Northwoods is not the self-proclaimed luxury it touts itself to be. This was a nice community at one time, but is rapidly declining downhill. The garden apartments are decent, but the property upkeep, atmosphere and staff are a huge drawback. The office staff appears to be friendly enough, but they are very unorganized and inexperienced and have absolutely no follow-thru on anything they are told. Their only focus is and has been getting bodies to fill this space...and it shows. There was a mass evacuation here when The Connnor Group took over the property last summer...and it steadily continues. Rent: the major increase in rent has everyone leaving. Sure you may get what appears to be a reasonable rate when you sign the lease, but wait until your renewal comes...that's where they are going to try to stick it to you. Expect anywhere from a $50-$100 increase. Keep in mind that the initial rate you get will be inconsistent throughout the complex. Many people here are paying more for a 1 bedroom w/den than the people with 2 bdrm 2 bath. Watch Craigslist...they continually promote discounted rates here and those are all over the board. They have also lowered the standards for new tenants as well...they now promote "bad credit, no credit...come live here"...residents are noticing. Also, count into your rent costs the water/trash/sewer...that's going to run you $50-75/month...no kidding. Property: they are so distracted trying to get tenants into the property they neglect those that already live here. The "luxury" you can expect for your $$: property & parking lighting that does not work (many lights have been out since the wind storm in September & more keep going out w/o being replaced) & carport lights have not been on for over a year-; trash around the property...if they can't see it when they drive by it, it doesn't get picked up...even if they are the ones who left it behind; pet waste bags have been provided as part of the community forever..since they took over the property, they continuously neglect to replace the bags even when owners remind them (and the responsible ones DO!)...we are going on 1 month without bags to p/u dog waste...and it shows...apparently your rent does not cover this "luxury" item and it is a courtesy for them to even provide it; snow & ice removal has been horrible this year...residents have to continually call to beg or demand clean-up and they are still lucky if it gets addresses...we have rarely seen the snow plow through here this winter. Pets: the pets and pet area is the best thing about this place. The downfall are the irresponsible dog owners who do not take proper care of their pets and clean-up after them. Not the dogs fault, but this never used to be this bad. Luxury: I haven't quite figured out what they are now touting to be the "luxury" part of this place. Sure we have a pool, they repaved the parking lot, recovered the tennis area, trimmed the trees & shrubs in the fall, recarpted the hallways, but that's just surface stuff. Some units here have new appliances, but some are as old as the property...it's a coin flip. Staff: Few people use the clubhouse b/c that means some interaction with the scattered staff. They have very little social skills and tend to be rather bullying. They are very poor at communicating with residents and when they do it's usually through very bullying or threatening notices (ex. when they paved the parking lot, they put up a notice the day the paving started and gave NO warning that cars would be towed if you did not remove them the day they were doing your area; they want the residents to do the carport/garage inventory for them AND you will be towed if you do not contact them with the info; if your dog is seen pooping and you do not pick it up-with the bags they now do not provide-they will fine you $100). We really expect this to be some kind of joke and the notices with improve...but no luck. The maintenance guys are ok by me, but they do have a difficult time doing the job right the first time and have to make several trips...not as friendly, knowledgeable or outgoing as the previous staff...would be difficult being the low man under the mess in this hierarchy. So what's all your money going to' I guess the priviledge to live here and who knows what else. Their desperation to fill the property is palpable and makes everyone uncomfortable and on edge...it's all about the money with them...and they want yours with little return for you. The standards here are the lowest I have ever seen and they are at the tipping point of turning a decent area of this community into an eyesore. I suggest doing your research if you want to be in this area...there are plenty of nicer places for your money, comfort and time.

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