Review History for anonymous

Walnut Square Apartments


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anonymous

Resident 2005 - 2007

7/20/2007

Met expectations

Finding an apartment in Philly can be a tricky thing. I've lived in DC, NY, & Boston, and compared to these places the neighborhoods of Philly feel a lot rougher. Stores close early and the streets and subways are often empty. Even places that feel good during the day feel not-so-great at night. After all, the city is leading the nation in murders right now. I chose Walnut Sq. because I was on a tight budget, it was close to UArts where I was going to school, and the neighborhood seemed good. The apartment's been good for all of those things. There are lots of great restaurants, bars, theater venues & shops nearby. The neighborhood (Wash West) is pretty good-- less posh than Rittenhouse, but more interesting too. There's always people on the street because I live across from one of the biggest gay bars in town. I like this because I can walk home late at nights and know that they'll be people & taxis around my apartment. As a female, I like that the guys at this bar aren't into me. The bar is noisy & things do get a bit racous at times, but it closes at 2 am. Weird things do happen-- there were a couple robberies in my building this year, one on my floor, and once a drug dealer tried to get me to let him into the apartment. The apartment's common areas are ok-- nothing special in the lobby, lame wood paneling in the elevators, stained hall carpets, occasionally mismatched doors and locks. One of the building's two elevators is usually broken. The balcony outside my windows is rickity and probably unsafe. I sort of expect these things for the price. Inside, the apartment's what you make of it. It's a good shape and has a few historic quirks that make it interesting. My studio is the perfect size for me (about 400 sq ft), has great light & good wall to wall carpeting. Kitchen & bath fixtures were older. The apt. has a new fridge, and serviceable electric oven. Showers & hot water service have always been good. Management is ok to poor. The people at the front office always smile and nod when you request work done, but I've waited MONTHS to have water leaks fixed (the apartment walls have leaked on several occasions). I've had to wait weeks for a broken window to be repaired. On the other hand, electrical & plumbing concerns have been fixed promptly. I've had three roaches in two years here & the exterminator came quite quickly (tho he didn't get them all). Each year I've lived here the rent's gone up $25/mo, with no discernable change in service. This may be because the neighborhood's in the process of becoming a lot nicer-- several coffee shops, boutiques & new restaurants have opened up since I've lived here. Now that I know Philly a bit better, I'd probably choose to live in Italian Market, Bella Vista, Old City, or maybe south of Dupont Sq. But 201 S. 13th street has been perfect for my needs as a busy grad student-- convenient, relatively safe & perfectly located.

Review 23 out of 23

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Walnut Square Apartments

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