Avana City North Apartments

Current Resident 58386

Resident • 2013

City North is a great place to live and the staff members are very helpful.

ashramanand

Resident • 2013

Love the location, accessibility to the interstate, and in a great school zone. There are a few things that I would like to see improvements on with this property. Number one being the turn around rate for response to maintenance issues. For example, the smoke detector needed a new battery and it took the maintenance 5 months to come change the battery. Also, the gates were not working for months during the summer and my roommates car was stolen. I believe if security was present on the grounds and the gates were working properly this incident could've been prevented. Lastly, I would like for the leasing office employees to show a little more care and concern for the residents. There have been several occasions when I have come to the office and didn't feel welcomed. Nonetheless, it is a beautiful property and once these improvements are made I wouldn't mind staying here longer.

Current Resident 840580

Resident • 2011 - 2013

City North is in a wonderful location with easy access to major highways leading to the best dining, shopping, sports and entertainment centers around in Metro Atlanta. I love my apartment home's location within the property. I have a beautifully landscaped and furnished pool area off my balcony. Inside my apartment there are great details such as crown-molding, a split bedroom layout, stainless steel appliances, a laundry room furnished with full-sized washer & dryer and crown-molding throughout the apartment. Over the past two years, I have witnessed the decline in the culture, cleanliness of common areas, maintenance, customer service, safety and office staff at City North (formerly Northlake Heights). The previous management (Connor Group) appeared to stop caring about maintaining a luxury apartment home environment when they realized the property was going to be sold and a new management team would take over. This decline continued as the new owners brought in Fogelman Management who has continuously shuffled quite a few people in and out of the office. For the past year management has failed to establish a team that is well-connected to the residents and committed to making City North a great home. However, City North owners and Fogelman Management have heard directly from residents and responded with a new management team & office staff that is friendly, professional, attentive and responsive to residents need for an upscale community that is well-maintained, safe and provides a peaceful living environment. I am glad to see the progress they re making toward restoring this property to the luxury apartment home status.

knottyscottie

Resident • 2013

awesome!! I just recently moved in and I love everything about it so far! the management was very kind and helpful throughout the entire move. the maintainance group responds fast and does a great job of taking care of everything. the grounds are well kept and parking is a breeze.the apartments are spacious well designed. resort style and feel! great location and easy access to everything.

Current Resident 795785

Resident • 2011 - 2013

DO NOT MOVE HERE!! PLEASE DO NOT GET STUCK WITH A LEASE WITH THIS MANAGEMENT!! I first moved here in 2011 with the previous management group. Their service was mediocre: never could find my delivered mail, slow follow-up on work order requests, bad attitudes and overall low quality of customer service. The new management, Fogelman Management Group are the worst. Ill give you a list if you want: 1. The gate: The access gate was open for the entire year (2012) until several tenants tires end of missing. About 5 vehicles had got their tires and caps stolen and left with the "I'm so sorry" excuse from management. The gate was then miraculously fixed, but not for long. The arm to the front gates are continuously being broken by some crazed guest driver. Every other day, one of the gates has an issue and of course, tail gating comes into play. A few weeks ago, I witnessed an incident where police officers gun downed a man on the run. Luckily, he was able to enter our complex and risk the lives of all tenants, go figure. I have video footage of this. 2. Roaches! Yes. Ive lived here for over 2 years and all of a sudden, there are some in my home. The "Pest Control" came, but this made absolutely no difference. 3. The pool: Yea right, I wouldn't dip my finger in this pool. 4. The gym: OMG, Nasty. No cleaning materials, not even a garbage pail. It took them forever to get new equipment. 5. One positive I can say, they focus 100% on landscaping. Boy! They will cut some grass before making the tenants feel safe in a heartbeat. There is so much to dislike about this place. It needs management that will consider the tenants and actually know how to promote a new and lively apartment complex. Not just slap some paint on the exterior and call it lavish. Do your research before making a move here.

