I lived at 2121 Belmont for close to six years…read more
As of 2021, in terms of build quality and customer service, it's difficult to think of a better building in inner SE!
- Originally built as condos, so great quality build, including hardwood floors, granite countertops, thick walls, etc. Weirdly, I could hear when my neighbors opened and closed their sunshades, but I could never hear dogs barking, loud music, etc.
- Some ground-level apartments with private entrances available if you have a dog or bike that requires easy access to the street.
- Parking spots available, package lockers, small gym, and a dog wash. In six years, I maybe lost two packages, which is remarkable!
- Along the 15 bus route, so easy commute Downtown for work, with easy transfers to NE along MLK Blvd. If you bike: very easy to access anything in SE, Downtown, the Pearl, or inner NE. Wonderful location to pick up cycling for transportation!
- Within easy biking distance of tons of coffee shops--very ideal outside of COVID times!
- Across from Colonel Summers Park, next door to a cemetery (quiet neighbors!) that's nice for walks.
- Generally pretty friendly neighbors. I lived in the building for close to six years, but one of my next-door neighbors had lived there even longer!
- In six years, my rent went up about $75.
There are a few caveats, however:
- Most of the units do not have "true" bedrooms; if you look at the layout diagrams, the bedroom is in the middle of the apartment with no windows. I didn't realize how much that affected me until I moved out. The darkness really does get to you, even if you purchase a smart lamp.
- Relatedly, the building is North/South facing, so in most of the units, you don't get great light--especially during winter.
- There are lots of things "nearby", but very few things right outside your door: a couple restaurants, one bar, a dispensary, an LGBTQ clinic. I wouldn't call the area walkable so much as bikeable. If you have a car, it's no trouble at all, though.
- The quality of the building really relies on the quality of the staff. For the first year I lived at 2121 Belmont, it was amazing! The past few years have been great, as well. There were a few years in-between, though, that were sketchy at best: no cleaning the trash rooms, no cleaning pet waste in front of the building. Once had a maintenance guy walk into my apartment without notice while I was in the shower--that guy no longer works there.
Otherwise, a great building. Would have stayed much longer if it weren't for COVID--I moved to a more walkable neighborhood, since public transit is best avoided.