Sycamore Tree is a bit cheaper, and in some ways better than other complexes in the area, but this doesn't mean it's a great, or even good place to live. Not to be prejudicial, but be aware that this complex is located in a very Cher-friendly neighborhood (Oaklawn). The brick buildings were built in the 40's or so, and they were updated in the early 90's, and they look a bit tired, inside and out.

The apts have wood floors and interesting details (some have large shared verandas, and there are both apartments and townhouses), giving them more character than most apartments. The buildings are in small groupings, providing a sort of neighborly feeling. The management will allow you to paint if you want. Many of the units have problems with mold and various types of water intrusion (leaky plumbing, roofs, and seepage at ground level), so sniff your unit carefully.

This is a very noisy place to live: Love Field is only about a mile away, and planes will be flying low overhead all day long (and occasionally at night). There is constant construction noise in the area, and the air conditioners are loud. You will hear the occasional cackle or man-shriek, especially after the bars close. Walls and floors are thin, so you will probably be able to hear your neighbors' TV, music, snoring or partying--you may even be able to smell what they're smoking.

Security is a problem here and all throughout Oaklawn. I've often wondered if the police didn't make it policy to corral all the drug dealers and prostitutes into this part of town, sacrificing Oaklawn to spare the rest of Dallas. Car break-ins are a fact of life in Oaklawn, as is seeing blatant prostitution and drug-dealing. Apartment burglaries occur every few months or so here--I witnessed one, but the police didn't show up until hours after I called. Walking alone at night is never a good idea around here. Recently, Sycamore Tree management had all the entry alarms removed from the apartments. No explanation was provided. There is no security on-site.

Resident parking is behind a gate--each resident gets one covered space. All guest parking is outside on the street, outside the gate, and there is no intercom for guests to contact you when they arrive. There are some extra uncovered spaces inside the gate for residents. Landscaping is minimal--the buildings are close together--but there is some green space surrounding a few buildings, and one can walk their dog around the block. This place is better than many apts if you have a dog.

The pool is frequently out of service and/or dirty. Most units have w/d hookups, and there is a small, dirty, substandard laundry room. You will have to walk your trash a considerable distance to the far end of the complex in order to dispose of it. Maintenance is hit-or-miss: You might get your problem fixed the first time, or the third. Maintenance might show up the day you call, or a week later.

Rats were a problem a couple years ago, but I believe they are gone now. Insects are less of a problem than at many places. The current manager has been here longer (over 2 yrs) than most had been in the past, but I'm not sure that's a good thing. He's not rude or mean, but he's not particularly congenial either--this is probably an effect of the job, which I wouldn't want, so he has my respect.

Despite all this, you may not find a better place to live in the area for less than a grand a month. Hope that the real-estate crash happens quickly and lowers rents for us all.

User Responses
From: dallasdano	Date: 07/30/2007
If you don't like being around --- people, don't move into the gayborhood....though sadly, that's one of the reasons I moved in. When I got there just a couple of years ago, it was very ---...alas, more straight people are moving in. It's just not as much fun as it was in the past. Just look at the pool when our straight neighbors invite their friends with ten kids.
From: snuffmeister	Date: 02/20/2008
First of all, that is NOT a photo of the complex. I don't know what that photo depicts, but it's not Sycamore Tree. Secondly, as the folks above stated, why even mention the fact that there are g-a-y-s living there if you're not prejudice? This was obviously written by some closet q-u-e-e-r who wanted to make a general statement about the Oaklawn area, not a review of Sycamore Tree. And, NO, I don't work for the apartment complex, I was a tenant in 2004 and 2005 and really liked it there. When we moved out, we even had to leave the place pretty trashed and we still got our deposit back. So, all in all, I would recommend it to anyone.
From: Anonymous	Date: 05/16/2009
Those are totally pictures of the complex.

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