Overall, I absolutely love living here. Areté is a great complex with many amenities and weekly, free, and incredibly fun events for its tenants (e.g., waffle brunch, Seahawks games, movie night, etc.). I did a lot of research trying to find something decent and cheap in Kirkland (good luck, am I right?). Areté allowed me to have MY studio for much less than the average price in the area. At first I was a little bit reluctant to rent here given all the negative reviews, but I'm so glad I didn't listen! I'm going to go over each of the criticisms that I've read so far: - Employees are rude: FALSE. Employees at Areté are absolutely fantastic!!! They are one of the best aspects of living here. They are very friendly and extremely helpful. Joel even replied to one of my emails on a SUNDAY - when the office is closed. Talk about amazing customer service! Also, I've had one minor maintenance issue and it got resolved within 48 hours. - Ceilings are short: FALSE. Ceilings in my apartment are 7'5''. Code laws in the US require habitable spaces to be at least 7 feet tall. So, in that sense, Areté is above code. I'm quite tall at 5'8'' and the apartment ceiling height does not feel short/claustrophobic at all. - Elevator is slow: FALSE. I've read several reviews mention this and even neighbors talk about it. I've literally never waited longer than a minute for the elevator to arrive, and I'm talking about rush hour (7:30-9AM/4-6PM). I seriously do not get what people are talking about. Also, if you don't want to wait a minute of your life for an elevator, you can always take the stairs! - Fridge can't store perishable food: FALSE. I subscribe to one of those gourmet food delivery services that require you to store a week's worth of food in the fridge and my food has never gone bad. I also have plenty of space for yogurts, bottled water, and other smaller lunch food items. Yes, it's a mini fridge, but you know this prior to signing your lease. You just need to make the appropriate arrangements, such as doing the groceries more frequently. - Units are hot: TRUE IN THE SUMMER. When I moved here in August, my unit was indeed hot; however, having the blinds down and the window open took care of the problem. I'm not entirely sure what people who complain about the units being hot expect. Seattle gets ridiculously hot one week out of the year, and because of it no complex I've lived in has had AC. - Getting packages is a pain: TRUISH. Yes, the office is open 9-5 on most days, which makes it hard to get packages if you get home after that time; however, on Fridays (and on another day that's still pending - used to be Wednesdays) they are open until 7 and the office will also soon be open on Sundays. - Expensive/annoying parking: TRUE. Eco flat units pay $75 in parking and eco apartment units pay $150. Parking for eco-flat units is tandem, which means you get assigned a parking buddy who will be parked in the same spot as you (think one car behind each other, with only the last parked vehicle being able to exit). As such, you need to coordinate schedules (i.e., who leaves first in the morning/arrives last from work to park cars accordingly). Yes, parking is pricey and it is kind of annoying trying to coordinate with another person you don't know, but both of those things are clearly stated and explained to you before you sign the lease. Also, my parking buddy and I have worked out so far, but I was told that if I ever had an issue I could be reassigned (i.e., if your parking buddy and you have completely opposite schedules/don't get along for whatever reason, there's a solution). - There are (expensive) community fees: TRUE. I'm paying about $120 in amenities on top of what I pay for my unit. These fees include gym, parking, and laundry (you don't need to save quarters/load a laundry card - hooray!). Yes, it is pricey, but again, this is clearly explained to you before you sign your lease. Also, as of October 2016, Areté will include high speed internet (75/5 Mbps!) for an additional $23 in community fees. I was previously paying $50 for 25/5 Mbps, so those are some nice savings! - The walls between apartments are thin/neighbors are noisy: TRUE. Admittedly, I've been woken up in the middle of the night by my neighbor's sneeze (I'm a light sleeper); however, there are quiet hours and if there's a noisy neighbor after hours you're provided with a number to call so that the issue gets resolved (I haven't had to do that yet). As I stated at the beginning of my review, I really love living here. Come to visit the complex -- you won't regret it! read more

