I currently reside at Parkside, and have for almost two years. I am considering moving once my lease is up, however it is less to do with Parkside, and more to due with geographical purposes. Anyhow let me start with the realistic 'cons' of Parkside. First, though the apartments are considered luxury/high end, the quality of construction is typical, so expect minor flaws such as mass-purchased windows that rattle in high wind, and poor seals on the porch door (as examples). Also, the heater is forced air which pulls from the hot water tank (this is normal for most apartment complexes, however this is little consolation when the heater kicks on mid-shower... and yes you will be blasted with cool water when this occurs). Furthermore, the ventilation of the center hallways and stairwells is lacking, so if someone swims in perfume, or smokes like a chimney, you will relive the stench for many days. Noise is rarely a problem but realistically it does occur and it can be annoying when it happens. There has been two occasions where I can recall my neighbors elephant getting loose and running a-muck until 1am (Im being sarcastic, of corse there is no elephant, but the sound was uncanny). All these petty issues aside, my only true complaint is the amount of wind the top floor gets. Yes the wind might sound like a petty issue, however I will put it in this light: Try sleeping to the rattling of windows that ear plugs cannot mask -- wind that pile up porch chairs one on top of the other, rip down fully closed/secured bamboo curtains, completely pull off all the siding on the roof pitch, and bending the metal soffit and facia. Okay, so all this did not happen in one night, and its not a daily affair, but all the above has happened and is of great inconvenience (to no fault of the complex owners). Just be warned that the view comes as 'quid pro quo'. You will get amazing views and sunsets from the southern exposure apartments, but the wind will also drive you indoors on occasion (and insane on those long and loud nights).
Okay, the 'pros'... The apartment is a good value, the rooms are decent in size and the management will leave you completely alone as long as you pay them on time. They allow you to paint and hang pictures, as long as you return the apartment to them the way you received it (this is common for apartments). The rent has increased twice due to cable, but has only amounted to 6.00 over two years -- which is a huge plus. If I renew, the true rent will likely increase 100.00 or more dollars if they do not offer another signing bonus, but this is to be understood. After all it may be home to me, but its a business to the management. Which brings me to the management, people have made a bad habit of expressing great disdain toward Chris and Susan (if that is their names, I cant really remember myself) but let me express my point of view... this is their job, and I know Im not always a peach when Im at work. This doesn't excuse poor treatment if anyone has received it from them, but I have never been treated in a bad way by either of them. I have found them to be people of few words, but enough to communicate professionally and thats all I need. After all, Im not trying to be their new BFF, just a tenant who wants a safe place to live. The pool is complete but has not opened yet (it opens for the first time this summer. The gym is open and is nice for an apartment gym. The gym equipment is adequate for any user, although if you're a beefcake you may want to stick with a true gym (after all this is an apartment complex first and foremost, not Bally's). Parking is adequate for the most part, but be realistic, not everyone can have the front spots (Personally I park farther away and walk a bit, the US is fat enough, so the few extra steps can't hurt). Also, the top floor apartments have nice sized washer and dryers which can make life wonderful.
I know I have not been able to write every experience here, but I can say with certainty, if you choose to live here, and you choose to live in a top floor apartment, you should not be disappointed. I hope someone finds this useful... I have enjoyed most of my stay here, and am undecided if I will continue, or move closer to Pittsburgh. Nevertheless, for a safe clean place to live, this place is nice to call "home".

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