As with any place, there are good and bad things. So your ultimate decision comes down to what you value more and what you can do without.

THE GOOD:
Location - You can literally walk out the front entrance to Buccleuch Park to play tennis, run, or just enjoy the open area. Another great thing is you can walk to Rutgers Stadium. You're also minutes away from downtown New Brunswick and Easton Ave. Since Colony House is outskirts of New Brunswick, you don't hit as much traffic as you would if you were living in downtown like at the Highlands. Don't get me wrong, there is plenty of traffic at the Easton Ave-Landing Lane intersection and also on George Street-Landing Lane, but it's better than downtown.

Space - I have a 1-bedroom unit which is 1050 sqft so it's really spacious. There is a ton of storage place for a 1-br. I've had 20 in my apt and while a little cramped, you normally wouldn't be able to get that many people in a 1-br place. If you have a view and a unit with a terrace, it's huge. I love sitting outside and drinking a beer!! Maybe its because I have a rather quiet floor but I don't hear any noise from my neighbors. I do hear some noise from the floor above and when you have the terrace door open. Overall, it's pretty quiet.

Views - If you get a upper floor unit, you have a nice view on either side of the building. On one side, you overlook Buccleuch Park and downtown New Brunswick and on the other side, you see the Raritan River and Rutgers Stadium.

Utilities - All utilities are included!! Heat, water, electric, garbage, etc. All I pay for is for cable and internet. It's amazing how much money you are saving. The AC was on 24/7 in the summer and the heat is on 24/7 in the winter!!

Management & Security - Some people have had issues but my interactions with management and security has been all positive. Any time I have reported a problem to management, it's been resolved that day. Management people are really pleasant and say hello to you when they see you. They even hosted a party for the tenants. Security people are also greet you when you come in and always assist people with their grocerys or whatever when you need it.

THE BAD:
Price - The prices listed on their web site are wrong....they should really update it. It's really misleading. Rent goes up as you go up in floor or choose to be on the park side. Also, rent is higher if you select an "updated" unit.

Amenities - Although advertised as a luxury apt, it's severely outdated. The lobby area is nice but the units itself really need a facelift.....if your #1 thing is that you want the interior to look like the Highlands at Plaza Square, then this place is not for you. I was told that they are renovating units but I haven't seen one but it will cost you more. The appliances, cabinetry, faucets, etc all look like they are at least 30 years old. They also have a "gym" but it's not worth it especially since you have to pay for it.

AC - While all utilities are included, the Colony House does not have central AC. You only get mildly cold air coming out so when it's like 90 with 100% humidity, you're suffering. However, you can request for a window AC unit that they will install for you....assuming they have some available. You can run those units all 24/7 and it keeps your place quite cool.

Laundry - No laundry units in your apartment so you need to use the common laundry facility. It's a real pain to lug your laundry up and down the elevator but its a sacrifice that I am willing to make......maybe you can't.

Parking - Not usually a problem but there are some rare nights where you will have to park in the overflow lot....if thats full, then I guess you are SOL. This is really only a real problem if you're coming home at mid-night or later or there are a lot of guests for some reason that night. I've only parked in the over-flow lot once.

Problems - I've had a recurring leaky faucet issue but they've fixed it every time I've complained about it. Other than that, I haven't had any major issues with the apartment. There always seems to be some sort of maintenance or other things breaking but it doesn't really impact me since it's always done in the daytime during the work week.

OTHER:
Demographics - It's an interesting mix of senior citizens, workers, resident doctors, and Rutgers students. Everyone is pretty friendly.

I would recommend the place if value the good more than the bad. The large space, location, views, and utilities included sold it for me....if money is not an issue, then there are better options that offer modern amenities and trendiness like Highlands at Plaza Square or Skyline Towers. Hope this helps.

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