This complex for the price is the most ridiculous, most unsatisfying place I ever lived in my life. I've lived in Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota, Memphis, Tennessee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Chicago, IL...this is to demonstrate how my apartments I've lived in. I lived at The Waverly in Winston-Salem, NC and I have to say...This is the worst complex I have ever stayed in. One of my friends was staying here and recommended that I get my own place...so I signed a lease and they didn't grant me a walkthrough of the apartment because they were short-staffed that weekend. I thought, "well it'll be fine because my friend's apartment looks alright." Big mistake. I lived in a 2 bedroom/ 2 bath unit no washer/dryer included on the second floor. Upon walking in the apartment I noticed the door lock was defective...and walking up the stairs there was black grime and dirt along the entire carpeted stairwell, it didn't look it was cleaned, whatsoever. Walking into the living room revealed that there was a turkey platter sized stain that looked like someone rubbed fecal matter on the spot on the carpet and smeared it in and couldn't get it out. There were various stains throughout the entire apartment, red spots that appeared as if they were left by an animal in heat. The vents were filthy and the stove-top was caved in, the interior of the stove filthy. Yet on the lease agreement it basically notes that we will clean the vents, stove, and all other areas...upon moving in everything is in disrepair and disgusting' The chandelier in the living room had missing covers over the lights (my friend's unit had the covers). My first week there I purchased $200 worth of groceries from Wal-Mart and put them in the fridge. I went to get something out of the fridge and noticed everything was frozen solid. I looked at the fridge setting and saw that it was on 3 and was damaged. I went to the complex and explained to one of the leasing officers what occurred and asked if they were willing to either reimburse me or provide me rent credit...basically ANYTHING to show their appreciation for my business...and was told they would do nothing. I complained about the stains and was told that since I wasn't purchasing the apartment there were "some things I would have to live with, realistically." I was told this by Patty, one of the officers. Word for word. All I wanted was someone to bring a carpet cleaner and take care of the major stains. I wasn't asking for much. Completely unwilling to accomodate my needs. $870 is basically the price of a mortgage payment. And they expect me to live in the projects'

The parking is awful. I have to park 100 yards away as the area in front of my building is always full after 6 p.m. regardless what day it is. People at the complex will notice that a spot opens and will move their car to be near their building. Believe me, you get to know all the cars of your neighbors.

I work nights and have been woken up many times by their groundspeople. They mow and use lawnblowers at 8 or 9 in the morning some days and it is earpiercing even with the windows closed. The grounds near my building were filled with dog feces as none of the residents would clean up after themselves. There were many areas of bare spots where no grass was. It almost had the presence of a desert.

The windows of my living room were duct taped shut by the previous resident and I could not for the life of me get them open. I paged maintenance no less than ten times on a saturday between the hours of 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. and received no response - yet they are supposed to have 24 maintenance. I called the complex on Sunday and was advised getting my windows open is not considered an emergency...yet this was in April when we had a heat index of 104 degrees. I was told if the A/C is running there isn't a problem. Which I responded, "Are you paying my gas bill'"

Oh, by the way...nothing is included in the rent price. Natural gas, electricity, water, sewer, and trash service are all charged...no cable included...nothing, zip, nada. $870 gets you a roof over your head and no place to park. What complex charges for trash service' This one does.

It would honestly not be so bad if it was $550 or MAYBE $650/month to stay here. But $870 NOTHING included. Outrageous.

Oh, I also have to include that after vacuuming the carpet in all of the rooms I noticed this thicky chalky white powder was coming up. It took three months to get all of it out. I suspect it was some carpeting trick to make the carpet appear lighter. They have this handyman guy who does all of the carpet cleaning. He certainly is pulling the wool over their eyes.

Also, there is only one garbage receptacle for the entire complex. You have to drive your garbage from one end of the complex to the other. This is a pretty big complex mind you. And I'm not a lazy person, I'm in my early 20s and am at average weight level. I don't mind walking...picture the distance from one end of a Super Wal-Mart to another and double it...this is how far you must walk your garbage.

Now please...I'm not a picky person, believe me. I work long hours and I just need a place to sleep. But If you have me complaining about an apartment complex, you know you have a real problem. I never want to stay in a complex again, I'm in the process of buying a house because of Granite Ridge. Especially since I've paid $5200 in base rent since January...and I have nothing to show for it. Please do not ever stay here.