Current Resident 409618

Resident • 2012 - 2013

DO NOT MOVE HERE!!!!! Like many others on here, I normally would not take the time to write a review for anything, but now I feel like I just have to make people aware. I moved there in 2012. At that time, customer service was superb!!! Everyone in the office was extremely helpful to any and everything. I moved there orignally, not just because of the location and building, but also because of the excellent customer service of the previous staff. When Fogelman Management took over at the beginning of the year, customer service has plummeted. Needless to say, I was EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED & moved out. 1. My package was given to someone without proper verification...actually no verification. 2. Maintenance staff was been unresponsive to my numberous maintenance requests, and the task still has yet to be completed. It took almost one month for someone to come change just a lightbulb. 3. Customer service level and helpfulness of leasing office staff went from 5 (being highest) to a -5 (being lowest) in one month and every month thereafter. You could walk into the leasing office, and no one would speak or ask if you needed any help. 4. I moved out a few months ago, did a walk thru, and then gave my forwarding address to two seperate people so that they could correspond with me if need be and to also send my security deposit back. It took took months to finally receive my check because they could not find my forwarding info that I gave to two seperate people on move-out day. And instead of calling me to ask for my address again, they mailed it to the address that I moved out of. 4. They lost a friend of mine, who also lived (he moved out too) there rent check, not once but twice. It's really sad, because when I first moved in, I absolutely LOVED it! The location was perfect, the units were nice, and the people there were so friendly....until Fogelman Management Group came on board. They ALL need to be fired!!! 11/25 - Update from Manager's Response on 11/18: Alice, I actually did try to contact you personally via email and phone and you never responded. At this point, thanks but NO THANKS!!

Current Resident 31635

Resident • 2009 - 2013

So, here goes. I am one of those people who hardly every writes reviews. However, after reading all of these comments I feel I have to. After reading my review, it will be up to you if you want to live here or not. I don t work for the company or some disgruntle tenant . I am just someone sharing my experience. I've lived in these apartments for almost 4 years. When I first moved here, these were managed by the Connor Group. Outside of apartments I lived in, in Buckhead years prior these apartments were AWESOME!!!!! To name just a few of the Pros: Security: There was always a Security Officer that walked the parking deck/grounds and was on constant call. You could easily call him and he would respond right away. Working gates: GATES ALWAYS worked and were never broken. On the rare occasions someone tailgated behind a car and broke the gate, it was usually replaced within 24 hours. The gates always worked properly, they were never broke, or mistimed. Hallways: There was a professional, cleaning crew that used an industrial professional machine that cleaned the halls. This was on a scheduled. I recall coming home from a long day of work and seeing clean halls. I didn t have to call and ask for my hallway to be cleaned, it just was. Maintenance: I would place a maintenance request, sometimes same day and it would be completed the same day. I would arrive home to a friendly note saying my repair was done with a smiley face. Contacting The Office Staff: I was always able to call during business hours and speak with someone. They were concerned with my issues and made me feel as if they were concerned. Cons: Common Utility Bill: The additional Common Utility Bill: I ve been trying to fight this since day one. This includes (cable, internet, water, and valet trash). However, there seems to be no way around this. You have to pay this bill the same time you pay rent, no exceptions. What really bothers me is the thought that I am forced to pay $99 bill for cable/internet. What if I didn t want cable/internet? These aren t necessities yet I am forced to pay for them monthly with my rent. I have a one bed room and my bill is around $185-$198 a month. OUCH! That s on top of rent. Fogelman Management Since this company took over, I ve seen a major decline in the property. Everyone will have a different take on this. However, if you didn t live here prior to Fogelman then you may not be able to relate. You may not understand when we complain about certain things. It s the equivalence of going from an A to a C . Sure, C s are decent, but when you are used to A s it doesn t compare. I have a million Cons. View all the pros of Connor group (see above) and think the opposite for this company. The issue is they don t want to spend money to keep up the community. Theft/ Vandalism: They decided to open the gate in the parking deck. I called and spoke with the leasing office the moment I learned this was perm. My concern was Theft/ Vandalism and that s exactly started happening. Now, they ve decided to close the gate again. There maintenance staff is subpar. They never seem to do the repair the correct way, the first time around. You can NEVER reach anyone when you call the leasing office. You always have to leave a message, and they never return your call. Also, there is always a new person behind the desk. There is no security. Their approach to security is reactive instead of proactive. If you view Fogelman portfolio, you will see they don t have properties on this level. They are not equipped to handle our concerns or needs. They need to continue to focus on B and C grade comminutes. What works for them won t work for people who pay over $900 for a 1 bedroom and who are educated. Within 2years this property will be the hood. EBT Cards, Section A TRAP/CITY will complete take over and then it will be in line with their other properties. I do not intend to renew my lease. Hopefully, my experience helps you make a decision if you want to live here. P.S. I am sure management will respond to this expressing some form of written concern; however that will be the extent of it.

