So far, I am thrilled with this place. I moved in last Monday.
Initially, my experience researching the building was admittedly a little bit rocky -- I put in my application and did not hear anything back over several weeks toward the end of the summer, which was frustrating because they do charge an application fee to explore them as an option. I was finally able to get in touch with their assistant property manager, but much to my disappointment (and surprise) I was rejected for residency.
As I continued to research places to go, I was beginning to find out that due to COVID, many living spaces around Fairfield county were being lost to college kids whose parents are wary of them living on campus, drying up moving options for people like me who wanted out of where I was, but wished to remain in the area.
On a lark, I reached back out to two other individuals CC'd on my email discussions with the APM and asked for a reconsideration. Much to my delight, Matt, a partner at Crestwood, who owns the building, emailed me back the very same night. I advised him of the resources I am working with, fully illustrated my situation and he promised to get back me the next day with an answer as to whether or not we can proceed.
He absolutely followed through and made good on his word. After giving me a call personally to let me know the good news the next night, we chatted quite a bit about self-funding through grad school (never a cheap prospect) and he inquired as to what space I'm interested in, do I have any specifics or preferences? He really went out of his way to gauge what I wanted so he could connect me with the best fit.
I ended up taking a spot on the 10th floor in a bright, airy apartment with outstanding views and high ceilings (I'm on the north side of the building, facing the Fairfield County Courthouse and overlooking the Arcade) It is clear the owners take good care here - the lobby is spotless, the elevators and common areas are all equally inviting and everything overall has been an absolute breeze. I can't thank Matt enough for taking the time to understand my individual circumstances, the time limit I was facing where I was and through that, enter into a business relationship that I feel completely confident in.
A couple tips for living downtown:
1. It is not scary. Fairfield county is absolutely horrid when it comes to rental pricing and Bridgeport is frequently overlooked. While all the attention goes to the North End, landlords know this and the rents are becoming on par with Fairfield, Norwalk, etc. People historically have overlooked downtown because of a non-existent crime element that I have yet to see and haven't seen down here in quite some time. I've spent a lot of time down here over the years and It's a hidden gem.
2. As Bob Dylan once said, "Watch the parking meters!" While parking around the block is pretty easy to get, you would be amazed at how quickly the meter maids come out. They've got little handheld receipt tape things and they'll cook up a ticket for you in seconds flat. You get a reprieve over the weekends, but set a timer on your phone or watch and you'll never have an issue.
3. Invest in a pull-cart. While the garage is not far from the building at all, you don't want do the one-trip shuffle with armfulls of groceries. I took this advice myself and it is lifechanging.
4. Always, ALWAYS order your coffee from the Dunkin' downstairs in advance on the app - you do not want to be stuck in the deluge that is the workforce of People's Bank tower next door, city hall or the angriest court staffers on earth at one of the two courthouses nearby read more