We read the reviews before moving in and were pretty worried, and didn't think we would stay more than a year. It turns out to be not that bad. Yes, it's an old building, somewhat decrepit, although maintenance keep it shipshape as much as they can. Pest-wise, within the last 6 months, I have seen one tiny mouse and a few cockroaches, not pleasant but nothing terrible or out of the ordinary in an old city building I believe. And the management has the apartments sprayed at least once a month. The courtyard could do with a tiny bit of landscaping. It wouldn't demand a lot of work and could improve things greatly. The basement laundry is so-so, one of the machines was dead the first time I tried and now I just go to the laundry next door, which is a bit more expensive but more practical.
Walls are thin but the neighbours tend to be pretty considerate all things considered, and I'm pretty sensitive to noise. The only annoying point really is the restaurant downstairs, which is good but they tend to be loud and throw the trash bins around at odd hours.
I suppose parking is an expensive nightmare but that's center city.
Now the plus. The rent is reasonable. The setup of our one-bedroom is good, efficient. There is little space wasted, and the kitchen is quite big. Lighting is good with large double-glazed windows. Appliances are old but adequate. Heating is sufficient (and then some) water pressure is good, and most of the time temperature is too (except in the kitchen where it is hard to get enough water to wash more than a couple of plates).
More than anything, location is perfect, very central, with all amenities close by, Rittenhouse square and shopping streets are 5 mn away, there are good restaurants and bars all over the place, and the neighbourhood seems quite safe. I guess the situation can be different from one apartment to another but as far as we are concerned, the global impression is positive, and unless rent goes up, we have pretty much decided to renew our lease.

Your thoughts? Post a response to this review. Display my response: with my username anonymously Responses appear below reviews and one response per user is permitted.

   Free estimates on moving trucks      Find apartment share/roommates