Areas/Apt. complexes to avoid in IC and a ? about IA apt. laws (Iowa City: apartment complex)

[Sojourner in Iowa]

So, I'm heading to IC tomorrow and will be looking at a two-flat and a couple of duplexes. I'm going to check out apartment complexes too, but I was wondering if anyone had any words of caution about places I should absolutely not touch with a ten foot pole! I am a grad student. I was planning on checking out Benton Manor (because they allow dogs), Hampton at Coral Ridge, and a place called Finkbine. I've only seen photos of Hampton. :-) Any other dog-friendly places I should check out?

Also, I plan on photo documenting (in addition to a detailed written walkthrough) the condition of my rental when I arrive. Since I have a dog, I'm wary of being charged for damages that he doesn't create. Does anyone know if photographic evidence will be recognized by the powers that be in Iowa? If anyone knows of steps I should take to protect myself and my deposit, I'd appreciate it!

[DBQer]

From the time I have lived here, it seems that there are really only two apartment complexes in the Iowa City area that have a disproportionate amount of crime, police calls, etc...

** Lakeside (Lakeside Drive & Hwy. 6)
** Broadway (Broadway Street, south of Hwy. 6)

They're both fairly close to each other, in Southeast Iowa City. I think you should be fine with the complexes you are looking at, and prettymuch any other area of Iowa City, Coralville, or University Heights. Good luck!

P.S.: Before I signed the lease on my apartment, I called the records division of the Iowa City Police Department to find out about the calls for service @ my complex. The number is 319-356-5285. Consider doing the same (with the Housing Dept.) to see if your apartment complex met inspection standards. 319-356-5120.

[Chicago60614]

I heard that Boston Way and Coral Ridge (is that it? My mind is blank. Between 22nd and 23rd in Coralville) are a little sketchy. Then of course there's the crap going on down near Broadway and Lakeside in Iowa City. Definitely avoid Lakeside.

Sadly growing up in the 80's there, we couldn't even name a "bad" part of town if anyone asked. There just wasn't one. Someone would get killed every 3-4 years and the whole town was beyond traumatized.

[iowegian]

Originally Posted by Chicago60614

I heard that Boston Way and Coral Ridge (is that it? My mind is blank. Between 22nd and 23rd in Coralville) are a little sketchy. Then of course there's the crap going on down near Broadway and Lakeside in Iowa City. Definitely avoid Lakeside.

They re-branded Coral Ridge as Hampton at Coral Ridge.

I think Boston Way is kind of sketchy. Hampton at Coral Ridge shouldn't be too bad though, I don't think. I live a few blocks from there and this neighborhood is fine. I don't know if there's anything going on within that complex but I think they renovated it recently and I've never heard of anything happening there.

I also urge you not to look on the far SE side of town, anywhere south of Hwy. 6 is not good.

[jmgg]

Originally Posted by iowegian

They re-branded Coral Ridge as Hampton at Coral Ridge.

I think Boston Way is kind of sketchy. Hampton at Coral Ridge shouldn't be too bad though, I don't think. I live a few blocks from there and this neighborhood is fine. I don't know if there's anything going on within that complex but I think they renovated it recently and I've never heard of anything happening there.

I also urge you not to look on the far SE side of town, anywhere south of Hwy. 6 is not good.

The one exception to your last comment is the complex at Heinz Rd. This is well maintained and quite nice. It's the last apartment units before you are heading out of town.

[Sojourner in Iowa]

Thanks for the phone numbers DBQer.

I actually looked at the Hamptons at Coral Ridge today, and the apartments seemed nice as did the whole area. Maybe I have a skewed perception of what "sketch" is, but I never saw any needles in the parking lot or heard anyone screaming/yelling, nor did I get harrassed by anyone for walking around and checking things out. Does "sketch" mean dealers live there (or near) and undergrads are funnelling in and out? People getting stabbed at the bus stop? I'm totally confused.

[Chicago60614]

Originally Posted by jmgg

The one exception to your last comment is the complex at Heinz Rd. This is well maintained and quite nice. It's the last apartment units before you are heading out of town.

That's true! Saddlebrook (?). I'm actually heading right to that complex at 730am tomorrow to see my good friend. that area is certainly nice. I think it's just overshadowed by Lakeside.

[iowegian]

Originally Posted by Sojourner in Iowa

I actually looked at the Hamptons at Coral Ridge today, and the apartments seemed nice as did the whole area. Maybe I have a skewed perception of what "sketch" is, but I never saw any needles in the parking lot or heard anyone screaming/yelling, nor did I get harrassed by anyone for walking around and checking things out. Does "sketch" mean dealers live there (or near) and undergrads are funnelling in and out? People getting stabbed at the bus stop? I'm totally confused.

Oh no, there's rarely anything as scary as bus stop stabbings in this area. (Knock on wood...) Boston Way seems "sketchy" to me because of the type of people I've seen hanging around there. I don't know if there are drugs involved or what, but there's just something a little off about that street.

But I don't get that impression at all from the apartments you looked at, those seem nice. I drive by there every day at least twice (and sometimes at night) and I have never seen any suspicious activity going on around there.

@jmgg: Yeah, I will retract that statement for Saddlebrook. I drove by there the other day and those do seem to be a world apart from Lakeside. Even just seeing them, you can tell there is a huge difference.

[neanerbean]

Lakeside was bought out and cleaned out a few years ago and upgraded. they still are on the low end but they are now condos, where the people can rent to own and they were cleaned up and remodeled.

OP for apartments that allow animals you would have to ask. some require a pet waiver plus a pet deposit. it just depends on the Landlord. Also don't limit yourself to complexes so a search, craiglist, Paper and the UI campus information center has lisitngs. I found ours there and the landlord is great.