Alexan Westheimer Apartments are located on 2001 Westheimer Rd. I'm not sure why this wesite has the name listed as "Westheimer Square Apartments". This technical mistake is probably why I'm the first review being given even though this place has been leasing out units for the past 9 months or so.
My only intention is to inform others on the pros and cons of living at the property. I hope my experience of living here for 6 months willl help others who are interested in this place.
PROS AND CONS OF IMPORTANT ASPECTS OF THE PROPERTY:
1) PRICE:
This is considered to be an expensive apartment, it ranges from $1400- $2200 for a 1 BR and from $1900- $2300 for a 2 BR. Price varies depending on factors: your view (couryard, street, downtown), floorplan (14 different types), type of flooring (hardwood floors vs. tile/ travertine in your living area and entrance), and the floor level (units are located on floors 2-5). I believe that you pretty much get what you pay for. It's not perfect, but the property is without a doubt attractive and impressive. You can see pictures and floorplans at www.apartments.com or www.aleaxanwestheimer.com. They say that the water/ sewage used by all the units are totalled and then equally divided among each tenant. They told me that my water/ sewage bill wouldn't be more than $20, however, it has actually been $30-$40 every month. You pay Alexan Westheimer for your water/ sewage each month along with your rent. Electrical utilities are your own responsibility. A very popular complaint among myself and any other resident I've spoken to is the "Valet Trash". Basically, you're given an ugly medium sized, black plastic trash container when you move in. About 6 days a week at 8:00 pm an outside trash company is hired to walk by your door and take your trash if you set it outside your door. It sounds nice in theory, but it's completely unnecessary and just plain idiotic. There are 3-4 trash chutes located on each floor that you can easily walk to whenever you want to throw out trash. Also, it's EXTREMELY unpleasant to see and smell your neighbors' trash when you come and go. On top of it all, the strict rules of the "Valet Trash" make it not even worth the trouble to use it. You must use the hideous trash container given to you- not your own, you can't put trash outside your door earlier than 6:00 pm, and you have to bring the container back into your apartment no later than noon the next day. There is a $25 mandatory fee added to your monthly rent, and they refuse to let anyone out if it unless you make a huge deal and threaten not to sign the lease.
2) OVERALL VISUAL APPEAL AND AESTHETICS:
Personally, the high quality was what really enticed me into signing the lease. Everything is brand new- it opened up just 9 months ago, September of 2008. Units have stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, high ceilings, and modern track lighting. The overall design of the units and community areas can be described as "modern, young, sleek, and trendy." The only real complaint many tenants have concerning superficial aspects of their units is that the "hardwood floors" are suspected to be cheap or possibly faux wood because they dent fairly easily if you're moving furniture or drop something.
3) MANAGEMENT:
The front office basically consists of 3-4 women and 1 man who are all in the 20's-30's age range. They are all very friendly and cheerful. They try to help you with any problems you may have, although I have heard other residents complain that because they are relatively young, some come across as inexperienced and clueless at times. There are two ladies who wear entirely too much makeup and tight blouses and skirts. Many of the other men that live here have commented that they can't take these workers seriously- they look silly and unprofessional. Overall, the management is good.
4) LOCATION:
The location is outstanding. You are a 5-10 mintute drive from anything you might need: downtown, bars and clubs, nice restaurants, grocery stores, shopping, etc. If location is important to you then the price of rent will be worth it.
5) SAFETY:
Each resident is given a keychain clicker remote that allows you through the entrance of the building, through the gate into the parking garage, and onto the three elevators. I know of only one incident involving cars getting broken into. The parking garage is on the first and basement levels. It is possible to climb into the parking garage through the side bars. There used to be a night security guard, but he was useless- a 12 year old girl could take him down. Houston's #1 crime threat is car burglary. It's just something you have to accept if you live in this city. The one incident where many cars had their windows smashed and belongings stolen was completely avoidable because the property was still undergoing construction and had areas of the property that were vulnerable and begging to be broken into. However, for only one major burglary incident in 9 months, that's pretty good for an apartment property in Houston. There are cameras in the parking garage, lights everywhere, and limited access into the building.
6) NOISE
Go ahead and upgrade for the 5th floor. The extra cost in rent will be more than worth it. Because the flooring is either hardwood or travertine/ tile, you will constantly hear your neighbor above you walk if they have on heels or are heavy stompers. Also, you can hear vacuuming from above and sometimes loud music. Here is advice for any apartment: if hearing people above you drives you absolutely crazy then live on the top floor. Otherwise, just deal and remember that the people above you aren't actually trying to make your life a living hell.
7) RESIDENTS
Management isn't legally allowed to tell you what kind of people live here. I like to know so I can get a feel for what my neighbors will be like and if it's the type of crowd that I may want to spend time with. To describe the majority of residents in one sentence: "mostly late 20's to mid 30's professionals with some single middle aged professionals". Because it's not the college crowd it's quiet and clean. On the other hand, because there are almost no families there are no screaming children. You might see an empty soda can or cup in the hall or parking garage, but that's pretty much the worse of it. It's about 95% white and fairly conservative. About 65% men and 35% women. Mostly single people. Everyone is polite and respectful of each other. There are regular monthly resident events so it's easy to meet neighbors and make friends. The property is never really crowded or noisy because everyone works 9-5 jobs and when they get off they go out to bars, clubs, and restaurants. Whether you're the outgoing, social type OR the more keep to yourself type person, you'll like it here. The residents are probably half and half.
8) PETS:
A handful of large and small dogs live here- I probably see only one a week. Most residents don't have any pets. Some residents don't pick up after their dogs, but fortunately, one of the maintenance workers scoops any leftover feces weekly. I have never seen dog feces in the halls, but have seen urine a few times. There is no "dog run" even though one was supposed to be built in the back. Overall, the pet aspect isn't a problem at all. You probably won't even remember dogs are allowed here- I forget all the time until I see one in the elevator. If you are worried about smelling dog feces from your patio then don't live on the left side of the building overlooking the dog walk grass area.
Hope this has helped you. Overall, it's a very nice place to live. I would live at a property by the same owner again.

User Responses
From: Anonymous	Date: 04/07/2009
Thanks for your candid review it was very informative. One of the most helpfull reviews ive read. I was looking into living at alexan or the gables. Do u know about that place?

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