When I arrived I was told by a neighbor that cars are often broken into for their stereo systems or other contents. I keep the windows up and the doors locked, and I don't leave anything valuable in plain sight. I have never had my car broken into during my entire 6 years and counting.

One wonderful thing about The Gateway Apartments is that I have two cats and was only charged a one-time non-refundable pet fee. Gateway does NOT charge me monthly pet rent, as many places around Richmond do! Due to lack of pet fees, many residents have pets - which makes for a friendlier atmosphere. People are out and about and chat with each other.

One issue has been that *some* past managers have been slow to fix "non-emergency" problems - but NOT recent managers! Colony Management (who owns Gateway as well as Cloisters across the street) is fast on fixing emergencies, and does usually get to non-emergencies within a few weeks or a month.

I find staff friendly and helpful, and the rent per square footage is the cheapest in the West End! 750 sq ft for $590/month as of 2007. 1-bedroom apartments have a huge wall-lenth closet in the bedroom, but the kitchen is fairly small. Gas/heat is not included and a draft can be felt at times from the old (but beautiful) bay windows, *but* heating and cooling bills are very low if you're on the first floor.

There *WAS* a "peeping tom" at my window a couple years ago, so I now keep my bedroom window closed at all times. However, he was aprehended by police soon after. I do open my bay window on nice days, as the openings are small and the breeze from outside is nice. Holly bushes by that window keep people and animals away so it is very safe.

I find my apartment within such close proximity to Regency that I often walk there, or across the street to the grocery store or the library. Great location to access highway 64, or the Willey Bridge to go to South Side Richmond. There are also several GRTC bus stops very close by.

Overall, I am very satisfied and glad I have stayed. I have heard friends on the 2nd floor complain of hearing their neighbors make noise, or hearing washing machines or tv's on at odd hours. On the first floor, I don't hear it because I have a stairway on each side of my apartment!

When security lights at the top of the building or above the laundry room go out, I leave a message for the office, and they are soon fixed. I generally feel very safe, and enjoy my friendly neighbors, low rent, and good location.

No, I do not work for The Gateway, but I do think if you're looking for a good space at a modest price - especially if you have pets - this is really a great place! It's not perfect, but I have no plans to move, unless I come across a house I want to buy.

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