I've lived at The Cedars for over a year now and it's one of the greatest deals in Seattle.
LOCATION
The Belltown location is perfect if you're interested in the water, parks, downtown living, and a social scene that's a little more grown up - still with all the Seattle fun! This is the quietest, most under rated block of Belltown. It's just enough removed from weekend noise and skirts Lower Queen Anne. Grocery options are the only downfall of this area if you do not have a car.
BUILDING
The building is charming with true character and feels authentic compared to the super modern plastic apartments that are basically pods built separately and dropped together to form a building. You'll find new carpet, nice appliances, kitchen track lighting, crown moldings, and a very upscale feel.
AMENITIES
The Cedars lacks the amenities of the dorm-style college living, like a large gym or common areas. (Small fitness room is just fine) But you make up for that in savings and good management. The rooftop is lowkey and just what you need - a place to get some sun with tables and lounge chairs and a grill. Nothing over the top here to increase your rent for no reason. (Do you really need a fire pit and a ton of extras for 2 months out of the year? Doubt it.)
MANAGEMENT
Brian is a great and responsive manager. I've had wonderful maintenance experiences and all requests have been met. The square foot to rent ratio is above average.
If you have a balcony, it can be hard to keep the algae from growing, but you can request to have it cleaned once a year and/or re-coated or painted.
I was concerned about mice issues after seeing these reviews and expressed that to Brian when moving in. Any building with a restaurant in the first floor can have these issues, because professional extermination means they move upwards. It doesn't mean it's dirty. (Also CJ's is BOMB make sure you eat here and ask for the freezer jam.)
I ran into a couple of mice last summer and Brian was immediately responsive and helpful. This is totally normal and not as big of an issue as the people below make it out to be.
NEIGHBORS
I've met great young couples living here and made friends out of them all. This building is much smaller than the high rise ones without personality all across the city. My floor has less than 5 apartments on it, so I see my neighbors often and you may have connecting balconies. Talk to each other! It's been a refreshing pace compared to the rest of the city.
OTHER
Overall, I'd love the see the lobby/elevator area painted to be a little brighter and more modern with new carpet. The apartments are classier than the common areas, which still have an 80s vibe. I've encountered only great people in this building and crime is not an issue. I haven't encountered any stolen pacakges and the door is secure.
I'd recommend living here to any professional looking for a wonderful Seattle experience. read more