When I first moved in a year ago, the small 1-bedrooms went for $475/mo. (They're $555 now, I believe.) For that price, I can't complain too much. They are older buildings, but they're in a decent part of town. Unfortunately, with low rent often comes extremely low-class people. One of my neighbors was a middle-aged pothead who threw parties nearly every night. He was finally evicted a couple months ago. A new younger group a few units down from me seems to spend most of their time sitting in front of their house smoking and talking, and when I walked by with my dog once, one kid was making comments and being rude. To avoid further harassment, I almost never even walk my dog around that way anymore. These are the types of people that belong in the crappy part of west downtown Vancouver.

I'd recommend, if getting a one-bedroom, trying not to get a unit that is partly below ground. Get one that gets natural light because otherwise you will feel like you live in a closet. No matter what time of year, or time of day, even in the brightest morning or afternoon I get almost no light in through my front window.

The grounds maintenance is pretty decent. Yes, landscapers will wake you in the morning sometimes, but that's apartment living for you. However, I had a work order for my dishwasher, which had problems since I moved in, and they set a time to come in, then rescheduled, and I don't think they ever came in because they said they'd leave a note and no one did, and my dishwasher wasn't fixed. I didn't follow up on it because I usually hand wash my dishes anyway and I'm moving soon. Still, it's annoying. Also, some of the sprinklers that come on at night are broken and flood the sidewalk, or actually spray onto the sidewalk. This can be an issue when it comes time for dog's last potty break, or if you just want to walk outside. You'll get sprayed in the leg and your pup will probably not be happy unless he really does love the water.

If you've never lived in a situation where you had to do your laundry in a separate facility, I wouldn't recommend it. It's been more inconvenient than I've expected. Also, paying a dollar in quarters for one load of wash and another dollar to dry means that you'll have to keep stocked up on coins big time. About $4/week to lug your bags of laundry to the room. Not worth it for the whole inconvenient ordeal. However, I think there are some 2-bedroom units with washers and dryers.

One note on amenities- I've seen a couple of potential renters coming in the check out the fitness center and, while it's convenient, it's VERY basic, and some things don't work correctly. Definitely not high quality equipment. The stationary bike has been broken since I remember, but it seems to me that they keep it in there just for looks. The elliptical is nice, but the treadmill is pretty crappy and sometimes malfunctions and doesn't start up. (Not just from pulling out the safety key.)

Overall, it's not too bad a place for the price really; just be aware that cheap people can afford cheap rent, too. And you really do get what you pay for.

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