I've only been here a month, but I can give a decent rundown of the place. If anything changes, I'll post updates.
TL,DR - Inexpensive and well maintained community in a decent location. It is a bit dated and offers less amenities than newer places. However it has management that actually cares and has a stake in the community.
The location -
Off Pond Springs Road, which is easy access to Parmer and 183. The road itself is the outlet for nearby neighborhoods, but both have vent-offs to major roads, and there's no real reason for through traffic, so not a lot of bottlenecking.
Walking distance to several restaurants and food trucks without crossing major intersections. Family Dollar and a corner store across a busy stop light intersection. The nearest bus stop is across an intersection either way, with the closest one being near that intersection.
The nearby elementary and middle school are "walkable" down Anderson Mill, which is dubious.
There is however, direct park access.
There is no direct sidewalk path to Apple.
The complex -
Quaint, consisting of several buildings and 2 courtyards, the larger including the pool, the second including the laundry room. There are picnic tables dotted around the grounds and charcoal grills. About 4 or so Picnic tables around. Lots of trees and shade.
The complex is built on a slight hill, so there are a number of steps and uneven spots on the footpaths.
Possible to navigate as a relative high mobility a cane user. Walkers may have more difficulty.
Wheelchair users would want to consider the following:
There is limited ramp access to required facilities like the laundry room and mail room. And limited ramp access to certain apartments. But wheelchair access is not universal. You will want to talk with management about the unit ahead of time and scout the grounds for yourself.
Pool is small, goes to about 5 feet deep. Is decently maintained.
All buildings are 2 stories.
Stair access only.
There is no valet trash service, you bring the trash to dumpsters on either end of the park side of the complex. There is trash, recycling, and compost bins. The compost bins are small though.
The balconies and patio spaces are decorated according to the utility.
It has an old school charm with an old neighborhood phone number on the front sign.
Parking is as-you come barring for handicaped spots. There is no upsell to garages or reserve spaces. There is a limited amount for the front units though, so you may end up having to walk a bit.
The units-
Only two bed two bath have washer and dryer hookups. (And you will need an adapter for the dryer.) Washer and dryer are not included.
They also have a wood fireplace.
There is no microwave included. Nor is there a dedicated space for one.
Galley kitchen is limited, but workable. Think using the most of the space than having space that looks good.
Dedicated pantry as opposed to some cupboard.
Electric appliances
For the two bed two bath units:
The second bedroom can barely fit a queen against the wall and a desk. And that's cutting it close. If you're a single person, or a kid, it can work. If you have multiple kids, a bunk bed configuration would be ideal.
Pretty sizable closets. Though they are dated in that they have pull string ceiling lamps rather than light switches.
The front office did a good job of getting it ready for us, resurfacing of the bathrooms, new appliances.
Utilities -
Austin power which covers trash fee
Google Fiber internet
Time Warner Cable for TV if you want cable
The management -
One of the reasons we sought this place out, honestly. We had stayed in our previous apartment for about 2 years, and the front office staff changed about 4 times.
Mary, however, has been at the front office here for 20 years. And conducts herself with a sense of pride from having spent that long making a good place to live. You cannot, I repeat, cannot, place a price on having to deal with people who care about doing a good job. It's that caring that allows this complex to punch above its weight.
I have had two maintenance requests so far, they responded within a day, at the time I requested. read more