Apartment Ratings | Essex on Lake Merritt Ratings and Reviews

Essex on Lake Merritt: Love it! (Recommending!)

2008-10-31T14:05:18-06:00

From essexlover: I've lived at the Essex for 7 years now, first as a renter and now as an owner. I love the building design, the amenities and the location! Walking around the lake and being within walking distance to complete many errands is so nice. My only complaints - cheap kitchen ... [click to read full apartment review]

Essex on Lake Merritt: Essux (Not Recommending)

2008-08-28T08:55:55-06:00

From -Anonymous-: It sure was nice to live right on the lake. The apartment we rented for a year was overpriced and very small. The bedroom had enough room for a queen size bed and narrow alleys around it. The living/ dining/ kitchen/ entry/ laundry room was kind of cramped. It did ... [click to read full apartment review]

Essex on Lake Merritt: I love it here (Recommending!)

2008-06-13T10:22:23-06:00

From mizz_l: I've lived here for about 3 years now and I love it. The views really can't be beat. There are always people jogging around the lake which is nice. It's a very clean building inside and out. ... [click to read full apartment review]

Essex on Lake Merritt: Bad management (Not Recommending)

2007-11-30T18:51:39-06:00

From claire611: Nice view but the management and board are very weak. Hot tub closed, windows have not been washed in two years, and it took two years to get furniture in the great room. Seems like the Board has trouble making a decision. Now there is large equipment out in front ... [click to read full apartment review]

Essex on Lake Merritt: Safe neighborhood but so-so building management and board (Not Recommending)

2007-04-15T16:48:51-06:00

From -Anonymous-: I'm renting my unit in here. Incredible views and location. We have a few car break-ins but overall the neighborhood is safe. My impression of the management and board is poor. I can't get details too much for fear of retaliation and blacklisting, but it been my experience so far, ... [click to read full apartment review]

Essex on Lake Merritt: Good place Pros & Cons (Not Recommending)

2007-02-11T03:11:31-06:00

From -Anonymous-: Lived here 4 years so far and overall it is nice place to live. Convenient to all transportation and stores. The views you can not beat. The building although it needs alot of maintence and honestly I believe both owners and renters are to blame for careless use of things. ... [click to read full apartment review]

Essex on Lake Merritt: AWSOME (Recommending!)

2006-11-04T17:10:09-06:00

From -Anonymous-: AWSOME PLACE TO LIVE!!
THE ONE'S WITH SO MUCH HATE TO SAY ABOUT IT CAN'T AFFORD TO LIVE HERE ANYWAY!!
... [click to read full apartment review]

Essex on Lake Merritt: The Assex stinks! - an Awwwful mix of yuppies and thugs... (Not Recommending)

2006-03-02T20:42:14-06:00

From eatapud@fakemail.com: Hey you appreciation obsessed pricks:

Do the $.50 thug animals still smash handles of s#!^ty gin onto the pooldeck as they overtax their El Cheapo speakers with candy-ass pop-hop? Do you live below a benchwarming Oakland Raider with a George Forman grill and a deep fryer on his balcony that overflows ... [click to read full apartment review]

Essex on Lake Merritt: From "Oakland's so-so" to "Oakland is amazing!" (Recommending!)

2006-01-09T15:08:26-06:00

From -Anonymous-: My husband and I are extremely happy at the Essex. I'd completely disregard all of the previous reviews since those are mainly by tenants living in the building before each of the condos were sold. Now, as a homeowner, I am pretty pleased with where we live and with what ... [click to read full apartment review]

Essex on Lake Merritt: Essex is ok (but only ok) (Recommending!)

2005-08-02T19:01:01-06:00

From OaktownLocal: The new-ish building has some nice features, but overall doesn't seem like it's built to last. There's a reviewer out there who says having tenants who don't find this great to just leave... increasing his value. I don't get this. Every unit for rent in the place is negative cash ... [click to read full apartment review]

Essex on Lake Merritt: Message to all (Recommending!)

2005-07-27T20:08:57-06:00

From -Anonymous-: My property has increased in value 25%in 6 mos- those that have negative things to write about the Essex are just ignorant and most probably still renting...if you don't like the building- move out it will probably cause my value to increase... ... [click to read full apartment review]

Essex on Lake Merritt: Thinking about buying/renting (Recommending!)

