I live in the VVA while finishing up my degree at Binghamton University. The complex does have a lot going for it--it's convenient to a lot of things, close to school, spacious (the closets are great) and my apt. has hard wood floors and a nice view with the occasional deer under my window. The rent is not bad at all.\r
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However, the noise insulation is terrible. It is not so bad with shared walls, but the sound from above is ridiculous. I happen to have a child that lives above me that NEVER walks anywhere but instead has to run all over my ceiling and likes to throw things ALL DAY. The noise is so loud that I often have to end phone conversations in my apt because the person on the other end finds it too annoying. Forget being able to work in the apt if you are a student or like to work at home. There is not much you can do yourself to insulate your ceiling. So make sure you know who your neighbors are above you before you move in. Don't just ask management.\r
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Management is okay--the office manager is very nice, but I have had problems communicating with the property manager. Three times my concerns were dismissed, and they can be uncommunicative. Like this morning is the 3rd day in a row I don't have hot water and no one has returned my 2 phone calls from yesterday trying to find out what is going on.\r
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It's an okay place to live if you can handle these aggravations.
Pros: Always a parking spot, convenient location, safe, can have pets, hard wood floors
Cons: Noise insulation, management not always helpful or understanding
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