Overall, I would definitely recommend Robbins Nest. The staff (in my experience) has always been very polite, very prompt, and very professional with everything we've ever needed from them.
The apartments are a nice size for a starter home, you know, for a single guy or gal... or even a couple with no children. They offer 1-2 bedroom units with an option for slightly larger rooms on one of the 2 bedroom layouts. The bathroom is very roomy in the Sandpiper (2 sinks! Which my husband and I love!) Nice size livingroom, decent kitchen (unless you're cooking a large, gourmet meal.) Unfortunately, they do not offer in unit washers and dryers, but the laundry facilities are very good. They recently lowered the prices on the machines (only $1 to wash or dry) and they have MANY machines to choose from.
They recently built a beautiful clubhouse that residents can rent for parties. It's very worth it. A lot of space and it's just lovely.
Robbins Nest also offers an exercise room which has two treadmills as well as weights and other equipment.
Residents are responsible for paying their electric and cable/phone/internet bills, but Robbins Nest pays for your water (which is great in the winter because that is your heat as well!)
Each unit comes with its own garage! Which is awesome come winter time in Grand Haven. If you have to get to work in the morning and you hate brushing 2 feet of snow off your car, you'll love having an included garage.
As for the downsides.... like my headline says, it's definitely not for people with kids. As someone else mentioned... there are no toys and play areas. Kids and teens often play in the parking areas, which is dangerous and horrible for navigating in or out of your parking space.
If you park in front of the buildings without a permit you will be towed. Your friends and relatives will also be towed. I know that sucks, but they CLEARLY state in the lease, in the buildings, and on the garages that parking in front of the buildings without a permit will result in your vehicle being towed, so if you do this and you get towed... you can't say that they didn't warn you.
People work on their cars in front of the garages, but where else are they supposed to do it? This is their home, people work on their cars in their own driveways when they own or rent a house... this is the equivalent of that. However, some people seem to think that parking their junk car that doesn't run at all behind the garages is okay to do and THAT drives me nuts. If you have a vehicle that doesn't run, get it fixed or get rid of it. You're taking up space! Also, if you don't see a parking space (you know, parking BETWEEN the white lines) then DON'T park there! People can't see around your giant car to pull out! There will be a bad accident one of these days. Why the tow truck doesn't haul those people away, I have no idea.
Overall, I would give Robbins Nest a Thumbs up. It's a great location, nice and close to Meijer and Wal-Mart... sometimes you can even see the Coast Guard/4th of July Fireworks from your apartment (depends on your unit of course)!
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