I figured I'd give an in depth review of Dara Gardens.
I'm an owner there. I've owned since 10/05.
If any of you have been looking at Dara either through an agent, walk-in, or through the internet. PLEASE DO NOT BELIEVE THE HYPE. I'm sure as everyone knows, advertising/marketing is exactly that. For the purpose of making a sale.
Regarding the complex: Its located and Zipped as 11367 Kew Gardens Hills. Basically Flushing. Previous rentals and converting to co-ops as tenants move out.
Pro's: Gated complex, Indoor parking, Gardens/Courtyard, Security guards 24/7.
Cons (get ready):
-The grounds are maintained relatively well due to the fact that you are not allowed on any of the grass areas.
- I would take the "newly" renovated with a grain of salt. New appliances, some cabinetry, bathroom fixtures, either refinish floor or replace, and some new paint is not considered a plus in my opinion. The noise insulation between floors, and between units is HORRIBLE. Heavy walking neighbors/noisy neighbors makes it unbearable.
- Parking garages that need MAJOR extensive repairs. Flooding during rain, and roofs that leak and break onto cars is not desirable, especially with such a high cost of $200 for a month to park.
- Community inside the gates: I'm not familiar with the reason why, but ever since moving in, I noticed that there are people with "mental" illnesses living here as well. It's been rumored that they are under rent control, and/or part of a hospital program. I counted a total of (4) separate individuals of my description. 3 doors down from my mothers unit located in Building 4. The occupant urinates in the elevator constantly. His front door is exterminated for roaches regularly as well.
- Commute: Its a long 2 block walk to Jewel Ave. to catch the bus into 71st Continental/Forest Hills where you can access the subway or LIRR. The bus ride is approx. 15 min. pending time of day. On Kissena you can access the bus into Flushing or Jamaica directions.
- Neighborhood: This area is caught between the government projects "Pomona" Housing located on the Kissena Blvd. side across the street from Queens College, and the densely Jewish community heading towards Main St. There is no existent shopping per se. Pathmark, Rite Aid, Walgreens are walkable through a strip mall that is pretty much vacant now. The National Liquidators left early in 2009. With the turn of the warm weather, and the school yard across from Dara on 71st St. the night crowds of loud music playing, and loitering return. Since my 3 years here, I've heard of two instances of vandalism on 71st to cars parked on the street, from slashed tires to broken side mirrors.
- Property Management: Poor response time, incompetent. Passes tasks and responsibilities around.
My thoughts on this place are: They'll try anyway and shape possible to get you in, but once you are in GOOD LUCK!!! Pray you don't need repairs, don't have noisy neighbors, and any issues where you will need Property managements assistance in. Its your money that you are spending, whether as an investment or long term residence that you plan on calling home. Regardless if you're single, couple, w/ kids, or family. Its a decent amount of money you are coughing up, wouldn't you want to spend it wisely?
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