Due to my Job, I have lived in Apartment Communities for the last 8 years at a number of locations, so I have something to compare to based on experiences. Most recently 2 different AMLI properties prior to the Lodge.

With respect to the Lodge (starting with the pros 1st), the most impressive thing to me is the Grounds / Property upkeep. The grounds are very well maintained and views are nice aside from the parking lot side as with any complex. Another highpoint is the friendly and prompt maintenance staff - they get the job done quickly and completely when needed, to include leaving a copy of the work completed and by who (total accountability & follow-up on the maintenance side). The breezeways & buildings are pressure washed routinely, shrubs & grass trimmed & well maintained, and routine pest control.

The units are spacious and the floor plans are laid out well. The club house and pool areas are very nice with extras to include billiards, TVs, theater room, bicycles for use, and a very nice fitness area. Although I have not used it, they even boast they will water your plants while you are away. I would rate the grounds, units, and amenities right up there with, if not better then, the AMLI luxury communities.

When I toured these apartments, the move-in specials were attractive for the environment you were getting. The selling points were thicker floors (concrete pads) for noise reduction, the grounds, security (lots of law enforcement tenants), and that getting a move-in special would not mean a drastic increase in rent (to the exaggerated market price) when time for lease renewal. Based on this, my decision was easy, I became a resident.

My biggest disappointments (the cons): The parking is an issue at times. I have 2 vehicles (full size car & an over-sized truck - F350 King Cab). My truck was sticker-ed with parking warnings on more then one occasion for the tires extending over the yellow lines, which is almost unavoidable with the small spaces. Not to mention that I had to use a razor blade to get the stickers off the window. I would have gladly paid extra for space if need be. The concern was legit, but it was the manner in which it was handled by the office staff. Eventually resolved, even though I park in the same manner and in the same place with no more stickers (apparently the juice was not worth the squeeze in this case).

As for the extra thick concrete floor (for sound), I continually hear the tenant above me walking across the floor at all hours, more so then the usual neighbor traffic that I have experienced living at other complexes. This tends to discredit the extra thick concrete pad selling point.

Although the move-in special & rent was very competitive, I received a "Happy Anniversary" note stuck in my door with notification that my renewal price would increase by $150 or a 23% increase. I was shocked, as this was not what was represented to me initially. This was a big factor when making the decision on which complex to choose. Clearly a deceptive practice in my opinion, that needs to be voiced and taken into consideration when making the choice.

As far as my experience with the office staff, this is probably the biggest disappointment as a tenant. From the parking issues noted above to returning phone calls, the sense of urgency and follow-up is lacking. Upon moving in, it took months & several requests to get my phone number entered at the gate for guest access. On the few occasions when I dropped by the office and left messages to be contacted, I never received a call back and had to continually drop in until I could catch up with someone. Most recently the lease renewal issue, for which I still have no follow-up. This is troubling, as maintenance issues were always addressed promptly.

Overall - if you can get past the management / office staff issues, parking issues, and the possible noise from your neighbor above, this property is right up there; However, beware of the potential increase in rent at renewal time if you receive an attractive move-in special.

User Responses
From: layedback	Date: 12/27/2005
I also live at the Lodge and received the same Happy Anniversary note it also was not what I was told when I first signed the lease.
From: atm4987	Date: 11/11/2006
When you got the note, was it time to renew or was it in the middle of your 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