Management is unresponsive after lease signing, and they never listen to your concerns. They also have exorbitant rent hikes each year. They think that because moving is expensive in Boston, they can hike it however much, and you will stay. Elevators are small and often malfunction, leading to long waits. Water and hot water outages are far too common, and front desk issues align with other reviews here. So much construction noise all the time, too. Despite the great location, poor management, unreliable central air, and overall building conditions make living here frustrating. Avoid. read more

28 Exeter at Newbury - Avoid this place. One of the worst apartment buildings in the area. - Apartments Near Me - Boston, Massachusetts

I love living in Back Bay. It's the best neighborhood in the city, even if its loud and busy at times. This apartment was great during COVID when everything was quieter and the rent was lower, but not anymore. This is an old building with a lot of old world issues like insects coming up the drain pipes, no central airconditioning. Most repairs are taken care of within 2-3 days which is good. Construction noises throughout the year and intrusive people in the office and downstairs are not so good. No amenities, but there are plans to create some on the top floor. But, that means more construction sounds and more intrusive notices for people to enter the apartment. No plans to improve apartment soundproofing or temperature control. All in all, it's nice to be close to work and restaurants but not the best place to live. read more

Recently moved out of this place and I cannot, in good conscience, recommend it to anybody. I don't even know where to start. They had construction going for the 4+ years I lived there. They keep telling you it will be done in 6 months, but they will then start another project, and it will keep on happening. The amount of noise all day and all evening just gets to you after a point. The next big issue is the very slow elevators. A lot of dog walking and only two elevators = long wait times in the morning, mid day and evenings. And, they will lock up one of the elevators all the time for moving and construction, and most often, for repairs. One of the two breaks down all the time, and you are waiting with your heavy bags for 5+ minutes each time. Noisy neighbors and thin walls are the next big problem. Complaining does not seem to change anything. Thankfully, I only had the noisy neighbor the last year. But, it's a luck of the draw I guess, and management not doing anything made us move. Weed smell from the time to time. Not a big deal for us, but it might be for some people. Parking garage has very narrow spaces and I have found two new deep scratches on the sides that were not there when I had parked. The parking spots are also very expensive. Too much, even for the area. And sometimes you will find your way in or out of the alley blocked by delivery trucks so you just have to wait 10+ minutes. read more

Too many negatives here: - Construction noises year round. VERY disturbing and annoying. - One of the two elevators is reserved for construction or move-in or move-out 50% of the time. Wait for the other elevator can be 5-10 minutes. Very annoying when you want to go to work on time. - No control over temperature. 80% of the time, it's too hot or too cold. - Too noisy at night and early mornings (street noise and garbage and other trucks that come to the restaurant and other stores downstairs). - Too many hot water shutdowns. - Management that's friendly only until you sign the lease. - Intrusive front desk staff. read more

Finally moved out of this hell-hole. These apartments may seem small, but they come with a hefty price tag. While some have been refurbished, it's clear that it was done on the cheap. There's a new top floor boasting amenities, but the conditions are laughable - no guests allowed, limited hours, and strict rules with immediate contract termination if you slip up. Also, only 2 usable washers in the building. Considering the sky-high rent, these amenities are nothing compared to what you'd find in true luxury apartments nearby. It's hard to justify the steep cost when you're getting so little in return. This isn't luxury living; it's a basic managed building pretending to be something it's not, all while charging luxury rates for pint-sized pads. read more

Have lived here over three years, just added tremendous upgrades and everyone who works there is top notch! New And creative events are constantly being planned and if you can't have fun here, you can't have fun anywhere read more

You have zero control over the temperature in the unit. The "thermostat" only allows you to control the fan speeds. The heating and cooling system is extremely poor. The apartment is always too hot or too cold depending on where you live and the time of the year. I barely sleep in the winter these days because it doesn't get cool until pretty late at night. I've got fans but they don't help because it is just so damn hot. I've complained to the management several times but they don't change a thing. High noise levels at night is another problem that keeps me up a lot - road noise as well as neighbor - you can hear everything. Front desk staff are intrusive as others have noted - from asking about what's in your packages to asking about everyone that visits you. Elevators are terrible and slow, and break down constantly. The laundry machines everyone was forced to install in the units is pretty low powered - I'll have to wash some loads twice, and it takes 3-4 for each dryer load. The in floor laundry machines are good, but they are being removed in favor of stuff like meditation area! Easy access to the green line for work is a positive. Some smells in the corridors remind me of college days. read more

Lived here for one year and recently moved out. The apartment is gorgeous and the concierge staff are incredible. It is in the heart of Back Bay steps away from the Copley Station and Pru and the public library. Sadly, the management of this building ruined this entire experience for us. When they found out we were moving out at the end of our lease, we were no longer treated with the "concierge" experience we were promised. We had a small request of moving out 8 hours after our lease ended because I had clinical duties at a hospital at my job that I could not avoid. We actually moved in at the start of our lease in the late afternoon because management accommodated the same request for the residents moving out of our unit. They would not afford us the same courtesy and started using veiled threats of legal action if we did not move out before midnight. Needless to say, caused a lot of stress and angst. We could not believe we were treated like this. It's a beautiful place to live but beware of the management! read more

