I posted these two on the facebook group for our class.... I'm 90% sure I'll be living in Thornridge in Grand Blanc next year.
"Okay, so I just got back from a mini-vacation. I went down and visited a few apartment complexes and the campus. I visited Maplebrook, Perry Place, and Thornridge. Perry Place and Thornridge were nice, Maplebrook was a dump. I'm leaning toward Thornridge now. It was the best overall of the three that I visited IMO. Also, its right next to 475 so quick trip to campus. And I know that some current UM-DPT students live there.
Just thought I'd let ya'll know!"
Then I was asked how Thornridge compared with Perry Place...
"Oh, just off the top of my head... both were nice. They had similar style apartments. I'm leaning toward the larger, newer apartments in Thornridge. They had newer appliances (stove, larger frig) as well as a washer/dryer in each unit. I think they also had Central Air as opposed to an AC unit, but I might be mixing Perry Place and Thornridge up on that one. Anyway, the larger apartments in Thornridge had a dual sink as well.
Both complexes had stove, frig, garbage disposal and I think a dishwasher.
Thornridge had heat paid for their units with washer/dryer.
Perry Place has a fitness center, and thornridge does not.
Perry Place is next to a school, so they get patrolled by the police often (good for cutting down on vandalism and what not)
I should have brought a camera and taken notes because its hard distinguishing specifics about the two now. I just know that my first impression was better for Thornridge. I'm not saying Perry Place was bad, it definitely wasn't. I just thought Thornridge was a notch above.
Thornridge also said that any problems with apartments are addressed within 48 hours. If you've ever rented before, that would be lovely if it turns out to be true.
Thornridge is more expensive, which on SDN I said I was going to go cheap, but I now think that paying a bit more is definitely worth it. I wish Thornridge had a fitness center though, that would clinch it for me.
My advice is to think about what you want in an apartment, then call up complexes you are interested in and ask questions. Then take a day and check them out in person. Good luck!
PS. Both Perry Place and Thornridge will accept student loans as income. Maplebrook did also, but there were restrictions, like it had to go through the school, so private student loans weren't accepted. I'm planning on using private student loans, so Maplebrook can go suck a... sorry got a little carried away there. "