Current Resident 1472

Resident • 2013

I am a new resident at City North and so far so good. I do like the amenities of valet trash service, parking deck,elevator, pool and gym. Its a great neighborhood and my neighbours are really quiet. I havent had any issues as of yet. Now I do think the hallways could be cleaner as well as the parking deck could use a good spray down and broom. I walk by the same paper trash in the hallways as I know it has not been cleaned. The grounds seems kept to me and the gates are always locked as long as I have been here. They just fixed the gate in the parking garage which is a plus. The extra $99 added to your monthly rent for Comcast is kind of ridiculous if you dont use them. Also make sure you dont get an appartment close to the highway side of the building, I would deem that noisy.

Current Resident 888167

Resident • 2013

Since the management changed in January to Fogleman, it has been a horrible experience living here. Items were stolen out of my apartment which management stated they couldn't do anything about, even after filing a police report and the police stated it was definitely an inside job. I had to get my locks changed. Something was delivered to my apartment that I didn't receive. When placing order to get something fixed, it takes forever for someone to fix it. However, I am scared to even let someone in considering the fact that things were stolen when someone comes to your apartment when you aren't there. There is never the same staff in the leasing office. Vehicle theft is not uncommon and the gate is never ever ever working. Additionally, when I moved in, I was told that I would have to pay about 150 extra a month for a utility bill, however, once moved in, it has been closer to 200 a month extra and if you don't pay the utility bill they won't accept your rent and will file an eviction notice (this was not stated as the policy in my lease when I moved in.) Furthermore, a few resident's rent checks were stolen out of the drop box. I was informed to do a stop payment and write another check (an additional fee on top of the already expensive rent). If you want to save yourself a headache, please please please don't move into these apartments. Do your research!!!!!

Current Resident 846596

Resident • 2011 - 2013

Since taking over in January the new management company, Fogelman, has left this place go to ruin. It is unsafe and unsecured, and filthy - it is not uncommon to find dog feces not only in the common outdoor areas, but also in the interior halls. Vehicle theft is not uncommon from the parking decks and this is definitely NOT luxury living. If you value yourself or someone you love do not have them move here. I am told it costs $1500 to buy out of your lease. I am saving as fast as I can.

cjoseph2011

Resident • 2012 - 2013

I have lived here going on two years and I love my apartment. The apartment building has had quite the facelift thanks to new management. There is a new name, new paint, apartment upgrades and an expanded gym with better equipment. The leasing office can't keep anyone, in fact there is new staff almost weekly. They can come off very rude at times but I think they are looking for the right fit. Otherwise the neighborhood is safe and quiet. The only complaint that I have is that horrible Conservice bill. The bill is due no later than the first so expect to pay about $200 on top of your rent. I like living here, City North is alright with me.

Current Resident 445487

Resident • 2010 - 2013

I have been living at City North (Formerly the Heights at Northlake) or 3 years & I am glad that our current lease is at the end of its term. In my opinion, the new management that has taken over isn't any better than the previous management (maybe in fact, worse). Before new management took over, at least we were able to get in contact with a live person when we called the front office & not get the voicemail every other time a call is placed. Previous management would have a company clean & mop the hallways what felt like once every month or month & a half & NOW? Sure, the first floor is kept clean but visit the other floors.. they are filthy. They say they have someone to clean the hallways but it's not evident from what I can see. Because of the area, I expect rent to be on the pricier side but add on a bill of $200.00 every month that has to be incl in the rent amount? Kind of a bit ridiculous. Beautiful interior apartments but I'm glad that we'll be moving sooner rather than later.

