I was a bit trepidatious at heading back to apartment living after 20+ years of being in a house…read more However, when we stumbled upon Woodstone Apartments, I knew we were in the right place.
But first, a bit of background on Parkview Hills, where Woodstone Apartments is located. Established in the late 1960s by Dr. Batts (founder of the Kalamazoo Nature Center, as well as a professor of ecology and ornithology at Kalamazoo College) and Mr. Upjohn (you'll be familiar with that name - he was a local businessman and philanthropist; the ER at Borgess Medical Center is named after him), this planned community includes houses, condos, and apartments. There are 288 acres in Parkview Hills, which include several lakes, streams, marshland, fields, wooded areas, and plenty of trails. Living here is like living AT a nature center - but with the amenities of being on a city bus route, and a gorgeous and useful clubhouse (we use the pool almost every day).
We were lucky enough to rent an apartment in Woodstone and have been here for many years. One of the things that I love most about living here is the diversity of fellow tenants. There is a wide age range, from senior citizens to families with young kids. I absolutely LOVE seeing kids play out in the safe, grassy area tucked in the L of the apartment. At night, you'll see other kinds of kids playing - the local fawns! Parkview Hills has a sizeable deer population, and it's just lovely to watch them graze at night. I also appreciate living in a community that is globally diverse. We might need to get some potlucks going up in the gathering room on the 3rd floor! I always learn something from everyone I talk with - everyone is so friendly, and lifelong friendships have been established for sure.
Management is efficient and speedy when dealing with requests. Dan (maintenance) is incredibly friendly and good at his job, promptly fixing drains, lightbulbs, and the like; Brandee (property manager) is always swiftly on top of things, especially when dealing with problems that can inevitably arise in an apartment building. I appreciate their thorough and timely assistance when needed.
I also love the secure building, the availability of plenty of handicap parking spots, Parkview Hills Security, the amenities of and activities at the clubhouse (Chinese cooking lessons with WMU's Confucius Institute; monthly art gatherings, and the like), and the extensive trails for walking.
I can't imagine a better place to live, with better neighbors and management. If you're lucky enough to live here, you'll concur.