Been living here for approximately 4 months, and I feel like this place deserves more stars.
I was drawn to Willow Court Apartments because of the neighborhood security rating it was given on numerous sites. Despite the connotations that are connected with Delridge and the West Seattle/White Center area, this place is really exactly what I was looking for as far as location, safety, and price range go.
To begin, there are CCTV cameras located all over the property, parking is by permit only (and I have seen a few people get towed for disobeying the posted rules), and building entry is restricted to pin access. Win, win, win. The parking lot is shaped a little funny (one way only if you don't want to mess up your ride), but for the most part I don't have any complaints.
Management is more than accommodating if you are courteous and respectful of the rules. I was able to view several different units before moving in, and ended up picking a spacious 1000 sq. ft, 2 bedroom not located on the ground floor. I didn't feel any pressure to decide on one unit or the other, which was very nice. When I came back to sign all the paperwork before moving in, I was again allowed to tour my unit with the manager, who took detailed notes on the condition of the space. He willingly wrote down things that were not up to his standard of satisfaction (cabinet lining in the kitchen and bathroom, trim that needed to be touched up on the walls in the living room and bathroom cabinets), and within the first week of moving in, maintenance were by to bring everything up to management's par. Maintenance was even kind enough to check on my garbage disposal, which didn't run to HIS satisfaction, and consequently ended up replacing that the same day he did the other tasks. Everything was done efficiently, properly, and he was a good conversationalist.
My utilities are working fine; hot water heater produces nice HOT water with great pressure, and the heaters work really well. Water/sewage and garbage/recycling are included in the rent, which is nice. Electric bill (bi-monthly) has never been above $50, which is even nicer. The units do not come with air conditioning, so I would recommend buying a fan for the summer, but 2/3 months of open patio doors and windows is not too bad, compared to summer time in Phoenix (where I moved from), where you were living in an oven if your air-con went out... Some of the outlets in my unit are a little flimsy, and the plugs can easily fall out, but that too can be remedied by purchasing a few power strips and strategically placing them around the unit.
Since I've been here, I've noticed that management has done a lot to keep the grounds and buildings looking very nice. Since I've been here, I've seen the balconies get remodeled, the buildings get power washed and painted, the main entry floors and carpets are cleaned on a regular basis, and the laundry room is always brightly lit and welcoming.
As far as the other units and residents go, I don't have many substantial complaints. Sometimes I do hear my neighbors when they move around upstairs, but to my understanding, the unit it occupied by a manly man, and as my husband has proven to me, they are not exactly the lightest on their feet. It was noticeable the first week or so when I'd hear him moving around to go to work in the early hours of the morning, but I hardly hear it now. Everyone's very respectful of the 10p quiet hours rule, and the weekends never get too rowdy that I have problems falling asleep. I've noticed that everyone mostly keeps to themselves, and haven't seen any bad characters in the area since I moved in.
The apartments are right near the bus line, if that's your kind of thing, and all major shopping areas are within 2-3 miles of the complex (Westwood Village and California Ave.) Alki Beach is a little further off (about 4/5 miles away), but such a nice escape during the week.
This is possibly the longest review on an apartment complex ever, but I really, really like it here, and can see staying here for a long time... I mean, I've even painted the walls!
PS-
Very pet friendly (dog breed restrictions apply); my cat loves to sit on the balcony for hours, and the manager always has a treat for my dog whenever we stop by the office. read more