Chase Hollows is a nice place to live and is more homey than most apartment places in Gainesville. The complex features two-story townhouse-style units. It's important to note that although each unit is very similar, they all vary as each is individually owned. For example, some units will be an end unit, featuring a 'protruding window' is what I guess you would call it. Sometimes, cabinet and flooring color will differ. Some units will include laminate wood flooring, but most have a mix of tile and carpet.
On the first floor is where the kitchen, living room, and office (or possible third bedroom) is located. The kitchen features a large pantry, a storage closet, and marble counters that are usually black in color. There is also a place for dining which requires barstools. The living room is smaller than most and televisions can be mounted onto the wall if your unit does not come with one. It's probably recommended that you mount your television onto the wall since that saves some more space. Next to the kitchen is a small room that is normally used as an office. However, most people usually use it as a bedroom. It has enough space for a full size bed and includes a bathroom. Some units are also bigger than others. In bigger units, the office room includes a bath tub with a shower inside. Smaller units will have a shower with no bath tub. There is also a screened patio for smaller units that can be reached through the double doors in the office room.
As we head up the stairs, we have a room that contains a washing machine and dryer to do laundry. There is also a large master bedroom that has a large amount of closet space and a personal bathroom. On the other side is another bedroom that has a walk-in closet and personal bathroom as well.
Chase Hollows is a very popular place to live and it is often difficult to find a unit to rent. It's a peaceful neighborhood that is pet-friendly (but make sure your landlord is okay with a pet). There's a small pool inside the complex, but no gym or leasing office. In order to rent out a unit, you'll have to really search. Units can usually be rented out through University Realty, but they go fast. I personally searched Craigslist and found it to be much more affordable this way. For me, rent is $1100 a month for the whole unit, which we split amongst three people. Internet and utilities are not included in the price, but is generally not that expensive if you're not exhausting your AC. I pay $367 for rent, $18.33 for internet, and usually $33 for utilities each month. I pay about $420 each month, which is super affordable for such a nice place to live.
The bus system is very convenient in this area. I usually take the 38, 34, or 35 to get to campus. You can also park anywhere in the complex and not worry about getting towed, but parking is tight. Most units come unfurnished. Mine mostly came unfurnished besides a desk and two bar stools. There is no maintenance here for each individual unit. It relies on the owner of the unit. My landlord basically covers anything broken if it wasn't our fault, like if a washing machine was old. But they do have people who sometimes come to pressure wash the area and maintain the shrubbery.
I've been living here for a year and I've enjoyed it a lot. If you decide to live here, make sure to ask your potential landlord several questions. If I haven't stressed it enough... each landlord is different. For example, my landlord allows us to pay her through Venmo whereas other people have to mail their rent. read more
