I've posted this review on apartmentratings.com as well, gotta get the word out! =)…read more
Peaceful:
This apartment complex is pretty awesome, and the further away from the street your apartment is located the quieter it is. Currently, there are only a handful of kids here which is great because kids tend to be noisy. If you want a quiet, decent place to live - this is it.
There is no play area provided for kids so I wouldn't say it's kid-friendly other than the pool (which is heated only in the summer months) is very shallow: 5ft max.
Amenities:
There are washer/dryer hookups in each apartment, but if you don't own a washer and dryer there's a laundry room located on the premises. 1 dollar to wash, 1 dollar to dry and the room is locked to prevent outsiders from using it.
Kitchen is equipped with new or new-running equipment, the dish washer, oven and microwave in our apartment are brand new and matching brand and style: Kenmore.
You must bring your own refrigerator.
Every apartment has a two car garage attached - a priceless commodity in a city that is notorious for car thefts. The garage will also bring in more dirt that usual in the apartment, thank goodness there's tile in the kitchen.
Note: The kitchen is not laid out in a logical manner, it leaves a lot to be desired. If you're me and love the kitchen and cooking 24/7, the coat closet will become a pantry and you may invest in a roll-away island. I also recommend heavy duty shelving.
Safety:
The bushes and trees are trimmed back from the sidewalks, each garage and front door is lit at night. Cops get called if anyone plays loud music, this isn't a party apartment complex. People have jobs and both my neighbors get up at 5am to leave for work.
Dogs have a designated dirt area to relieve themselves on the west-most corner of the complex, and you're required to clean up afterwards. The grass is strictly prohibited for pets at all times. These policies help keep this place immaculate and sanitary, I am very thankful for this. Bags are even provided for you!
Good Eats:
The Albertson's is within walking distance, about 5 blocks. They have an organic vegetable section and a large selection of fresh bunches of herbs, something that is totally needed since not a lot of plants survive out in the desert.
There are a couple of Indian market/delis which are so delicious! In-N-Out is on Avenue I, don't go to the one in Palmdale: Hobo central.
Health:
The apartment complex does not have a gym here, nor are there decent trails to walk around here, the closest one is paved and the almost incessant wind here kicks up dirt and dust like crazy next to the trails. Really unpleasant.
There is however a 24 Hour Fitness nearby, about 1.3mi away so your warm-up and cool-down could be walking to and from there. The closest dog park is an hour walk away. The nearest park is a 1.5mi walk, worth it though, as the tennis and basketball courts are plentiful and well-kept. There's a YMCA on the premises there.
PROS: Quiet, safe, good management, well priced, green, place is maintained and units fixed up quickly and well, ample parking if you stick to your own garage, quick response times from emergency personnel and law enforcement, washer and dryer hookups and laundry room, pool, vaulted ceilings in the living room, kitchen appliances are top notch, town home layout, adjacent to schools and upper class neighborhoods behind the complex.
CONS: NOT kid friendly: there are some CRAZY speeders in the complex at the time of this writing. Your neighbors' garage doors can be heard opening and closing clearly. Dog size limited and breeds restricted. One of the largest security deposits in the area, in my case: $900, that's $1900 for the first month, more if you're wanting to bring a pet. No gym. No hot tub. No movie theater/lounge/club house/common area. Bring your own refrigerator.