Drakes Pond

I am a Senior at Western Michigan University, and I just wanted to write a positive review of Drake's Pond, because it seems as though there are so many negative ones on here. I read these reviews before moving into the apartment, so I was quite nervous, but I have not had a single negative experience while living here. This is only my second apartment, but my first one does not even compare to this one.

A few tips: If possible, try to come in and put down a deposit in January or February for the following fall. We did this in early January, and the workers were so impressed to see college students who were so on the ball with things. We were the very first on the list for apartments. I have always found the staff to be accommodating and friendly...you are allowed to rank your preferences (for example...fireplace, view, top floor with high ceilings) and because we signed up early, they were able to get us every single preference. Definitely request a third floor with high ceilings...it makes everything seem more spacious. We also got a beautiful view of trees and a large field.(Unfortunately, they cut down the trees and cleared the field for a shopping mall, but the view is still nice...there is a large grassy area just behind our apartment. We are in building 21.)

I can see that people would not like it here if they are really into partying, but we are not at all and the quiet atmosphere in our building has been a wonderful change from our last apartment, which was in the Student ghetto and had neighbors who often had parties that kept us awake half the night.

OK...on to my experiences here. We have called maintenance multiple times, and they have always been here within 24 hours. Usually it is within a 2-3 hours. One day they were about to leave for the day because their shift was over, and they still came to put in a new florescent lightbulb. When we moved in , we didn't like the door knobs in the bathroom because the locks didn't work, so they ordered new ones and had them installed within a week. Our apartment was freshly painted and had all new carpet. Maintenance also came by just to see if we needed anything during the first week.

We have never had any bug problems, which amazes me. I have had a couple flies, but I have never even seen a spider or ant in this apartment. Our last one was cockroach infested, so it is SO wonderful not to have to worry about bugs. I suppose if you leave dirty dishes around bugs might become a problem, but there is a dishwasher, so it is easy to keep things clean.

There are two pools here...one is an indoor pool, so it is great during the winter to go an soak in the hot tub or go for a swim. During the summer, the indoor pool got bugs in it, but I think it was still cleaned at least once a week. They are in the midst of remodeling the whole pool building right now, so by the time anyone reading this moves in, it will probably be much improved. It looks like they are replacing the glass with actual insulation and siding/roofing, so this should help with the bug problem.

My only complaint is the size and layout of the kitchen. I live with my husband, brother, and his girlfriend, and the kitchen is just to small if you really like to cook and have more than 2 people. The cupboards are also poorly made...the door hinges broke several times (but again, maintenance fixed them right away) and the counter stains very easily because it is white. Also, the fridge is directly across from the dishwasher, which are both right in front of the door that leads to the laundry room, so traffic jams are unavoidable.

However, if I had to choose a place in Kalamazoo again, it would definitely be Drake's Pond. I have had an absolutely wonderful year here and I am really dreading next year, because we are moving to a new area of the country and won't be able to afford a place as nice as this one.

Recommended: YES Overall Rating

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