainly a mix of different nationalities, which keeps things interesting.

Now for the bad news. This is supposed to be low income house. Right now, the owners are trying to sell to a new partner and pay of their mortgage early. They will then raise the rents astronomically--by $400 a month. They still consider this low income housing though, because you are allowed to apply for an enhanced voucher to make up the difference of 30% of your salary and their over-priced rent increase. This pertains only to current tenants. New tenants will need to come in with the voucher--they will not be allowed to apply for one after they're living here.

As for repairs... Minor repairs are done in a timely manner by nice repair folks (who also live in the building). The major repairs to bring the building up to code have not been done--in spite of years of promises. Only 1/3 of the windows have been replaced since they budgeted for it at least 4 years ago (and promised 15 years ago). The roof has not been completely fixed yet, either (I'm on the third floor, so there is no impact to me, but those on the 12 floor have gotten a little wet).

The management claims they are going to make $5 million dollars worth of upgrades once the sale goes through. Personally, I'm not holding my breath.

Safety is an issue. While we all have electronic passcards to enter the building, if you wait by the doorway long enough, someone will come by with a passcard and you can follow right in--security doesn't stop anyone. Every apartment has a working deadbolt, and I've never been bothered and haven't heard of any robberies or other trouble in my time here.

Parking--have a shovel. They plow the lot, but you then have to dig out your car. The plows try to make it easier on you if they have the time and see you out there shovelling (nice guys). Being young, I also try to help my elderly neighbors shovel, but my kind of help is not always available. The handicap spots are neither shoveled nor plowed. If you are handicapped, you'll need to hire someone to shovel or have a really nice family member.

One plus is its location. Stop & Shop, TJ Maxx, Marshalls--Vinnin Square, is down the hill and across the street. The beach is two miles from here (Swampscott/Lynn beach), there is a bus stop at the bottom of the hill and two near Stop&Shop.

Overall, this building is alright to live in, particularly if you are low income (this is one of the best low income buildings around). But, if you make over 60% of the median salary for this area, find another apartment--this apartment just isn't worth the $400 rent increase. Personally, I'm hitting the road.

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