Current Resident 92304

Resident • 2013

I am a new resident to City North Apts (formely The Heights at Northlake), despite the negative reviews because I believed that some of them were emotionally based I decided to move in to City North anyway. My initial interaction with the staff specifically, Laura were pleasant and I felt comfortable and excited about my decision to sign a lease and move in, however now I can't say that comfortable/excitement level still exists. Although I love my apartment, customer service goes a long way with me and the customer service skills of the staff including the property manager (Curtis) are unacceptable. Good leadership comes from the top and if the manager is rude, quick to anger, snippy and just in short unprofessional I cannot expect anything different from his staff. I must say I am disappointed thus far and the corporate office of the management company definitely needs to do a better job with interpersonal training of their staff. Moving is stressful when it's smooth however when there are avoidable issues that could have been handled with proactive management, that are folowed by unprofessionalism from the property manager and staff in lieu of empathy or the attitude that "I am a valuable customer" I take serious issue with that. I will follow the steps to ensure that my issue is recorded and addressed properly. I refuse to go back and forth with an individual that clearly does not know any better. Instead of taking the defensive route to address these complaints my suggestion is to take them as constructive criticism to start improving things on a customer service level. I tried to stay positive and be patience with the "foolery" however I moved here from another complex where I was for serveral years because the rent was ridiculously expensive, this experience has taught me that for professionalism and great customer service maybe paying a much higher rate isn't that bad after all. As a resident I expect and will only accept professionalism which is what I give, period.

Ccooper85

Prospect • Visited 2013

I haven't even moved in yet and already I am extremely pleased with the service I have been provided by City North, especially ------ and -----. I took a floor plan that I didn't really want because the floor plan I really wanted wasn't available. But, I kept checking back and asking about the floor plan I really wanted nearly every other day for about a month. Both ----- and ------ were so patient with my many questions. Finally, the floor plan I wanted became available, and they were so nice about switching me over. ------ even went the extra mile to tell me a move-in date that would put my rent in a better price range. ----- also went the extra mile to ensure I was in the system for the apartment I wanted. And, when I tried to apologize to ----- for being so crazy about wanting this place, ----- was so polite saying she completely understood and was not bothered at all at how much I bothered them to get this place. For me, the level of service I receive from office management is extremely important and the fact that they are already going out of their way to be helpful and friendly and I haven't moved in yet speaks volumes!

daphsgutfeeling

Resident • 2010 - 2013

My elderly mother has been staying at this apartment complex for 3 years and this place always puts my mind at ease. I've stayed with her on several occasions. The management is BEYOND awesome, I simply adore -----------------------------!! Of course it's a bit pricey, you get what you pay for in security, maintenance & upkeep and gorgeous grounds. I'm very pleased with the level of attention and service my mother has and continues to receive at City North.

Ksimon115

Resident • 2012 - 2013

My experience with this company was great. I regret having to move for job purposes. All amenities are upgraded and they are still making more upgrades. I recommend this complex to the more affluent to the person who wants to be in the city away from the city. Close to everything including the shopping malls. I will miss this place. Simon

Current Resident 283111

Resident • 2012 - 2013

Don't MOVE HERE!!! I moved here for luxury living and what I've gotten for the last 6 months is a bunch crap!!! I've lived here for a little over a year mow, and when I first moved in it was under the management of another group. When the Folgeman group took over and it became City North I've been miserable! They only keep the first floor clean and mopped. Ask to go to the 3rd or 4th floor and see what it really looks like.They don't pick up the trash on a regular basis, they don't keep the hallways or parking garage clean.I've gone to the leasing office and they can give you every excuse under they sun as to why it's not done.. Then they say they will take care of it and it takes days for someone to take care of it.. Also, we pay a community bill that covers the parking gates and security cameras but they never work and the security cameras have been busted for almost 9 moths! I'm totally over it and I just really don't want the headache moving again however, I foresee a move in my future.. At least I have a few months to decide what to do... I know that I'm paying over $1000 a month in rent and I should be paying $600 for what im getting.. Don't move here!!! DON'T SAY YOU WEREN'T WARNED!!