This place is toxic. Had a similar experience with management. Concierge was meh at best. Most of the time the after hours concierge was asleep. Their idea of amenities is free chocolate, free poop bags for your dog and free mild sexual harassment from the concierges. read more

The front door staff as others have mentioned is amazing. -good location -modern building -well maintained -modern units - the nicest desk staff in the world. - regular events and tenant engagement in the lobby - low hassle rental system with no security deposit, free heat and A/C, free laundry and free (but useless) wifi. you are not nickel and dimed Cons: Overpriced compared to other full-service buildings (that actually have full service) The "free wi-fi" is a joke..1) it is very slow and at times unusable 2) it uses a captive web login portal (log in splash page you have to log into every day) so is useless for connecting smart devices like a Neato vacuum, a smart TV, a Ring, a camera or really any smart home device. It is often unusable particularly late at night. Also useless if you need something connected overnight. If you have home office this is useless. what I was counting as a cost savings is definitely not. The management suggested I buy internet service.... uh something I would like to have known before signing a $4500 lease. NO GYM - if they are going to charge the same rates as other premium building they should have a gym or drop their price. This in combination with the non-existent wifi adds significant cost to living that I could save living elsewhere. NO Common room for events No outdoor space. again it is a luxury priced building with no luxury amenities aside from location. Noise - others have commented on street noise, which I find reasonable with doors closed however... The hallway doors have large gaps that can allow in a great amount of hallway noise (as if there is no door) and can allow the entry of pests. The walls between apartments are thin - a surprise to me compared to other modern buildings I have lived in. You can hear the neighbors. Be aware of what room in. a neighbors apartment our bedroom wall shares. Pests - I was greeted by a very large six legged creature on my move-in - Twice. I was not expecting this in modern construction where generally speaking other modern buildings have walls that are impenetrable to noise and pests. Not sure if it is a waterbed from the pipes or came from the AC/Heating space. read more

New to the Boston area, 28 Exeter has been a perfect introduction to the city. The location is fantastic and unique for a contemporary apartment building (not a brownstone). Close to great shopping, public transportation, fantastic restaurants, and in the heart of all the city-wide celebrations, i.e the marathon, etc. The concierge staff is world-class and I've become to rely on them and their 5-star services, from friendly social gatherings to help with the day-to-day. One of the only downsides I'll mention is the parking garage isn't big enough for all the residents. But I was able to find a garage close by. read more

We've been living at 28 Exeter for 3 months. We found it through a real estate agent and the building was able to cover his fees and offer 2 months free rent (with a 15 month lease). PROS: - LOCATION - Friendly service staff - Newly renovated apartments (kitchen and bathrooms) - Balcony overlooking Newbury (not all units) - Dog friendly CONS: - Relatively small apartments, which is expected when you're really paying for location - It can be noisy at night if you sleep with the windows open and your apt faces Newbury St. The price is around the same as other modern concierge buildings in Boston. One thing to note is that many of the other large concierge buildings come with more amenities (pool/gym/work area). 28 Exeter doesn't have these additional amenities, however you also don't have to deal with hundreds of other residents. The building has less than 100 units and it has a great community feel to it. read more

Location location location!!! - you can't go wrong with 28 Exeter!!!! And...- the concierge is just fabulous!!!! Always goes above and beyond for the residents! The neighbors are very friendly (we were new to Boston and everybody was trying to make us feel very welcomed) Did I say dog friendly??? Our dog loves it too! read more

I am currently going through my 5th move here in the Back Bay, which 3 of the 5 have been here in the 28 Exeter Community. As my family expands so does the space needed and 28 Exeter has been taking care of our family needs as the years go by and we have been really appreciative for the accommodations. Concierge is second to none the best my family has ever experienced and with the new Managment Kim Wall and Kay Nilakantan really have picked up our communities energy with all the new tenants coming in and new amenities we get to take advantage of. If you are looking to be in the best city in America around the greatest blocks, with the greatest venues at your fingertips at a reasonable competitive market price, then 28 Exeter is your new location. read more

It is very noisy and too crowded inside the place. The management seems indifferent to what the residence want. You can do a lot better with the rent they charge you. read more

I lived here for 2 years, from 2009-2011. PROS: - LOCATION: right on Newbury St. in the heart of Back Bay; can't be beat - Nice units; modern furnishings - Friendly staff (they all know your name and will greet you when you walk in) - 24-hour concierge - Free laundry on every floor - Really quick to respond to maintenance requests CONS - Expensive - I lived on the backside of the building, which faces an alley way and you could always hear the garbage trucks. Also didn't get great light. I don't think the Newbury St. side units would have this issue, but those are more expensive. - I did have mice a couple of times, but it's Boston... - AC/heating: even though you have a thermostat, you have very little control over the temperature in the unit and they wait really long to put the heat on in the fall read more