As a monthly (sometimes more) business traveler to the Seattle region from Kansas City, I was looking for an affordable place to live while I was in town and save some money over staying in a hotel every few weeks. I saw these Eco Flats online and they are absolutely perfect for what I needed. One of the leasing agents, Joel, was very helpful in finding me exactly what I was looking for and was upfront and honest with everything that I would be paying. These Eco Flats are like hotel rooms but they come furnished with a bed and a desk and you get a kitchenette area in your apartment which is a microwave and a bar fridge. I never cook when I am here but they do have kitchens on each floor with a stove and oven if you need it. There's also laundry machines in the hallways. The apartments feel new and they are configured well for their size. They have a closet area where I can keep my business clothes so I don't have to pack and unpack them every time I travel and the kitchenette area has cupboards where I can keep nonperishable food. They also have their own private bathrooms with a stand up shower. I like that internet was included so I didn't have to set that up with any company, it was just ready to go when I moved in. The building also seems to have a lot of common areas like a gym, a BBQ area, pool tables and TVs, etc. I don't use them often but it's nice to know they are there. I've also noticed that they started having a farmer's market in the courtyard area on the weekends so it was pretty cool to go get some fresh fruit and vegetables just a few feet from my building. There always seems to be a lot of community events going on so if you are into that there is a lot here for you. The management team is top notch and are super friendly when I come into their office for a package or if I need anything. They have a high level of customer service and Joel is always going out of his way to help me out. For what I needed, my apartment is just what I was hoping for. Affordable and located right in downtown Kirkland, this place really can't be beat. Highly recommended! read more

Pros: The location. Cons: The gym is tiny. You need to see your specific unit before signing a lease because the units are all different shapes. There are 3 elevators for 5 buildings. If you can meet your neighbors before signing a lease that's definitely a good idea because you are sharing walls and noise is a big problem here. If your window faces a common area you need to be ok with listening to people partying and drunken yelling. You can't have anything in your outdoor space (if you have outdoor space) unless it's furniture, no plants or decor. I got a 48hr remove your planter or vacate notice. Yes, they were going to evict me because of my planter. The parking is 'tandem' and $75/mon (Eeek). Also most of the management are class A idiots. I was once told, while unloading my car in the load & unload zone, that I wasn't allowed to park there because it was a fire hazard (by the management). The 'secure' parking garage has had Countless numbers of car break-ins. I've also had my laundry cut with scissors while it was in the dryer, by another resident (you share a washer and dryer). The call boxes and card scanners on the outside doors do not work. If you don't live on the ground floor you'll need to buy an A/C, which is rather attractive and takes up a larger % of your space, because it get really hot even in the winter. You aren't allowed to prop open the hallway doors to cool off the building and there is literally no ventilation. Good luck! read more

Aréte Kirkland was well Built. Somewhat operating like a Hotel. The Amenities will give you your Money's Worth. Moved in at the end of June and must Recommend an AC for the Summer and Spring. Building's get Very Stuffy due to Poor Ventilations. Pool Table Room, Unlimited Washing, Community Kitchens in Every Building on Every Floor. BBQ Grill to use on Roof Top as well as Kitchen and Fireplace, With Patio Furniture. Shell Gas Station Next Door, QFC Grocery Store Across the Street, Ball Park, Library, Transit Center all Right across the street. Studios are somewhat claustrophobic but will work until I'm able to upgrade from a 210 sq ft Eco Flat with Private Bathroom. Apartment numbering, flooring design, and staffing operations like a Hotel. Cleaners clean community kitchens daily, laundry area daily, and flooring on every level daily. The staffing and Maintenance take care of the Property daily. You will always see the Maintenance team Doing duties everyday making the Presence of Visitors and Residents feel at Home. Great place for Entrepreneurs, Musicians, Artists, and People looking to Enjoy all of the Attractions Kirkland has to Offer. Water Front and Marina within a 5 Minutes Walk. Perfect location for 4th of July Fireworks as Fireworks are Illegal and Strictly Prohibited in the City of Kirkland. read more

Wasabi everybody, So I lived here for about a year now, bumped up from a studio to a full one bedroom. I can't speak for everyones own personal experience but for me its been awesome. Why? Management has been on top of their game for me, and I have lived in a lot of apartment complexes around Washington. From Garrett, Kim, Joel and Larry, all these people kept me in the loop and viewing since November 2016 when I was first exploring and researching apartments around the area. Larry has been the top player for me cause he knew I was looking for a full one bedroom since I got the studio. And he kept me on the list till one opened up fair and square, and got me the details I needed to transition into it, all the while squaring away the issues with reimbursements, prorates and etc. Other than that the neighbors have been cool, everyone keeps to themselves or start a nice conversation. The only negatives I can think of is that construction=traffic in the morning. Also it would be nice to have one more elevator to keep the flow of people moving cause sometimes it stops on every floor randomly. Which gets annoying. But its business and my own choice for living here so its no ones fault. read more

This place sucks. There's a bunch of weird residents who smoke and so drugs all the time. Many are low income or on disability. Stuff gets stolen from this property all the tine out of cars, and bikes and management could care less. It's not worth their time. Dogs run around without leashes and poop everywhere. So many issues on this property that are never resolved because management has no backbone and won't deal with it. Additionally, don't expect to get your packages or service in a timely manner. Larry spends more time eating than he actually does doing his job. It seems very difficult for him to do what he was hired to do and expects you to cater to his time and agenda. A package might come in at 11AM and the company you purchased from will notify you, but you won't receive an email from the property until maybe 3-4PM and if you go in to pick it up before you get an email he'll just tell you to come back when he's checked it in. All the other leasing agents have been more than gracious and helpful and have never told me to "come back later", so I really don't know what Larry's particular issue is. Can't wait to move out. I've never seen management done so poorly. read more