tori1234

Resident • 2013

I move to this apartment community to be close to my job. once i saw this apartment i feel in love. The staff was happy and welcoming and the property was immaculate. I didnt like the $25 per mth pet rent for pets, so i let my housekeeper keep my shi tuz. The floor plan is layed out nice, with stainless steal applainces and granted counter tops, gated community, garage and building ( that's what sold me). My friends and i love to sit in the garden area or on my balcony and sip wine, its so relaxing. My daughter love the pool and entertainment they have for the residents. This was a wonderful choice, close to downtown ATL, malls (Cumberland and Northlake), and plenty of resturants. If You are looking for an apartment that gives you the luxuary of a house then you have found the right apartment.

hbk999

Prospect • Visited 2013

This is a great place! Loved the pool and location. Visted last week and it really was impressed. Staff was very friendly! The manager was very friendly and very positive.

GorillaPete

Resident • 2011 - 2013

I have been living here fore about 1.5 years now. I have been part of the management transition and I see great things for City North Apts. The original management was par and at times sub par. The new management is wonderful, and have invested millions in improvements. They are upgrading apartments with granite counter tops and other classy ammenities. The are painting bothe exterior and interior giving it a fresh new and classy look. Friends that visit swear I live in a condo. They are doing major upgrades to the community room and pool. This place will be top notch and will get 5 stars across the board once everything is complete. The staff is great very helpful and on top of things and the property manager Calvin is very don to earth and really looks to me the tenants needs. Thersa is awesome, she takes care you like a parent. As all transitions there can be some small inconveniences, but its for the better. Now is the time to lock in at a good rent rate, because you will not get this upscale quality at this price anywhere else. right off of I285 and 2 minutes form I85 and Hwy 78. I pretty much can get anywhere in 15 - 20 minutes, such as Buckhead/Lennox, Perimeter Mall, Sandy Springs, Duluth. Hey if you decide to rent here give them my name and I can get a referal fee, hey be kind and pass the blessings. : )

Current Resident 422619

Resident • 2010 - 2013

Apartments were sold to City North and even got worse than I thought. Can't wait to move out...

Prospective Resident 128894

Prospect • Visited 2012

12/19/12 I would like to sincerely THANK "anonymous" for her very detailed review. Her comments and issues are extremely helpful in my decision about this apartment complex. I have been considering moving here for 2 years. Moving from Chicago. However, after her thorough and sincere concerns and complaints, I will NOT give this place the time of day anymore. Stop in at least 2times a year just to look at the lobby,etc. and speak with staff, but that is all superficial and deceptive. Again, thank you anonymous for enlightening me. I truly appreciate this review. V.L.L. Chicago

