I used this site during my initial apartment hunt in Jacksonville, so I figured future users might appreciate a more even-keeled review that's not mired in extremes.

Let's start with the obvious: all apartments have problems. Finding one is really a matter of finding problems that you deem to be insignificant. Puller Place is certainly no exception, but I enjoyed my time there, and I'm going to endeavor to point out some of its strengths and weaknesses.

Puller Place is one of the newer semi-upscale complexes in Jacksonville, similar to The Reserve, Abbington Place, and a few others. I payed $775 for a one bedroom studio, and the costs go up from there. The deposit is quite small with approved credit, but there is an administration fee tacked onto it, and it's worth noting that opting for a 6-month lease over 12-months costs an extra $75/month.

The apartments themselves are spacious and built with quality materials. That is not to say that they are well-built, and you will notice some defects such as gaps between the molding and the floor. Nevertheless, I never had a problem with insects getting in through said gaps (they do spray regularly), and the granite counter top was a nice touch. The kitchen and bathroom floors are tile, there are washers and dryers built-in, and ceiling fans in the bedrooms. In other words, they look like what you would expect a $775/month apartment to look like.

Parking isn't ideal, but it is adequate. If you arrive home late, you probably will not be able to find a spot right in front of your apartment. On occasion, I have had to park on the other side of my building and walk through the courtyard. Also, due to being built in a low-lying area, parts of the parking lot will flood when it rains, but they have been working to improve the drainage.

The management does their best to ensure that the grounds look nice. Unfortunately, the tenants do not. The landscaping is well-done and the grass is always trimmed neatly, but everywhere you can see dead spots where someone let their dog go to the bathroom and did not pick up the waste. There are posts placed conveniently with bags for this express purpose, and management will fine anyone caught in the act, but it remains a problem at Puller Place, just as it remains a problem at most apartment complexes in Jacksonville. You'll just have to get used to it.

Speaking of management, I always found them to be friendly and helpful. They always remembered my name and any concerns I might have had, and were quick to see them addressed (thought as tenants go, I tend to be an easy one). The maintenance crew is likewise friendly, and they generally get things done quickly and right the first time. There have been exceptions, but they're only human.

One of the advantages your money gets you is that management frequently organizes events. I'd say at least once a month there's some sort of movie night, poker game or other activity in the clubhouse, with provided refreshments. It's great for families (of which there are many at Puller Place) or if you just want to meet your neighbors.

Now the one issue that plagued me during my stay at Puller Place was their cable/internet provider. The realty company signed a contract upon construction of the complex with a company called BroadStar, who provides their cable, internet, phone and security service. They formerly provided water and sewage, but that has now been transferred to a different company. Ultimately, you still get your water from the city of Jacksonville, but you send your check elsewhere and it costs you an extra $4 or so a month. In any case, the internet service is broadband in theory, but infrequently in practice. When I first arrived in October of 2006, the service was horrible, with frequent interruptions and speeds that were sometimes worse than dial-up. They have improved markedly since then, with interruptions becoming rare and speeds more consistent. However, they still do not hold a candle to Time Warner. If all you care about is surfing the web, they will probably suit your needs just fine. For streaming video, downloading large files or online gaming, look elsewhere. On the television side, service is acceptable, but again incomparable to Time Warner. There are no HD channels beyond the free OTA stations, and to my knowledge no DVR, on-demand offerings or the like. They are also slightly more expensive. I paid $115/month for expanded cable and internet service. Technical support is generally poor and frequently does not return phone calls, and billing errors are very common.

However, at the time I left they were looking into accepting bids from other companies to provide their cable and internet service. With any luck, they have already ditched BroadStar by the time you read this.

Ultimately, I left Puller Place because I decided it was a little bit more than I needed, among other things (including the Internet service). If you are looking for a nice, spacious apartment in Jacksonville with friendly staff, plenty of activities (especially if you have kids), I would recommend giving Puller Place a look. Just make sure you ask if they've done anything about BroadStar.

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