I've only been in this complex for a month. So far I don't think it's that bad. The floor plan is spacious, or at least seems that way. The ceilings are very high (9ft)and give the illusion of space. The appliances are all GE and in great condition (mine are at any rate). The carpet is typically thin, I recommend vacuuming three or four times a week to keep it from getting too trampled looking. I hate the way the locks are designed. Even when the bolt is engaged all you have to do it push the handle to open it from the inside, some people might like that, but I really don't. All the units have an ADT system, but not an automatic contract with ADT. They can be set up to act as perimeter alarms, which is just pointless noise without a contract. It's there though, so that's nice, it gives a little chime when either entrance is opened.

I haven't had any problems with noisy neighbors. I can occasionally hear the person above me moving around or loading/unloading dishes but it is barely noticeable.
Parking can be problematic if you come home late, but even then you'll end up having to walk 20ft max. The grounds are well lit at all times, although there appear to be some drainage issues, which could lead to icy problems come winter. The breezeways are gross, because people leave trash in them and cigarette butts and gum and ick.

This is an excellent place to live if you own a dog. The complex is adjacent to the nature preserve, and there are pet stations located about every 50ft, although sometimes it seems like I'm the only one who uses them (when it's light out ha ha). The only time I can hear other dogs barking is when my windows are open, but then again none of my immediate neighbors own dogs. Archstone does appear to be rather lax on the breed restrictions. They don't require a pet interview, so that's probably just people lying. I've seen a few pit bulls in the neighborhood. Arm candy for stupid college girls who think they are just sooooo CUTE, and don't get that they can be dangerous. It's comforting that they cannot even leash train their vicious attack dogs.

There have been a few problems with the fire alarms in my building. I've had to evacuate at odd hours four different times in the last five days due to false alarms. It would seem Archstone needs a visit from the Fire Marshall. Also as far as this being a gated community that's something of a misnomer as the front gates haven't been working since I moved in. The second week I was here I came home to find flyers on my door.

There is a soccer field next to the nature preserve. The visiting families have a nasty habit of throwing their trash out onto the side of the road as they're leaving. It gets a little disgusting, but eventually it rots and is washed away in the rain. As for disgusting rotting trash, the majority of the people in the complex cannot be bothered to put their trash in the compactor. Admittedly it's a jacked up little arrangement, but since it took me all of a day to figure out, I'm baffled as to why no one else seems to have gotten it.

Cell phone reception in my building is nil. T-Mobile works 95% of the time if you're standing on your head with your tongue in an outlet, and Verizon is spotty. This might have something to do with all the trees. Adelphia is the only cable provider for this zip code. Just don't do it, if you cannot get DirecTV or dish network, go without. DirectTV is awesome by the way and usually cheaper than cable.

I haven't needed to call maintenance yet. Word from my neighbors (during our impromptu fire alarm induced 3am block party that turned into an Archstone hate fest) is that you're better off fixing it yourself.
That said, all the cons are pretty much due to a handful of not great neighbors, and a not fantastic Management company. All in all, while it's a little pricey it beats the hell out of where I used to be. If you come here, don't let them put you in one of the manor buildings/elevator buildings, ask for a different apartment.

User Responses
From: sapphireyes	Date: 02/15/2007
I am a possible future resident at this community. Would someone share with me what is wrong with the manor building/elevator building? Just a little confused as to why these might be a problem... Thanks!

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