2005-07-11T13:32:47-06:00

From -Anonymous-: Now that it is a condo with some people renting, what are some of the opinions out there? ... [click to read full apartment review]

Essex on Lake Merritt: Pride, pride !!! (Not Recommending)

2004-12-05T02:46:04-06:00

From -Anonymous-: Lack of pride. Security, a joke. Do nothing but stare to show authority. Since residents have to be watched whether they are walking in and out, or driving in and out of the garage. They are much better off to have customer friendly person sitting in the front desk and ... [click to read full apartment review]

Essex on Lake Merritt: Yes. Yes and Yes !!! (Not Recommending)

2004-08-29T00:00:00-06:00

From -Anonymous-: If you look around the web, you will find comments from Essex's CEO that their goal is to maximize profit with exit strategy. With that, you can pretty much understand that they care or less about their customers.

Holy crab !!! Anyone hears that name "E" should avoid. Again, most of ... [click to read full apartment review]

Essex on Lake Merritt: not worth it (Not Recommending)

2004-08-28T00:00:00-06:00

From -Anonymous-: As a recent tenant of The Essex, I must say I was most disappointed in the attitudes of management (especially the hateful Laurel). There was also a problem with the parking. They don't give you any consideration unless you are an athlete (they have special priviledges.) The security guards suck. ... [click to read full apartment review]

Essex on Lake Merritt: Very poorly run (Not Recommending)

2004-07-20T00:00:00-06:00

From -Anonymous-: Don't believe the glitter...

The sparkle is not there once you sign on the line.

The so called "B" rated athletes (Raiders and 49ers) that management allows to reside there are a joke along with all their 'homies' that come along and disturb the hard $ earners that are financially ... [click to read full apartment review]

Essex on Lake Merritt: Don't invest here! (Not Recommending)

2004-07-16T00:00:00-06:00

From -Anonymous-: as a former tenant I would never invest in a property that continues to decline on all levels. Staff, service, management, buliding quality, etc. The new and old staff are extremely dishonest! And it is worth contacting the Oakland police dept. to find out how often they visitthe property for ... [click to read full apartment review]

Essex on Lake Merritt: Why ? (Not Recommending)

2004-07-16T00:00:00-06:00

From -Anonymous-: Concur with most opinions here. I am just wondering why they don't change the name to something like "One Lakeside" or something. Is it possible that Essex still has a part in it? May be it will be managing the HOA ?
I just can't image how one would pay a ... [click to read full apartment review]

Essex on Lake Merritt: Okay, but seems to be going down hill (Not Recommending)

2004-07-15T00:00:00-06:00

From -Anonymous-: Lived here for a couple months before they announced they were selling the building to new owners and that the new owners are selling all the units. Very disappointing news, I don't want to buy a condo when I could buy a house for the same price! For the short ... [click to read full apartment review]

Essex on Lake Merritt: Terrible (Not Recommending)

2004-07-15T00:00:00-06:00

From -Anonymous-: The Essex has the worst reputation of any buliding that I have ever encountered. The staff is unprofessional and the workmanship is poor. The building has many flaws that as a resident will make your home life miserable. It is for sale now but if you value your money you ... [click to read full apartment review]

Essex on Lake Merritt: You be the judge !!! (Not Recommending)

2004-07-14T00:00:00-06:00

From -Anonymous-: Lived there for a year and had to move out. If I was paying cheap rent, I had no complaints. But people are paying a premium for rent, especially in Oakland. The building is gorgeous and the view is great. However, the interior is dirt cheap. Most of the kitchen ... [click to read full apartment review]

Essex on Lake Merritt: Dissappointed (Recommending!)

2004-07-13T00:00:00-06:00

From -Anonymous-: As a current reside I can say, the complex is gorgeous and very convient to all public transportation. Not bad for the money you pay for renting. Management overall was not very attentive when it came to the residents needs. Furthermore, I recently learned that the building was sold and ... [click to read full apartment review]

Essex on Lake Merritt: (Not Recommending)

2004-07-08T00:00:00-06:00

From ilovethelake: I actually haven't "lived" at the Essex for an extended amount of time. However, I have visited one of my relatives twice for about 5-7 days each time. My relative had problems with the unit, but nothing different than any other rental property. The big difference was the lack of ... [click to read full apartment review]

Essex on Lake Merritt: I think it is alright. (Recommending!)

