Can't decide- managed apartment community or separate apartment rental? (apartments, tenants, house)

[gmagg]

Does anyone have experience living in a managed apartment community with amenities (pool, gym, rooftop terrace) vs living in a single apartment rental where there are no amenities (a walk up or multi-family for example) Which would be a better social environment where you are more likely meet neighbors? Can't decide which is better for me because I have not lived in either. Your feedback is greatly appreciated.

[bentlebee]

I have lived in a both and it all depends on who is living there if you will get more social contacts or not and what you are looking for.

I know that the community managed by a company on side didn't prevent vandalism, etc...they had their office at the pool side but rather ignored drunken people at the pool, etc. than taking action. This was at one of the Colonial Grand apartments but it all comes down to who is in charge.

[Leilani Vasquez]

I agree with bentlebee. I've lived in both.

My personal preference is living somewhere more private, but that's only because i have children. I recently moved in January from a managed apartment building to a 2-family house. I just like the privacy of it. I have a wonderful respectable downstairs neighbor, and a great landlord, to say the least, and I don't have to worry about listening to loud music and drunken tenants at all hours of the night.

[dhanu86]

Hi, In my experience apartment communities are no more social friendly than seperate rentals. It's improbable to get a unit next to neighbors of similar interests unless u go out in the park, etc. Seperate rentals on the otherhand, u either share a driveway, kitchen, etc with somebody or perhaps live on a more family oriented street.

[JetJockey]

It also depends on where you're looking. I live in predominantly college age area (We have a university and junior college nearby) so apartments are generally a BAD choice. Lots of parties, lots of drunk kids, lot's of coming and going of random people since it's their first time really living away from home for many of them.

[gmagg]

What about an Archstone or Avalon type property in a city vs an apartment in a row house on a city block. (Think DC, NY, Phila for example)