Current Resident 103505

Resident • 2009 - 2012

Be prepared to be disappointed. The day I first signed my lease, a resident in the waiting area called me over and said, "don't do it"...but I'd already signed. One of the agents saw her and they told made an excuse why she would've said that. I didn't have much time to look around as I was relocating, so in I moved. Well it didn't take long before I figured it out. The first month, I had an ant problem that was unreal. Pest control came out twice and still didn't clear it up. A friend of mine took care of it. The units they show on level 1, the pool, the gym...very nice. The first level walkway stays freshly painted. The top level on which I live hasn't had a fresh coat of paint since I moved here. They spray the breezeways about once a month but the dirt is so deep they never look clean. The walls in the breezeways are only repainted on the first floor. So if you're on the levels 2, 3 and 4, you're an afterthought. The office staff is HORRIBLE! They're nice, unless you have a problem. I was just in there this weekend to inquire about a notice they left in my door. After 20 minutes I got tired of waiting and I left. They never even acknowledged me. Too busy with potential residents to tend to the existing ones. They really lay it on before you sign. After, they don't have time to talk to you...unless they're calling to ask why you haven't paid your First Billing bill. I see several reviews that mention this bill/utility contract and I concur, they don't tell you the details of it. They say it's separate from your rent, BUT they won't accept your rent unless this bill is paid, or they threaten you with eviction. What I learned just today is that they will stand with First Billing before they stand with their loyal residents. I noticed on my most recent bill a new charge, an additional $123 for an internet/cable bundle for Comcast service. Well, I currently receive cable through Direct tv and internet through AT&T, not Comcast. Northlake is forcing residents to use Comcast. The big problem with that is I'm already in a contract with my service providers and honestly I'm quite pleased with my service. And the service I receive is cheaper. When I noticed this on my bill today and brought it to the attention of the front office, they said I signed the utility contract when I signed my new lease and therefore had to pay. ----- Pfeiffer, who went over my lease (who is the person I spoke with today), did NOT point out the additional $100 cable/internet charge to me. When I told her that today she kept saying, "unfortunately since you signed the document, you have to pay the mandatory fee". I asked if she understood that this is not a service that I receive through Comcast. "Are you telling me I have to pay for service that I'm not getting?" She repeated the robotic statement. I tried to get her to understand that when I turn my tv or pc, it's not because of comcast. A comcast tech has not been to my apartment to give me a remote or hook up a wire. I don't have the service. She insisted that I did. I explained to her again that I'm in a contract with these providers and have been receiving service that I can prove. I suggested she meet me at my apt so she could see for herself. I further explained that if I break my contract with my current providers that I have to pay a penalty. "Unfortunately you are required to pay the mandatory fee." I pleaded with her. I have never been late on my rent, they don't have any problems with me and she insisted on siding with First Billing for $123 for cable and internet that I don't get, rather than erring on the side on her resident who pays $900 for a one bedroom plus $84 for common electric, water, gas, etc. She started again with the robotic statement. I asked if I could speak to a human as clearly she is not and has no compassion. I know everything is negotiable and as a manager she could make this go away. She said she could not. I strongly feel that she should have pointed out the change as I would never have signed KNOWING that I could not get out of my current contracts. My attorney agrees, saying that could be a form of trickery. We're looking into it. Just as she told me my rent increased, the increase in utilities should also have been discussed. For an additional $123 I would NOT have resigned my lease PERIOD. That bill alone has increased from $84 to $210 in one month. $6 a month for pest control service that I don't see monthly. $6 a month for gate fees and the gate hardly ever works. Car rims stolen, cars left on bricks about once a month. A water bill that fluctuates based on the number of people living in your building, rather than the amount of water you use. REALLY? I have put in a call to the corporate office as ----- said she could not offer a resolve. By the way, these are not my only complaints. It takes so much energy to move but I should have left a long time ago, especially when, in an effort to retain me as a resident, agent ------- told me to renew, as she would get me a $500 resident referral to lower my rent. I really appreciated the offer. Crash! She didn't apply the referral until it was too late and the referral fee was lowered to $300. When I asked her about it, she said that was all she could do and she begged me not to say anything to manager -------- They will make all kinds of deals and promises to get you to renew. They even offered a free carpet cleaning. When I called to schedule, they told me I waited too long to request it and I would have to pay for the service, even though they never said there was an expiration on the offer. To date my carpet has not been cleaned. I have 5 months left in my lease and wish I could leave today! But I don't want to risk the penalty. If you come by the leasing office in the near future you may see me in there wearing a "Don't Move Here" shirt. This is my LAST lease with this apartment. I will go on record to say any good reviews you see...they could very well have been submitted by management, as I know they review these regularly. I'm not much of a complainer. I'm a go with the flow kind of girl...but I have been pushed to my limit. You've been warned. Do your research on this and any other apartment! Don't move to Residency at Northlake.

jerome777

Resident • 2011 - 2012

I have been living here at northlake appts for almost two years and i love it. The staff is great and they are very nice people. This is the best and safest place i ever live. I would reccommend this place to anyone. Keep up the good work.

new_beginning

Resident • 2012

BEWARE!!!!! I have been living here for 3 months. The grounds are disgusting. Elevators are out of service. Parking is a headache. I HAVE A HORRIBLE INSECT PROBLEM. I HAVE SEEN A COCKROACH OR SPIDER EVERYDAY SINCE I MOVED IN. The FirstBilling utility bill is ridiculous. We pay for Pest Control every month, yet they only come out and spray if you call. I am livid! wtf?????????????????????? Everything looks good from the outside.......