I grew up in Columbia, so I KNOW what I am talking about! This is probably the worst neighborhood in Columbia. I lived in what used to be called Oakland Meadows, now Dorsey's Forge Apartments, when I was little and also two years ago. If you have a choice, go with them. This place should be a last resort. Ultimately, I would make every attempt to avoid this area in general.
This place is a proverbial dump. There was a hole in my wall and a three-page list of items that needed to be addressed and they considered this place to be in MOVE-IN condition. What a complete joke'!
Stephanie Clark is very nice, but not always knowledgeable and misrepresented the apartment during the initial phases of my move-in. She mentioned that the A/C was included in my rent, but at the eleventh hour told me otherwise and since I was strapped to move, I took the place anyway...
Your neighbors are most likely Section 8 and although that does not make all of them bad, it certainly gives you an idea of what to expect. They tend to be pretty cool, but they also bring trouble with them in the form of visitors who make noise and trouble throughout Columbia. Just ask the local police force and they will verify this. The people in this area ran a grocery store out of town because they stole from it so much. REMEMBER METRO''' Ask the mini-mart people how times they have been robbed or an attempt was made' I am amazed they are still in business.
The lighting in the parking lot is atrocious and you are ASKING for trouble if you come home late at night - after 6 p.m. in the winter and after 8:30 p.m. in the summer. I even think the criminals think it is too easy!
The elevators in the tower are broken EVERY month and there is always some issue with security in the building. (They recently put on new locks due to recent vandalism, but neglected to aggressively inform tenants of the change. Put a flier in or near the elevators EINSTEIN! No marketing degree required!!!)During my move a young boy got stuck in the elevator for almost two hours! Call the fire department IDIOTS instead of trying to fix the elevator, THEN get him out! SHEEESH! This just isn't rocket science.
If you really want to know how bad it is, ask them about their occupancy rate. This is not only one of the most competitive areas for housing in the country, but Columbia is among the most affordable. Why is it that they have such high attrition after only one year of tenancy in this high-commuter area' When other places do not even have to advertise, this group is scanning the Want Ads for prospective tenants. That is how I was contacted. I put an ad in the City Paper and the property manager called me within two days of the ad being placed! Sad or resourceful' You make the call.
I will agree that the staff is friendly, but I am not here to make friends. I am here to pay rent and have maintenance in a timely manner. Fix my faucet and shower, then we'll see about a friendship!
I am probably going to give 60 days notice and I just moved in last month. I figure I get my first and last month's rent free, so I will just have to forfeit my deposit. It will be well worth it, to get the hell up out of this place.
In all, this place should be a last resort and I mean the LAST! Stay in the local Extended Stay America until you can find a place. It may be expensive, but at least you won't regret your decision for a year!
Regretfully submitted,

A Soon To Be Former Tenant!

User Responses
From: Anonymous	Date: 04/25/2009
Columbia is actually more expensive to live in then other areas in Maryland.That's why it has so many section 8 to begin with.In fact,I read that Columbia is 29% more expensive then national average is.We are right up there with New York City,and at least New York has alot of rent controlled apartments. Without rent control,this is what you end up with: Everyone cramming into the cheapest place they can find even though it's an absolute crap hole.

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