The MicroUnits have been a great choice for me as a student at the University. I rented for 2 1/2…read moreyears across two leases and was able to keep the same third-floor unit the whole time.
LOCATION:
These units are just southeast of Pittsburg, so they are a ways outside of town. There is a Walmart Neighborhood market just up the road so you can't ask for more convenient grocery shopping. It's a pretty easy drive to main campus of PSU, and since you'll cross Rouse street no matter what, getting north and south across town couldn't be easier. There is one major drawback to the location. It's right on a pretty busy railroad. There is a train probably at least every two hours, and it is most definitely not a no-horn zone. Even protected by the building between the micros and the tracks, it is still incredibly loud. If you're a light sleeper, it will drive you crazy.
FURNISHINGS:
The unit comes fully furnished with a platform bed, two sofas, coffee and end tables, all kitchen appliances, Washer/dryer, and a tv. Wifi is also installed and included in rent.
The kitchen is fairly functional but you have hardly any countertop space so cooking is pretty tough unless you have an additional surface. The fridge is a good size and the dishwasher works great. You don't have an oven but the Microwave has a convection feature that worked just as well for me.
The furniture is fine, nothing special. If you bring your own I do believe management will take back any pieces you don't need.
The TV is just a tiny Roku, and it's above the built in desk on the other side of the closet, so if you like to watch TV in your bed you'll probably be disappointed that you can't really see it.
The washer/dryer mini combo unit works okay. It's worth not having to go to the laundry room but it's super loud and takes like 4+ hours to complete a cycle. I would only run it when I wasn't home.
UTILITIES:
Water and electricity are included in rent which was awesome for not having to deal with separate monthly bills. The electricity allowance is pretty slim however. If you sleep with a fan or constantly mess with the thermostat you will definitely be paying monthly overage fees.
The WiFi worked great for me and could even handle some light gaming so it's more than enough for school or work.
NOISE:
I have one major gripe with the Micros. The interior walls are very well insulated against sound, so I was never bothered by the units immediately next-door (*through the walls).
Unfortunately, the entry door on your unit is very thin, very cheap, and not even close to sound dampening. You will hear everything that happens in the hallway, as well was what is going on in your neighbors apartments through both your door AND their door. This means when there is loud music, talking, or "date nights", you will get to hear pretty much all of it. Management was pretty responsive to noise complaints, but based on the number of repeat offenses by a particular unit, I suspect the reprimand is little more than a stern email or text from the office. It was eventually dealt with but it took three reports.
I can't speak for noise from your upstairs neighbors because I was on the top floor, but I never received any complaints from below even after dropping a pot while unloading the dishwasher at midnight so it must be just fine.
PETS:
This complex used to be a lot less pet friendly. If you ask me, that was a good thing. When I first moved in I think all that was allowed was cats and service/ESA's. Please understand that the MicroUnits are MICRO units. If you have anything more than an 8lb pet you have no business leasing these units. I don't care if you walk your dog 5 times a day. It's just cruel to keep your pet in such a tiny apartment. Once pets started moving into the Micros, things really started going downhill as well. From dog hair coating the stairwell to barking through the paper-thin doors, it has not been a pleasant change to the property.
Overall, the Micros are still a great choice for students leaving the dorms who would rather not deal with a roommate. They are perfect for one person, a bit cramped with two, but definitely overcrowded if you're throwing in a pet. Rent was a pretty good deal considering the included furnishings, utilities, and internet. Management was always reasonable and the overall culture of the complex is pretty chill. I do recommend the MicroUnits, but please give your pets more than 400 square feet.
I think 3.5 / 5 stars is fair.
