I recently moved to Longview (summer 2015) and will try to write a fair and balanced report of my experience with Summer Brook Apartments located at 2300 Bill Owens Parkway in Longview, Texas. As a side note, this is my first time living in Texas and it's amazing. (NB: SB = Summer Brook)
- How safe is the complex and the surrounding area?
Partially gated in that there is a fence around the property with front/side access gates for vehicles and pedestrians (sidewalk access) but they are always open. Street lighting is fine but about 50% of the lights in my building alone are out. Security practices are limited to locked pool area (no life guard) and clubhouse which can be accessed during office hours. Some units come with an attached garage. Fortunately have not had any safety or security issues so cannot comment on managements response.
- Are the apartments and grounds well maintained?
The pool area seems properly chlorinated and is free of debris but has been closed for maintenance since I moved in. The on site laundromat contains about 5 standard size washers and about 6 standard size dryers and all appear to be in working order (no signs up saying 'out of order'). Note that most rental units are 'w/d hook ups available'. The appliances and fixtures in the apartment are in good condition but check to see if your unit has a microwave, gas v electric cooktop and w/d as there are several upgraded styles. They recently renovated the clubhouse area and it is great - full kitchen, Keurig coffee bar, large seating area (no TV), bare bones business center with one fairly slow computer and a tempermental printer as well as a 24 hr fitness center with basic cardio equipment and weights. Two out of the three cardio machines are out of order. The apartment complex runs parallel to the Paul G. Boorman Trail which is a 5 star + perk because it is so beautifully maintained and the Stragent Dog Park is nearby. Unfortunately, the access point to the trail from the apartment complex is a water runoff ditch. Yes, SB, the signs you post along the trail that say "Live where you run" are cute but not if you break your ankle getting there. Telling renters you have 'trail access', while technically correct, is misleading. Please put in a real staircase and ramp; people with disabilities enjoy nature, too.
- What is the nature of the daytime and nighttime activity at this apartment?
The complex is generally quiet although I'm sure there is some road noise in units located closer to the street (Bill Owens and HG Mosley). No loud arguments at night and people in this community typically respect each other. Haven't seen Longview PD in the parking lot. Plenty of pets in the community but haven't had a problem with excessive barking in my building.
- How responsive is the apartment management?/ Are complaints and requests handled in a timely and fair way?
I moved my stuff into the apartment about three weeks before I could actually move down permanently. One of the window screens was broken and some hornets had set up shop in between the screen and the glass so I couldn't open the windows. I had filed a maintenance request on day one of my lease and figured that would be plenty of time to take care of the problem before I started living here full time. Nope. When I contacted the main office I was told that maintenance is understaffed and bogged down with AC repair requests throughout the complex so SABOD.
The staff is approachable and easy to contact. Kara (front desk) was very helpful getting my application approved and even made sure there was an apartment key available when I moved in on a Sunday (office is typically closed). They are not set up to take online recurring credit/debit or electronic check payments (and no timeline on that, either) which is archaic. FYI SB: no one uses checks anymore. Get with the program. Back to Kara - she is very pleasant but I think I about gave her an aneurysm today when I asked for some help with the printer in the business office. "It was working yesterday" doesn't have jack taco to do with the status of the printer today. Apparently the IT guy has been called.
Misc - The front office is not equipped to receive/hold packages for residents so if it doesn't fit in your mailbox you're SOL. This is a huge problem if you're like me and survive off of Amazon Prime.
Summary -
The Good - Appealing apartment complex with a good price point for individuals who are willing to make some sacrifices (no in unit w/d). Lots of amenities, and if they ever get repaired it will be a nice place.
The Bad - Front office won't hold packages for residents. Business center needs work.
The Ugly - Hornets and trail access. read more