As a relatively new resident, I have been amazed again and again at the family feel at 28 Exeter. I have been amazed by the time they take to make us feel comfortable and special, from ice cream socials to pop ups with Sugarfina for Mother's Day. Being greeted by bagels and cream cheese when I got off the elevator to an evening of watches especially shown to you. This week we were greeted with a Fall Harvest Festival, full of great food, from top restaurants around Boston, to special infused Vodka, and beers. Tables set up in front on the building with wonderful lite trees and a band serenading us around the pumpkins and flowers! When I moved to Boston from Dallas, I looked at several buildings. Spending three days with a relator who had found the ones she thought would be the best fit. 28 Exeter stood out from the minute I came in the door and has continued to live up to every expectation I had. I look forward to many years ahead. read more

28 Exeter at Newbury has some great events for the residents! They recently put together a Harvest Festival for fall and it was amazing!! They pulled out all the stops and really put on a great event with great food, drinks and entertainment. Thank you to the entire 28 Exeter team for making it a great experience living here. read more

My experience living in 28 Exeter has been nothing but positive from start to finish. Meredith was really helpful to me as I filled out the application and got everything in order and was always sure to keep me updated on next steps. The whole process was seamless. I would encourage anyone looking for a new apartment to check out this building, which couldn't be in a better location in back bay! read more

Incredible building in the heart of Back Bay! The concierge go above and beyond for you, always accessible and willing to accommodate any request. Residents are friendly, the maintenance team is quick and efficient, and the management company is there to help when you need them. The building is very dog friendly as well, with treats and poop bags available at the front desk at all times. Direct access to garage parking is the icing on the cake! read more

This is the place! There is not a single day that I don't feel thankful for living in this building. The location is prime, pet super friendly, efficient maintenance, free nespresso machine at the lobby and a staff team so kind and amazing that feels like family! It is worth it every penny of your rent!!!!! Thank you 28Exeter read more

We had the most wonderful time living at 28 Exeter for the past 5 years! What kept us there for that long was the quality of the living experience and the incredible building staff. We loved being in the middle of it all (Events like "Open Newbury", being front and center for the July 4th Fireworks, Boston Marathon etc.) and the building feels like a community amongst the hustle and bustle of Back Bay. We appreciated being able to get groceries at either Star Market or Trader Joes nearby, pop over to the Pru for shopping and when family or relatives came into town they loved staying steps away from us at many of the local hotels (Lenox, Mandarin, Marriott etc.) The building staff at 28 Exeter is unlike any you will ever come upon! They sincerely care about you and not only offer daily hellos and check-ins but address any issues that come up head-on and are some of the most hardworking people out there! When it's hot outside, iced water with lemon is provided in the lobby and when there is a snowstorm hot chocolate with marshmallows... they think of EVERYTHING and it's all presented in the most luxurious and thoughtful way. There are also monthly events like a Fall Fair, "Glambake"(a clambake with style;)), events to socialize at local restaurants etc. What we appreciated was that they were always offered so we could attend depending on what our schedules allowed and how social we felt we wanted to be that week;) Garland and his team (big shout-outs to Ish, Tatiana, Ta'Naisha and Faisal!) really made 28 Exeter feel like home. The maintenance staff (Candido & Chico) in the building is also incredible. Whenever we had a small issue with our apartment, they fixed it 'day of' with a smile. The floors are always vacuumed and mopped and the facilities are well maintained. If you are considering living here, you should!! Now we are in the suburbs but will always look back fondly on our time in the city definitely plan to come back to say hello! :) 5 STAR REVIEW! read more

I moved into 28 Exeter 2 months ago. I loved this building the moment I first walked in the doors. The location doesn't get any better and the building has an amazing welcoming feel to it. The residents are friendly and engage with each other. I think this has to do a lot with the way the management and concierge services have created a community feel in the way they run the building. The doormen/ concierge staff are AMAZING! Friendly is putting it mildly. The building is extremely pet friendly and the presence of the little pets everywhere enhances the family/ community feel. My unit faces the alley. I had some trouble the first couple of weeks with the noise until it was realized that my widows weren't completely shut and locked. Once they were shut properly, the noise was muted. They are triple paned and do a good job. When they are open, it is very noisy. Even though when they are shut the noise is muted, I have extreme trouble at night. The garbage trucks and delivery trucks under my window are from 3am-8am and it is non-stop every night. The management was very sympathetic to my complaints and were available to help find a suitable remedy for me. So far, I've had to sleep with noise reduction headphones which is a temporary fix. I am looking for other options. Until then, sleep is difficult. There is a consistent stream of pot smoke coming from a neighbor's apartment. Management has been notified numerous times, but has not seemed to convince the resident to refrain from smoking inside the building (the building is a non smoking building). My unit is completely updated. Gorgeous and spacious kitchen and bath. Good closet space. I don't hear any of my neighbors. I'm very comfortable here. Looking forward to enjoying my new home for quite a while. Other than the noise and the consistent smell of pot smoke, this place is close to perfect. read more