Just some things I've noticed from my time here...

1. I've never had a problem with crime, even with a 1st floor Apt. It's pretty safe here if you use common sense like making sure nothing of value is visible in your car, or locking your vehicle, for example.

2. Parking - is a joke. They'll make you get a permit when you move in for $30, but anyone else can park in the lots for free for any length of time, it seems. Many times I have to park one or two apartment buildings down to find an open spot. I did a rough check one day of the cars in the lot by my building. 2/3rds DIDN'T have permits. The staff doesn't seem to care about this issue, the numerous times I brought it up to them.

3. Appearance/Upkeep - The buildings are old, yeah, and the outside fixtures (watch out for holes and nails in your deck from the rotting wood) need some work. I'm on the first floor and the amount of cigarette butts pitched from units above, or people standing outside the building is astounding! None of it gets picked up, and if you get a first floor apartment, get ready for your patio area to be full of them, regardless of whether or not you smoke. However, the biggest problem for me is the days before trash pickup, where literally there are bags and bags of trash piled by the dumpsters. Not pleasant to look at. I guess the staff does a decent job with appearance despite these things.

4. The staff is friendly when you don't have a problem with anything. Most requests get ignored or get swept under the rug, it seems. But enjoy those free cookies during the holidays!

5. Maintenance - The only issue I've had is with the heat. The lines get plugged with air somewhat often during the winter, and Maintenance Staff have been pretty good about responding quickly. Most of them are friendly too, the few times I've had to call.

6. Condition of Apt. - I moved into a unit that was recently renovated. Nice cabinets & appliances. New carpeting was great, too. Whomever painted the walls spilled a LOT of paint onto the trim in every room, though. Only complaint, really. Apartment is warm in the winter and cool in the summer (without using AC). I really do love the unit I am in.

7. Noise - Oh boy...every little sound seems to carry through the walls, the ceilings, and the door to the hallway. When I was viewing the apartments, I thought it was neat how everyone's doors opened to the central pentagon-shaped common area. Wish I had known how loud sound carries. Even ordinary things like shutting a door, or a normal-voiced conversation carry into other's apartments. Trying to watch TV or a movie in the living room area is nearly an impossibility with all the outside sound, or the jets flying overhead (Lake Cove is right under a Northwest flight pattern, apparently), or someone blasting their music; rattling the walls with the bass. However, most of the noise is done before 10 PM, and you can always call the police for a noise complaint if it continues.

The close proximity apartments also allow for 'certain smells' to spread throughout the building. And by 'certain smells,' I mean those of the substances one identifies with Cheech & Chong movies. Seriously though, not to be a narc, but that stuff reeks all over the hall, no matter what floor you're on. You would think people would learn to put towels under the door or something, but I guess smoking all that stuff makes you forgetful.

8. Overall - I gave it a 3 out of 5. Rent is insanely cheap. A 1 BR 1BA is listed at $709, but if you're a first-time renter here, they'll knock it down to $609, and then their $50 a month off deal, prorated is $569, which for the square footage, is an incredible deal. Rent goes up $40 a year after that. But, the issues with the staff, parking, and noise drag the rating down to a 3. Renting here really depends on what you're willing to put up with vs. the low costs. I'll probably stay here another year, and then look into buying a house with my fiancee.

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