I have been at Arete for a while. Larry, the senior manager of leasing, is amazing! He is always extremely quick to response to any question or request. I had identified an apt but before moving-in, decided I needed more space. Larry was very nice and accommodating. Larry is fantastic at fully covering all the lease terms and details about the place. He has a wonderful way of explaining everything in a clear and precise manner. Larry even spent time in the unit with me on my first day to make sure he could answer any questions regarding apartment, parking, mail box, community... Besides, assisting in above matters, Larry is always friendly, professional, willing to spend time to resolve any issues. Matthew is the person in charge of the buildings, landscaping and surrounding areas. He and his crew keep all of the property very well maintained(amazingly, clean inside and outsiders). I think Matthew can fix anything while maintaining a sincere smile and great attitude. He is always willing to help on things beyond his job responsibilities. Along with Larry and Matthew, everyone is very friendly and courteous here. I highly recommend this spot. Go see Larry! read more

The Leasing Agents are very helpful and easy to talk to. There is always someone there during the posted open hours to answer questions or deliver your packages to you. I will name three of the Leasing Agents and give my firm endorsement for their work at Arete'. Stephen Hodges, Joel Hatton and Larry Saulness. I have lived at Arete' Apartments in Downtown Kirkland for about 2 years and REALLY like it. The location is super close to the lake, there is shopping and restaurants all over within a short walk. In the summer there is live music at the beach a few blocks away. I've heard it referred to as "Quintessential Kirkland." The apartments range from small studios to larger units. When I moved into mine, it was brand new. Apartments come with a bed, a microwave, and a mini fridge/freezer. Mine also came with a moveable 4' x 2' x 2.5' (l x w x h) very nice glass top wall table and two fixed counter spaces. Covered Parking is available. Rent is competitive with the bustling Downtown Kirkland market. Thumbs up, Arete'. I should also give huge kudos to the Maintenance guys. They are awesome and prompt to address any maintenance issue you are having. read more

Waited til we had been here six months before giving a review. Honestly, we've had a great time here. Especially for younger people just starting out on their own, Areté is fantastic. Very friendly and helpful office people, Larry took us through the moving in process extremely quickly and easily, and at no point was he anything less than incredibly friendly. Our apartment is small, which is fine for us, and easy to maintain. We've never had any noise issues, we barely hear the people on either side of us or above us. Our friend lives one building over and his apartment is the same way. Neighbors are generally friendly and we've made a few friends in the time we've been here. Community kitchens are always clean and easy to use. The hallways and common areas are clean as well. Construction has never bothered us, we never hear the noise indoors. Honestly the worst experience we've had here is the temperature of our room in the summer, but one portable AC unit later, no longer an issue. I wouldn't imagine Areté being for everyone, but if you want to live in this area without being a billionaire, this place exceeded our expectations in every way. read more

Hi! My name is Andrew. I recently moved from California to try something new in the northwest and when shopping for a new place to call home, I ran across Arete Apartments. Quickly I rang them up to get more details on the units here and Spoke with a really kind hearted, direct and honest guy named Larry in the leasing office. He gave me all the right information I needed to know, in order to make the final and right decision to call Arete Apartments Home. Everyone in the office has gone out of their way to make sure from day one, that everything with my move in and transition to a new home ran smoothly. It wasn't easy moving somewhere that I didn't know anyone, but the staff and neighbors I have here at Arete, have really changed all that and made my transition a warm and welcoming one that makes me happy with my decision to be here 100%. Anyone looking into a place in Kirkland to call home should ring these guys up. Ive lived many places and never have I felt so at peace, happy and safe in a place, then I have being here. Its a community within a community of great people. Andrew read more

I have lived in Areté for 2 years and could not be happier. There's a real sense of community here if that's important to you. Frequent complex wide events allow you to rub shoulders with your neighbors over interesting topics or great meals. If you aren't into group functions then you can take the elevator straight home and enjoy the well-maintained building and courtyard. Parking is standard downtown pricing but you are allowed a way to reduce the price in half! Garbage and recycle chutes make for easy chores. I live in an apartment with amazing privacy. I feel very secure here with a security door and elevator. Office staff are extremely patient and helpful. Probably my favorite aspect to living here is the modest annual rent increases along with the inclusion of utilities, WiFi and amenities in my monthly total (eco flats differ). Give Areté a chance! Incredible value for your money and the best bargain in Kirklsnd. read more