2004-07-07T00:00:00-06:00

From -Anonymous-: interesting people started talkgng about buying instead of renting. My parents like this place and would to give me some cash to pay down. It won't hurt to compare and see what's out there. Something like this worthy thinking when it comes to buying deciscion.

http://www.sigprop.com/nbds/255berry/
... [click to read full apartment review]

Essex on Lake Merritt: Unfortunate !!! (Not Recommending)

2004-07-05T00:00:00-06:00

From -Anonymous-: This is a very unfortunate situation. After all, Essex is the project that is supposed to set an example for Oakland. The is one project which others are supposed to look up to (the mayor's 10K initiative). With the land itself having a bad history (search the web to learn), ... [click to read full apartment review]

Essex on Lake Merritt: Laurel (Not Recommending)

2004-07-02T00:00:00-06:00

From -Anonymous-: I am a woman that Laurel disrespected from the time I moved into the Essex. I never complained because I was aware that upper level management was planning to get rid of her. I find it humorous now to see that so many tenants shared my view of her. She ... [click to read full apartment review]

Essex on Lake Merritt: (Not Recommending)

2004-07-02T00:00:00-06:00

From -Anonymous-: When I came to view the apts, Laurel was the only one there. I was dumbfounded how indifferent she was towards me and once I moved in I was never acknowledged by her when our paths crossed. Its interesting to see on these posts that she is one of the ... [click to read full apartment review]

Essex on Lake Merritt: Very nice place to live (Recommending!)

2004-06-26T00:00:00-06:00

From dollar4868: My experience has been good.There was some problems early on with some trouble tenants, but management took care of that. All the tenants i've come in contact with have been very friendly. Twice I've called with small maintenace issues and they were taken care of the next day. I use ... [click to read full apartment review]

Essex on Lake Merritt: Regarding: Complainers and Liars (Not Recommending)

2004-06-17T00:00:00-06:00

From -Anonymous-: Thanks for your comments Laurel. Don't get ahead of yourself you are an assistant property manager! An awful one at that. And I didn't even write any of the previous negative posts regarding your lack of professionalism! ... [click to read full apartment review]

Essex on Lake Merritt: Complainers and Liars (Recommending!)

2004-06-12T00:00:00-06:00

From -Anonymous-: Complainers and Liars

I have lived in the Essex for 8 months. After reading some of these boards, I believe most writers must have some agenda or are just plain stupid. This place is not perfect (and nothing is), but it is fine.

Regarding mgmt in the building, if mgmt ... [click to read full apartment review]

Essex on Lake Merritt: Save yourself the headache! (Not Recommending)

2004-05-26T00:00:00-06:00

From -Anonymous-: This building has a horrible reputattion and management staff. It recently converted to condos and I am sure that the call girls and drug dealers who live there will be the first to buy. Warning! They will be your neighbors and they may be responsible for the thefts. I am ... [click to read full apartment review]

Essex on Lake Merritt: Needs work in EVERY area! (Not Recommending)

2004-04-29T00:00:00-06:00

From -Anonymous-: After reading all these reviews I have to agree that The Essex is poorly run and lacks the key ingredient needed to succeed...
SERVICE- There is no consistancy, no pride and a very non-caring staff...
Shame on the Corporate Office for not understanding and supporting the needs of both management and the ... [click to read full apartment review]

Essex on Lake Merritt: Best Location & Building in Oakland (Recommending!)

2004-04-28T00:00:00-06:00

From foggs@aol.com: As a penthouse renter since March ´03, this is the best location in the East Bay. Having lived on both the East & West Coasts in apartments and houses, this is the best building I have every lived in. It is ideal for single person who travels a lot, as ... [click to read full apartment review]

Essex on Lake Merritt: I looked at them but chose some place else (Not Recommending)

2004-04-24T00:00:00-06:00

From -Anonymous-: I looked at them and they seemed realy nice but management was a little disorganized and didn´t seem to believe I could afford it there. Maybe it was the T-shirt and jeans and the fact that I look a lot younger then I am. However, I didn´t think I should ... [click to read full apartment review]

Essex on Lake Merritt: The biggest ripoff you will find! (Not Recommending)

2004-04-07T00:00:00-06:00

From -Anonymous-: If you have any other options before renting an apartment here, take them. The rent is what you would pay to live in a better apartment in the nicest part of San Francisco, with none of the peace of mind. The management staff are some of the most unresponsive, unhelpful, ... [click to read full apartment review]

Essex on Lake Merritt: Donﾴt go there !!! (Not Recommending)

2004-04-02T00:00:00-06:00

From -Anonymous-: My goodness, every single negative comment about this place is true. Well, rent is not cheap. How about what you get ? This place dares to set up some type of deal with Castle cable offering DishNetwork satellite TV service - they call digital cable (must be getting kickbacks). Tons ... [click to read full apartment review]

Essex on Lake Merritt: A question to the CEO of Essex !!! (Not Recommending)

2004-03-05T00:00:00-06:00

From -Anonymous-: Since Essex is a traded company, I ask the question how do you run this company and property. The management people treat their tenants like dirt. The "don´t care, so what" attitude simply won´t work in today´s business. This is the place where the worst apartment management and staff you ... [click to read full apartment review]

Essex on Lake Merritt: This building sucks! (Not Recommending)

