The Apex @ Meadows

This complex is right next to the 95 and an 11 minute drive from school. There is minimal traffic on the route to school. It's a new complex, free of roach infestation, is safe, clean, and nice looking. The community is gated and I have never felt unsafe. The staff is very quick to respond and approachable. The units are well insulated; I hardly ever hear my neighbors, and the staff holds people accountable to community quiet hours (after 10 pm). I don't see my neighbors very often, but everyone I have met has been very nice. The staff have been holding fun get togethers with free food and/or activities for neighbors to get to know each other about 4-5 times a month. They also schedule local food trucks to come to the community a few times a month, which is fun and nice for supporting local businesses.

There is a small dog park on property, 3 parking options (garage or covered for fees and uncovered for no fee), valet trash service, a pool and a free gym with a dance/studio space, weightlifting sets and a punching bag.

There is a mall next door and there are many neat small businesses in the area- a few hispanic marketplaces, affordable shopping options, many good eats, and a few cute coffee shops nearby.

The biggest tradeoffs for this property are that there are frequently short-lived and minor issues with the elevators and some residents smoke indoors and set off the fire alarms (about once a week right now). Also, as with many places now, the units are ~699 sq. feet (smaller than they used to be in older complexes) and the rent fee does not include some utilities and shared community expenses, which come out to about $200 per month and include internet (non-negotiable $100 a month for fast internet), water, sewer, community electric and trash. I pay for my apartment's electric outside of this. While shopping for apartments, I found that many complexes now charge separately for utilities and rent, and also include additional fees for shared amenities/community expenses. They also often also charge a separate pet rent (and deposit) and fees for some parking options (garage and covered parking). I pay for covered parking ($25 per month) and monthly pet rent ($50 a month per pet). Everything comes out to just under $1,800 per month without electric.

In general, I love living here and think it's the best balance I could find in town for what I was looking for.