Here is a previously written novel that might help you with your housing decisions. Enjoy.
I know how you all feel trying to find a place to live especially if you have no idea what the area is like besides what you saw when you were here for an interview. Last year at this time I was trying to make a decision from 1,300 miles away without having ever been to any of the apartment complexes to visit. Shopping blind isn't much fun and kind of scary. So... as many others are also willing to do I would like to try and make this decision a little easier.
I am a first year student and live in the Trilogy apartments. As a result I will start out by saying that I have nothing bad to say about Trilogy and personally love it here. I am currently in a studio with an alcove (small bedroom) that is about 600 some square feet with small kitchen, walk in closet, full nice bath/shower, and washer and dryer = one of my biggest decision factors b/c I didn't want to go somewhere else to do laundry and wanted to be able to do it while I studied on the weekend. I pay $818 a month and utilities are around 35-60 depending on time of year due to heating and air. As far as the complex in general goes it is very nice (like a resort) and I personally would rate it as the best choice in the area. The fitness center is great to have close to home and the business center in building 3 really helpful when you have a lot to print and don't want to waste your personal ink. The drive to school is an easy 5-10 max depending on traffic.
Trilogy sounds pricy, but when compared to others it really isnt bad, especially when you take into consideration everything Trilogy has to offer. I do pay quite a bit, but I also live by myself (more roommates = obviously less money). If I wanted to live by myself at colonnade I would be paying around 100+ more a month. I have not heard of any 20% increase in rent that others have said would occur 2-3 % is expected. I do know that Trilogy is really interested in trying to get more PCO students to live here.
Ok so
.. this has turned into much more of a novel than ever intended, but if it helps you make a decision then it is worth it to me. I am out of time for now gotsta get back over to school. I know I have been one sided for Trilogy thus far and fully intend on giving the other complexes lowdown as far as I am concerned and from what I know from friends that live there. Please remember that this is my opinion and just take it for what it is worth. Take it easy and I will be back laters with the rest.
The continued novel.
Some things I forgot to mention about Trilogy that are also nice added features. First of all, it is very quiet around here at all hours and never have any problems studying or taking a much needed nap. There are friendly door wo/men at the front entrance in every building at least until 11:30 at night and building #1 24 hours. They can help with groceries and/or will get you a cart to haul them up to your apt. in. The parking lot has security that patrols the lot quite a bit and I always feel very safe here. I never have a problem finding a spot to park pretty close to the building. I am not aware of any parking lot security at any other buildings. Trilogy is also only 10 to 15 min. drive to clinic as well. I noticed someone said that Trilogy is in the ghetto not really true. This is Philly
. You drive a block and you can go from rags to riches just depends on which way you drive. Speaking of driving, Trilogy does have easy access to the very nice Willow Grove mall just down Easton road, as well as 309 that takes you northerly up towards 276 which runs East and West (towards King of Prussia mall).
I should address the issues of the reported mice of Trilogys building #1. I do know a few people in building #1 that have complained of having mice in their apartment. Trilogy has pest control come through every Tues and Friday as stated by leasing agent. I have not had or heard of any problems in building 2 or 3. This is the only problem I am truly aware of at Trilogy, and keep in mind every place is going to have its problems just have to pick which ones you are willing to deal with. If you don't like mice, keep your apt. clean and plug up any holes that they can get in and out of.
If you have any further questions about Trilogy feel free to contact me and I will do my best to answer them or get them answered. Please take all of this as my opinion and make your decisions based on what is right for you. I personally dont care where you decide to live, just want to help make things a little easier for you. If you do decide to live in Trilogy let me know. If you put me down as a reference and let me know you have done so I would be glad to share a portion of the $$$$$$$ benefits with you.
The colonade in my opinion is all that it is cracked up to be. Although it is true that you can make your apartment yours and as nice as you want you will still have to deal with all the problems that come with the management and building your apartment is in. I havent experienced the rodents and bugs, but the smells and overall feel of the place is real. It is nice that its right across the street, but for what you pay to live there I personally think its probably the worst rip off of all the apartment options. Take it for what its worth.
The Wyncote apartments are nice and I dont have anything really bad to say about them, but the place reminds me of an old peoples retirement home. The colors arent really my style (Pepto-Bismol pink and light blues and greens) its like frickin Easter every day of the year. Anyway, I would rate it as the second best place next to Trilogy. Prices are comparable and you can get a washer and dryer in the apartment. Good choice for those with out cars b/c it is within walking distance of school.
Brookview from what I have seen is pretty nice as well, a bit of a drive, but not bad. The apartments I have been in were pretty good. There arent any elevators that I am aware of and the stair ways are pretty narrow so if you are going to live on anything but the first floor, bring some help for moving. I know from experience b/c I helped someone move in at the beginning of this year. There are only three floors so once you are moved in it probably isnt bad unless you buy out the grocery store every time you shop. Not sure of prices for living here.
If you are in need of furniture when you get to Philly, let me know I will try and help point you in the right direction. I spent 3.5 days trying to find decent quality and price furniture around here. Ikea is great, but there are some other local places that are pretty good too.
Hope this helps. Any questions just ask. Best of luck and I will see ya next fall.