User Responses
From: Teagan88	Date: 06/29/2008
While you certainly have a right to your opinion, I must respectfully disagree. The median rent price being $650 in greensboro and being charged $870 is ridiculous. And I also disagree with your assessment of not including utilities. Since I've been paging through apartment finder book listings and classifieds most of them include trash and water, some including cable or electricity. It's very rare to find a complex that has nothing included. I'm closing a on a house on the 7th of July, I can't wait. I certainly don't want to wake up in my forties and not have a house in in my name - I guess I have to thank Granite Ridge... It's made me never want to live in another apartment again.
From: nljackson65	Date: 06/30/2008
Goodness, you really must be upset to write a 9 paragraph review. Allow me to entertain you and correct you on a few things. I???ve got some time on my hands. I believe 'your' assessments are based on your emotions, which are running pretty high by the way. I'm going to come at you with facts. Facts are more tangible and hold more truth, where emotions cloud the mind and spews inaccurate information. I agree that the average price of a decent ONE bedroom apartment in a pretty decent neighborhood is in the range of $650-$750. You cannot compare a TWO-bedroom price (which is what I believe a two bedroom goes for at Granite Ridge) with the price of a ONE bedroom. Now, any person reading this post could easily call or check out the Apartment Guide and find out that the one bedrooms at Granite Ridge are not $850. I live in a one bedroom and know that. Now, let's get to your emotional claims regarding utilities. For kicks and giggles, I personally called some apartment complexes, and every one that I called stated that the utilities are separate from the rent. Would you like to know which ones I called? Well, here ya go! Palladium Park - High Point Abbington Place - GSO Bridford Lake - GSO Brassfield Park - GSO Crown at James Landing - GSO Laurel Bluff - High Point I got a little lazy after Laural Bluff and stopped there. I called all six, back-to-back and they confirmed that all tenants are responsible for electricity, gas (if applicable), water and sewerage. Now, Palladium did say they do include the utilities if the tenants choose that particular rental package; and do you know how much that is? $950 smackeroos, baby! The other places include the utilities with the rent at corporate apartment pricing, only! Not individual tenant pricing. These are facts, NOT emotional accusations! In Chicago, I do agree that most utilities are included. It was definitely a culture shock coming to NC and realizing that I have to pay for ALL the utilities. Most apartments with lower rent and utilities included are usually situated in questionable neighborhoods, where you have to do a duck-and-roll to get to and from your apartment???s door. Your choice to buy a home should be because it was a personal goal, not because you were forced into it. If you were capable of buying a home before you moved in, then that's what you should have done in the beginning. Your emotional bouts and unproven accusations make your immaturity transparent. Congratulations on your new home! Pack, move and get out! Chalk it off as an experience and move on. But, suck it up and be a man about it... goodness! N. L. Jackson
From: Anonymous	Date: 09/02/2008
Sadly . . I have to agree with Teagan88 on this one. Too bad since it is such a pretty property to be run so POORLY. I can't wait to move myself.
From: Anonymous	Date: 09/30/2008
I would have to agree with a good portion of what Teagen 88 wrote as well. I have experienced several of the same issues. I am from northern VA and the rent here rivals there and the apartments are not nearly as nice. I do think it is a convenient location but I will be looking when my lease is up.
From: Anonymous	Date: 10/29/2008
I have to say that I moved here from out of town as well. I am in a 2bdrm with washer/dryer. I have not had any problems in my apartment since moving in 2 and 1/2 months ago. I visited many complexes in the area...including the ones listed in jackson65's review above. The majority of complexes we toured did not include any utilities. Out of the 2 we narrowed our search down to, neither included trash in the rent. I do think that they need more dumpters spread throughout the complex. It is very big...and I have noticed that most people drive their trash to the dumpsters rather than walk. As far as maintenence goes, I have had no problem with someone responding immediately if I have a problem or concern with the apartment. I do not find that the rent is excessive here for the square footage you get in the apartment. It was actually less than other nearby complexes who had less sq footage to offer. I do think that it is hard to please everyone. I have been somewhat upset with the play area for children. I have three. I was upset that the "new" play area is mostly for children 5 and under. It looks as if it might blow down if the wind blows hard enough. I expected a more commerical playground with the large amount of children living in the complex. I also was upset with the letter management sent out regarding children playing in the complex. Children over the age of 5-6 would be required to stay in the apartment all day if all that they are allowed to do is play on the backyard play set. I think that this is unreasonable. I feel like management could put up signs, like most complexes do, informing people that there are children at play. I have even seen signs in some complexes that say "we love our children, drive slowly" rather than limit the children's play outdoors. I have no other issues with the complex or apartment itself. In general, it was a smooth transition from our home to here. We do not plan to stay forever, but for now the location and amenties have been great!! Good luck to those becoming home owners!

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