I searched high and low on the internet for Fresno apartments that were modern, clean, and within my budget before making the trip here to tour the contenders. I decided on a one-bedroom at Palmilla and I'm totally happy here. I think a bullet list of pros and cons is most beneficial when you're apartment searching so I hope this is helpful.
PROS:
-The property is 5-years old so it's still got that "new" feeling.
-It is decently priced for the square footage, cleanliness, and newness, especially in light of how other older apartments in Fresno are only slightly cheaper.
-There is assigned covered parking for residents.
-Units come with a washer/dryer in each unit alongside a pantry.
-I think all units have a private balcony.
-There is a storage closet on balcony.
-Although not huge, there is a walk-in closet.
-The bathroom is spacious and clean with a column of floor to ceiling cabinet storage.
-There is another storage closet between bedroom and bathroom (not sure where this storage is for other units).
-The bedroom is equipped with a ceiling fan.
-Unit comes with central AC/heat.
-The front door entryway is wood flooring and has an unpolished feel, which I personally love because it reminds me of reclaimed wood. (Not sure if this is the same for all units).
-The staff is accommodating and try their best to make me as comfortable as possible.
-No property is perfect. I've had a couple problems (listed under "Cons"), but the staff has been great about responding, following through, and following up.
-Your leasing agent goes through each page of the lease with you. This sounds tedious but I think it's so important for everyone involved to understand the lease.
-Palmilla has a small, but well-kept gym, small pool, small computer lab with printer.
-Campus Pointe commercial plaza is coming soon with movie theaters opening in November 2014. It will literally be a two minute walk, which I personally would like. Sidenote: the property is quiet and relaxing, but I appreciate that just a few minutes of commute will take me somewhere busier and exciting.
-Delicious chocolate chip cookies every morning in the leasing office!!!
-There is track lighting in the living room and kitchen. It's modern and could make for an interestingly themed bedroom and kitchen if you work it in. The kitchen is equipped with additional ceiling lighting. For the living room, it's not the most effective because the lights don't fill the space, but a floor lamp helps.
CONS:
-There is limited visitor parking but I haven't seen this to be a problem.
-There is no medicine cabinet in the bathroom, which isn't a huge deal for me, although it would be nice.
-I prefer underground parking but covered parking seems to be the trend in Fresno and is not a big deal. There are no issues with unauthorized cars taking your space, it seems.
-Vertical blinds - I've never been a huge fan, but they are clean, intact, and undamaged. I did come across one blind insert that was broken, but that was replaced within 24 hours. The model unit I toured, and I figure many other units as well, have hung curtains.
-I would prefer different, preferably granite countertops, but I can't speak to the quality of the current countertops and granite would likely drive up rent. I'm just not a huge fan of the aesthetics. =D
-I'm on the third floor so my balcony faces the peak of a tall tree that wasps or bees have decided to hang around. Maintenance did an urgent damage control, but the problem remains. Palmilla has an extermination company available on, I think, a weekly basis. I look forward to having the problem permanently solved.
-I'm having a bit of an ant problem. There was a trail on my balcony that has been addressed by maintenance, but I've come across a few ants around the house. I don't leave around or spill food, and throw my trash out every night, so I don't know what it is, but I'm going to try ant bait.
It's not perfect, but the staff more than make up for the little annoyances that are and will be quickly addressed and remedied. Hope this helps! read more