2004-02-25T00:00:00-06:00

From -Anonymous-: Can I say anything positive about this building? I think not!
Looks are not everyting...
Everytime it rains, the building floods. At one time there was a foot deep water in the garage. There was even water on the lobby level. Wonder if it will fall apart if there´s an earthquake...
The linolium ... [click to read full apartment review]

Essex on Lake Merritt: worth the debt? (Not Recommending)

2004-02-24T00:00:00-06:00

From -Anonymous-: the apartment costs way too much money! and the management screwed me out of our deposit because there was a he said/ she said between the two headed beast that was in charge. and the deposit was a lot of money as was the rent. eleveators would be constantly dirty, ... [click to read full apartment review]

Essex on Lake Merritt: Could mgmt be any worse? (Not Recommending)

2004-02-21T00:00:00-06:00

From FrustratedOnTheLake: I´ve never lived in a building (including college dorms) as poorly run as this one. The first two managers have been tossed already due to terrible performance, and the current one, Raina Toussaint, is even less helpful. Parking is a nightmare. As nice as the building looks, any rent more ... [click to read full apartment review]

Essex on Lake Merritt: poor management - gorgeous building (Not Recommending)

2003-12-22T00:00:00-06:00

From -Anonymous-: i´m still living in the building now - great views, well-constructed building

why the owners have ruined such a good building with terrible management is beyond me

thug-life prevails at times, esp around Raiders players living in the building - police-event on the 2nd floor deck at the beginning of the football ... [click to read full apartment review]

Essex on Lake Merritt: jog around the lake, don´t live there! (Not Recommending)

2003-12-12T00:00:00-06:00

From -Anonymous-: Don´t judge a book by its cover. Its looks might rival the fanciest resorts, but I´ve stayed in hotels with better service than this place. Without having to look under a microscope, this place will reveal its true colors prematurely as you´ll notice that living there is completely opposite as ... [click to read full apartment review]

Essex on Lake Merritt: LOOK ELSEWHERE... (Not Recommending)

2003-12-12T00:00:00-06:00

From -Anonymous-: I have lived in this overrated complex for nearly a year and a half. Already within the first few months of living there, i became quite dissatisfied with what the Essex has to offer. Sure the lakeside view apartment tower is beautiful to look at inside and out, however, donﾴt ... [click to read full apartment review]

Essex on Lake Merritt: Are you kidding? I loved living here!!!! (Recommending!)

2003-11-25T00:00:00-06:00

From -Anonymous-: I can´t help but think some of you peope are living in a bubble!!! You can own your home and still not like the things that happen in your neighborhood. The negative comments were such a downer for me to read! I had a wonderful experience here.... to the point ... [click to read full apartment review]

Essex on Lake Merritt: Cannot recommend living here (Not Recommending)

2003-11-05T00:00:00-06:00

From -Anonymous-: Overall the building is very nice and the apartments are well appointed, but the character of the building is abyssmal. The management is absolutely horrible and totally unresponsive, the bulk of the tenants are inconsiderate, loud and irresponsible and it is defintely not worth the very high prices they are ... [click to read full apartment review]

Essex on Lake Merritt: Crap - don´t be fooled by the nice looks (Not Recommending)

2003-10-18T00:00:00-06:00

From -Anonymous-: This could be a nice place, but the residents and management ruin it. Many of the people who live here use or deal drugs, and whole floors smell like pot and cigarettes. Other reviews have already talked about the fights and general disturbances... the "24 hour guard service" is a ... [click to read full apartment review]

Essex on Lake Merritt: Not worth the money... spend your money elsewhere (Not Recommending)

2003-09-27T00:00:00-06:00

From MasterMariner: After living in the Essex for 8 months, I´ve had enough of this frat house and have moved out! Although the place may look nice on the outside the complex is becoming increasingly dangerous and run down. The following are events that occured in a 1 month period:
a. weekly parties ... [click to read full apartment review]

Essex on Lake Merritt: Disappointed (Not Recommending)

2003-05-07T00:00:00-06:00

From -Anonymous-: Upon seeing the complex, one is to believe that it will be a wonderful experience to call this place home. However, parking is horrid and my sports car received several dents and dings just on my initial visit. As a hopeful penthouse dweller, I was terribly disappointed in the parking ... [click to read full apartment review]

Essex on Lake Merritt: Apt is overrated, not worth the cost (Not Recommending)

2003-05-07T00:00:00-06:00

From -Anonymous-: The apartment building is brand new and offers really nice features, such as the granite counter tops and upgraded stoves and refridgerators. Plus in a 1 bdrm you do receive a full size (stacked) washer and dryer. Parking is bad, the spots are NOT assigned. (May have changed since I´ve ... [click to read full apartment review]