I've lived here for almost two years now, and this is my experience. For a one bedroom, one bathroom apartment I pay 755/mth. This included water, heat, and trash up until this year. They have since implemented a utility sharing service (RUBS), where all of the tenants in a building share a bit of the bill for those services. It's been about 25 dollars. I don't think that heat is included in RUBS, but I could be wrong (hopefully not, as that would make the price skyrocket in the winter). Amenities include and indoor and outdoor pool, tennis courts, free off-street parking, coin-operated laundry facilities, package receiving, and an exercise room. Let's address those.

I cannot attest to the pools or the tennis courts, as I have honestly not used them. I have never had a problem with parking, but my particular building is flanked by two parking lots. Perhaps other buildings have more of a problem. Garages are extra, but you're not locked into them for a whole year or anything. There is admittedly quite a high number of car alarms that go off--I think sometimes the trains cause it. It's annoying, but bearable. The trains are a big issue for some folks--then perhaps they should not have chosen an apartment right next to a train. If it's going to be an issue for you, don't live here. But I don't think it makes the place "run away" worthy. You get used to them--I never even hear them at night. They are only an issue when watching tv with the windows open.

Laundry facilities are a bit lacking. There are too few machines (4 each in my building), and they are too expensive (especially with this new RUBS business). It currently costs $1.50 each to wash and to dry. Machines are frequently in need of repair. This makes it sound bad, but I've truly never had to wait long to do laundry.

I've found the office staff very helpful--they have always answered questions promptly and professionally. There was only one instance in which I had a complaint--I needed to get a package, but the office was closed (and had been so for only ten minutes). The woman working was still there on the computer, and the door was unlocked, but she refused to give me my package. I thought that was a little ridiculous, but truly, the only complaint.

The exercise room could be better. Only a treadmill, a rather ancient-looking elliptical (and I imagine the stride is too short for tall people), and a recumbent bicycle. There is also one of those total weight systems. The exercise room gets better cable than I do, so I use it a lot! Once in a while it seems like I won't be able to use the machines because they're full, but that's rare.

The apartments themselves are pretty ok. I think they're large enough, but it's just me. The counters are particularly nice--you don't have to worry about burning them! The stove is electric and does it's job, and the fridge is ok--no ice maker, though. The dishwasher does it's job, though it leaves a film on my aluminum appliances, so I'd recommend handwashing pots and pans. It's big enough that you're not constantly doing dishes.

Storage space is a HUGE PLUS here. There is a coat closet in the entryway, a very large walk-in pantry off the kitchen, a linen closet, and a HUGE walk-in closet in the bedroom. I am loath to give it up if I ever move. I'm not positive on the dimensions, but the closet is at least 3/4 the size of my freshman dorm room.

The carpet is serviceable. I have had no problems with smells or anything. Once I did have ants, but those went away on their own after a couple of days (before I could go buy ant traps). I have not had any other problem with rodent or insect infestations. The windows are ok and the blinds also ok. The air conditioner could be better--sometime even on the coldest setting it's barely cooling the room--other times it's like the Arctic.

Bathroom is very nice and clean looking. Water pressure is great. There is no light in the shower so it can get a bit dark in there. Apparently the shower head is placed a little low--taller guests have said it can be difficult. I'm very short so I don't notice! A warning to the ladies--the bathroom light is the most flattering light I have ever seen! I can't even see makeup lines in the mirror. I would suggest checking your reflection next to a window before venturing out--I had horrible lines and never noticed!

I do not think they move the appliances when old tenants move out. So unless you are brave of heart, don't look under them.

All in all I have had a pretty good experience here. I have not caused the management trouble and they have caused me no grief either. Maintenance has always been prompt and respectful. They just installed new CO2/smoke detectors as well.

I feel that the rent is a little steep--I'm paying for a lot of things I don't use (ie: pool). But the location is great and I have never felt scared walking home alone. There were reports of car break-ins, but my car was not one of them. People do stick those sticker things on your windows sometimes.

Aside from the train it is a quiet place. I live right next to the laundry room and I still don't hear it. Any ambient noise will either come from outside through the windows, or from the hallway. I almost never hear next door or above/below neighbors. They need to install more bike racks. There are no elevators, so have fun moving! Again, location is fantastic. A short walk to Como Park and the #3 bus. A ten minute drive to either Rosedale or Midway.

Oh, one complaint. Someone in my building keeps stealing my paper. I'm the only person who gets the Star Tribune, and 7 times out of 10 when I go downstairs it is gone. About 30% of the time it is returned later that day. It's very weird. So maybe just don't get the Star Trib. When my lease is up again I likely won't stay here, but not because it was a bad experience. I just think I could find something either cheaper or closer to my work place. Whew...that was long! But I hope it helped somebody!

User Responses
From: ashlibrooks	Date: 08/26/2009
I had the exact same experience (minus the paper stealing) and echo all comments. Haven't lived there in a year, but moved out to buy a house, not out of anger. I think it's a great value.

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