Cheney was highly recommended by a friend of mine when I was looking to move to the area, and so I checked out 12 Salmon Street - just down the street from her own apartment. After perusing a number of other venues in the Durham/Dover/Newmarket area, Cheney seemed to have it's act together and provide decent quality and accomodations - which should be expected from the slightly higher than average rental rates in the area.

My phone conversations and meetings with Valerie initially, and to sign papers/get keys, etc, were always pleasant. When I checked out the site at 12 Salmon Street, she gave me a guided tour...and I really liked the place, except for some of the features. I said I'd probably take it if the certain featurs were taken care of, i.e. repainted cabinets (they were old 70's brown, and they're now a clean, healthy white). I toured the place as they were repainting the entire apt. and they were finishing the installation of brand-new carpeting. The place was beautiful - it still is. I try to take very good care of it in hopes of getting back as much of my deposit as possible...though that seems like it's a sore spot with some of the earlier reviews.

When I've had to request maintenance (only for an electrical outlet that did not seem to function correctly) it was prompt and polite and they left a note explaining the situation as well as giving a phone call.

Cheney also has a nice program for residents whereby if you submit your rent early you can get discounted rent via a lottery that you are entered into - my aforementioned friend/reference one the raffle one time last year, saved a 100 dollars or so. So, there are some perks. Cheney has some of the nicer facilities in the area compared to just about anyone else.

I guess the only gripes I've ever had with them were:
#1) that the snow removal guys usually take awhile to show up and for the sake of some of the more elderly people in the complex, it's definitely a safety concern.
#2) a couple dryers in the laundramat sometimes liked to break down.
#3) The layout of the 1 BR has the bathroom only accessible via the bedroom - not too bad in a one bedroom, but make sure you have your room clean if you have guests! :O)
#4)I noticed the ants too, but I think I saw maybe five or six all winter and they were taken care of and haven't been back since - just don't be stupid and leave food open and exposed.
#5) I guess I could add that the "tennis court" associated with the complex sort of looks like a run-down, ghetto drug-dealer's paradise - wonder if that can be used as leverage for rent reduction' Too bad I don't care about tennis. But the neighborhood itself is pretty quaint, quiet, very very friendly, and with the river, boat launch and trails right nearby, it's a decent area for being outdoors.

Overall, a fine experience almost 1 year through my first lease - all depends on what happens when I leave Cheney, if they stiff me or not. Fingers crossed.

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