Hey there,
Before…read moreyou make any decisions about moving into Dunhill Village North, please be extra cautious and take your time to really assess the place--ideally, visit at night as well as during the day. I can't emphasize enough how important it is to pray or think carefully before choosing an apartment.
A lot of people make the mistake of just seeing a model unit or an example apartment and assuming that's what they'll get, but that's not always the case. You need to inspect the exact unit you'll be moving into and take a close look at the neighbors and the building's environment. When we first moved in, everything seemed fine with the apartment itself, but we had no idea what we were walking into with the neighbors.
One issue I'll warn you about is the presence of dogs on the property--specifically, Pit Bulls. I'm not saying this to judge the breed, but I will say they can be dangerous if not properly managed. I like DMX and have respect for his love of Pit Bulls, but there were a few unsettling experiences here with aggressive dogs. One neighbor had a crazy dog (not a Pit Bull, but still a problem), while another had a sweet Black Labrador retriever that was fine.
Another issue I'd advise you to consider is smoke. People here smoke cigarettes and weed, and even if the apartment itself is non-smoking, the smell can travel through the ventilation system. It can be pretty overwhelming, especially if you're sensitive to it. When we moved in, we also noticed a gas leak smell that even the property manager acknowledged. BGE came and fixed it, but still, always be cautious about things like that.
As for the environment inside the building, there are other things to keep in mind. When we moved in, the hallways smelled strongly of cigarette and weed smoke, which was hard to ignore. If you have any respiratory issues or health conditions, I wouldn't recommend moving here. However, if you're someone who doesn't mind that kind of atmosphere, it might be okay for you. We had a neighbor over our heads who smoked weed and cigarettes.
Regarding the management, I think the property manager is fine, but honestly, I feel like they could use more help with managing such a large complex. You can tell the more experienced maintenance people from the ones who are still learning the ropes. The painter does a great job, though!
Another thing to know is that Dunhill North has no elevators, so if you or someone you know has mobility issues, this could be a challenge. And if you live on the lower floors, just pray the ceiling is soundproof--because the noise from upstairs can be a real issue. We had a neighbor who would stomp around late at night, which was really disruptive.
Also, be cautious about parking. Handicap spots are open to everyone, and we had a run-in with some crazy neighbors over a parking spot. I get that they've lived there a long time, but nobody owns a parking spot. Just a heads-up to avoid confrontations with people who think they can claim ownership over the property. The do not own a damn thing.
One last thing--the fees. In addition to rent, they charge extra for trash and water fees, and the water fee can vary depending on your usage. And don't forget about BGE--they're not exactly known for being cheap!
Lastly, be aware that laundry here requires a smartphone. You won't be able to use cash or quarters, so if you don't have a smart phone, you'll need to find another option for laundry.
So, here's your checklist for Dunhill Village North or any apartment:
Check the lease carefully, and read all the fine print. It's always better to do this in person if you can. Check if the building allows dogs, especially aggressive breeds like Pit Bulls.
Look out for dog waste--there is a designated area, but not everyone cleans up after their pets. Also, check for cigarette butts or any other litter.
Pay attention to the smell--check for lingering smoke (cigarettes, weed) in the building.
Consider health issues--if you have asthma or any breathing problems, this might not be the place for you.
Laundry--you'll need a smartphone to do laundry here; they don't accept cash or coins.
Parking--don't get caught up in any disputes over spots, especially handicap spaces.
I hope this helps and that you make an informed decision. Take your time and make sure you're comfortable with everything before signing anything.
I'm focused right now on getting my family an up-to-date house in a safe area.
Best of luck, and be careful out there.