I made the mistake of signing a 1 year lease (July 2006-July 2007) with Metropolitan Associates at the Southgate location. It was my first apartment and I chose it because it sounded good-2 bedrooms, 1 bath, free heat, and it was considered a bi-level apartment for $675/month (has recently increased to $700). The KIT, BA, and living room were very small; bedrooms were average. I was unhappy with the fact that the 1 BR apts have a much larger BR, BA, and living room and were about $150 less per month when compared to the 2 BR apts. So, it may be a better deal for the money for someone looking for a 1 BR, but I wouldn't recommend the 2 BRs. There were several minor flaws that I noticed: it smelled bad, there were a lot of little chips in the wood paneling and counter tops, and the carpets were discolored in some spots throughout. I didn't like the fact that the entire building had to share 1 washer/dryer. It was inconvenient, expensive, and the dryer didn't dry well (I paid twice to dry 1 load before I started doing laundry elsewhere) . As far as the outside there were holes in the lot, neighbors partying outside quite frequently, there were huge racoons all over, and there was nowhere for guest parking without buying a permit, but those are "just common things with apartment living which Metropolitan Associates has no control over," I was told. Then winter came around....free heat?......no, it seemed to be set at a constant rate which wasn't adjustable no matter where I'd set my thermostat it was always cold! No changes were made and no explaination. Also, maintainance staff did a crumby job shoveling/salting; on top of that some had horrendous attitudes. When my lease was finally complete, a large amount of money was docked off my security deposit for small holes from nails in the wall from my wall hangings! I also considered Loomis Hills down the street also associated with Metropolitan-same story.
Pros: Nice management
Cons: Poor heating, maintainance, parking, shared w/d, overall uncleanliness
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