What apt complexes to avoid in Plymouth (Maple Grove, Hills: apartments, rentals)

[MasstoMinn]

Will soon be relocating and needing an apartment in Plymouth! I've read some of the other relo threads but would love to know if there any apt complexes with bad reputations that I should avoid? What are considered the best managed? Looking for a 1 or 2 bed, with garage parking. Apt will need to be pet-friendly (cat, not declawed) and prefer a quieter, professional-type atmosphere. Suggestions? Thanks in advance!

[purple73]

Stay away from Park Place Apartments!!!!!!

[bbr1973]

I lived in a 2BR/2BA unit in Plymouth for 4 years (2004-2008) at Plymouth Ponds (45xx Nathan Lane). It was quiet, and I seldom saw (or heard) my neighbors, and the only disturbances were the occasional idiot with a loud radio in the parking lot or someone honking to announce their arrival. The location was very convenient. I personally visited a dozen complexes all over the Twin Cities, and PP was a real standout in many regards.

The units were the biggest I could find for the money (about 1100sf, with one heated underground parking spot included). The sheer volume of closet space was something to behold. It was the best bang for the buck until they jacked the rent in 2008 (prompting me to buy a house).

The apartments were in pretty good shape (not just the remodeled ones), but it was often difficult to get management to address issues, except those involving leaking water, when they'd be johnny-on-the-spot. The power would go out at least a few times a year, and the garage door often malfunctioned, trapping cars until someone managed to disengage the door. Management did seasonal parking lot sweeps (and garage sweeps), both of which involved all-day parking bans; ditto for snow removal. (The nearest street parking isn't very close.) Management also scheduled periodic in-unit "housekeeping checks" that seemed to be for no other reason than to be nosey.

On the other hand, the reputations of Manor Royal (Lancaster Ln.), Shadow Hills (Nathan Ln.) and Jefferson at Plymouth (Bass Lake Rd. & Northwest Blvd.) precede them. There are several hilarious reviews of Manor Royal on apartmentratings.com -- look for the one titled "Hell on Earth." The walls at Jefferson at Plymouth are paper-thin and the clientele is loud.

[MasstoMinn]

Thanks everyone for your replies!! I have been visiting apartmentratings.com to see what people have said about different places. Have narrowed down to a couple of townhouse rentals I found on craigslist -- one in the Gables at the Reserve, one at Fox Forest townhomes and two in Maple Grove -- as I think townhouses are probably better for my space needs. I will be out in the area next week to check 'em out before the big move in January!!