Northside is a poorly managed, overpriced, low quality apartment complex. I lived here for 5 years and slowly watched the place go to hell. Here are the positives and negatives:

POSITIVES:
Close to shops, freeways, Kirkland, Lake Washington Blvd., etc..

Large units with adequate space, washer and dryer in unit. A nice storage locker downstairs.

2 balconies in some units - off the living room and master bedroom. However, Joanne the manager doesn't allow plants or other things that require watering on the balconies.

NEGATIVES:

Manager is out of control. The woman Joanne that manages the place is a total jerk. She is totally inflexable and is not willing to work with you on any issues. She is totally by the book and quotes the law often. she yells at you for the most absurd reasons. For example, leaving nasty messages on your voice mail if you forget to come down to the office to pick up a package. She threatens to send packages back and does all sorts of things to upset even the most low key well behaved tenant. If you have guests over past 10pm and make a peep expect to hear about it. I found her to be obnoxious, unkind, rude, and worth avoiding at all costs.

The heat in this place is horribe and I froze my butt off for 5 yrs. The heat is in the ceiling (doesn't heat rise') so it never properly heats the place. The bathrooms are not heated at all and a tiny heat lamp does not provide any warmth. The electric bill was very pricey.

I had my car broken into 3 times in a period of 5 yrs. There have been numerous people who have experienced this and many people have had their tires slashed. Northside has done nothing to beef up security/safety.

The water is rusty because the pipes are old. This problem has never been resolved and when you turn on the water in the bathtub or bathroom sink you have to wait several minutes before the yellow brownish color fades.

Even though this complex is in a high tech area DSL and Broadband are not available. There are no alternatives to this problem as I explored all avenues to correct this problem. Cell phones do not work in the apartment or in the parking lot. Caller ID is not available.

Pool is very small and only available at limited times. There is no gym.

Appliances are old and outdated. I had many problems with the dishwasher, range, refridgerator, and oven. The hot water tank and garbage disposal both had to be replaced while I was there. They would not replace the other appliances. Counter tops are old and stain easily. Kitchen and bathroom floor tile is very 1960's. Cupboards need to be redone and kitchen storage space is limited.

Don't move into the bottom or middle floor because noise overhead is horrible. The management doesn't seem to consider the fact that having children on the top floor may create noise for people below them. Loud stompping noises when one walks from the floor above. I had pictures fall of the wall in my apt. just from people slamming doors upstairs.

Carpet is ugly, low quality and shows everything. Requires cleaning almost monthly with a steam cleaner rental and I have no children.

Stairs up to complexes are steep and make it difficult to move in large pieces of furniture as well as those trips to Costco. Staircases, walls, and common areas are ugly and brown.

Conclusion:
It appreas there is now a very high vacancy rate due to all these issues. Many apartments are vacant and mangmt. is always advertising. Rents increase every January and all of this for the low low price of $1175 per month. What a RIP OFF!!!

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