Update: Arete is still pretty killer. I recently transferred from a studio to a 1-bedroom apartment here at Arete while moving in with my partner. Larry and Stephen were SO incredibly helpful with this whole process. I go into blank-face-mode when a lot of leasing words/phrases start floating around, but the fellas down in the leasing office guided me through the whole transfer process, and it ended up being a breeze. They provided me with all the info for myself and my partner, along with dates that things needed to be completed by. Now I'm super happy and comfortable stretching out in my new digs. I still wholly recommend living at Arete. The area can't be beat and the community is so beautiful. Since my last review, I've made so many pals around the building. Also, there's a pretty neat farmer's market that happens occasionally in the main entrance. There was a live band that played last time :) read more

We moved in at the end of April 2016. The location is incredibly convenient -- just a short walk to the park, library, pool, QFC, local shops, restaurants, waterfront, and bus transit station. There's a local farmer's market on-site on Saturdays during the summer with amazing produce and dairy products. All utilities are included with the rent, as well as an Orca Transit Card. Management has been great. Before we moved in they explained the size of the apartments and the fact that some parts of the complex are still under construction. There were no surprises as to the amount of space, storage, or potential inconveniences such as noise. They have responded quickly to any issues we have had and take our concerns seriously. This is a great place to try out tiny living before investing thousands of dollars in building your own tiny home. read more

I must say, the staff here thinks quickly on their feet when situations arise at the last second, and they try to find a solution. My situation was one in which due to circumstances out of their control, my new apartment would not be ready for another week. I didn't have another place to stay as my lease ended. They made sure I had an interim apartment on the premises to store myself, my dog, and my belongings for a week, paid for another set of movers among other things, and did everything to ensure that a not so positive experience was a great one in every way they could. It's been consistent, friendly customer service. I don't doubt that won't continue. I can't thank Larry and everyone else in the office for helping me in a variety of situations that have occurred, be it large or small. -Jocelyn read more

Arete is the perfect location to live! They have a 24 hour grocery store across the street and the water is just a couple minutes away. I am rarely home and so the eco flats are perfect for me. The property has a bunch of amenities that I've never seen anywhere else- music room, painting room. Not to mention there's a billiards room and fitness center. Before I even took interest in Arete I read reviews and was concerned with noise, but it has never been an issue for me. Granted, it is apartment living and I am used to it. Nothing out of the norm. The staff is what sets Arete apart from the other places. They're always smiling and it is obvious that they try their best to accommodate the needs of the people that live here. read more

In short: this is a fantastic location with great amenities at an affordable price. If you had doubts before wipe them from your mind or better yet, have them wiped from your mind by simply walking into the leasing office and going for a tour/walk through so you can see for yourself just how wonderful Arete can be. Thanks to our fantastic Leasing Professional, Joel H., I immediately found myself acquainted and ready to start my new life in Kirkland, WA. He did not only a fantastic job of finding just the right fit within my budget, but also kept up with me afterwards in order to ensure that I had a great experience there. It is well managed and the community is great. I couldn't recommend Arete more. Thanks, James read more

We are very pleased with the unit we live in. The location is great as we wanted to live in Kirkland, the apartments are affordable and very close to the lake, parks, grocery stores and bus station. The neighborhood is safe which is important to us. what i like is the artistic appearance not only within the building but also in their amenities and neighborhood. The building provides you different common areas like the pool table, gym, music room, etc. i must admit that the gym is small but not too many people use that, so i'm okay with it. I can't complain about the noise as i have great neighbors that are respectful and the staff is very friendly and helpful. Overall we are very satisfied with our apartment. read more

New, inexpensive apartments in a part of Kirkland where unaffordable is the norm. The catch is that the studios are smaller than average. Mine was a little over 300 sq. ft -- plenty for me for the 18 months I lived there, and well worth it to be able to walk to work downtown. Utilities and other miscellaneous costs are a little less expensive than average as well. Parking makes up most of the price in that category; utilities are free for studio-goers and cheap ($30+ per month) for everyone else. When you visit the main office, do me a solid and ask for Joel. He helped me a lot with moving to one of their 1-bedrooms. Shoutout to Kimberly as well, who got me started with the process. read more

As someone who's shared multiple different apartments I can say that the eco-flats here are the perfect starter apartments! Kimberly (one of the leasing associates) was incredibly professional, kind, and gave me a great tour of the complex where I completely fell in love with the place! The rent is incredibly affordable for the area, and the complex has so much to offer, from a fitness center to even an art studio! My apartment came furnished with everything you would need, modern appliances and internet is even included in the rent! I recommend this place to anyone looking for an affordable place to stay in an area that is only becoming more expensive. read more