Governor's Green

Current Resident 721663

Resident • 2008 - 2010

Haven't had any problems

We moved here Nov. 2008. The apartments are nice. The school in the area is good. We have no real complaints. Living on the first floor, sometimes the ants try to get in. I called the office and received a new seal on the door. We are always aware of our surroundings because crime is everyone. Our neighbors work together. They all shoveled out cars so for now we are good.

Impressed2010

Resident • 2009 - 2010

Pleasant Living Environment

I moved here in December 2009. I am very impressed with the office staff that manage this property. Yes, I noticed the overflow from of the trash the other morning on my way out to work. However, that was the first time I saw this, what impressed me the most, once management was notified the problem was resolved. On occasions I do work late and return after 9 pm, however, I am able to park and walk safely to my apartment in a well lit parking lot. I am very pleased and would recommend this location if you enjoy living in a peaceful and quiet environment. Thank you

governor11

Resident • 2009 - 2010

why do worst, when you can do better

prior to moving here, i disregarded the reviews thinking the critics may have been a little disgruntled. unfortunately, i wish now that i would have read more into their comments. while living here for almost a year in a half, there have been some issues concerning vehicle vandalism and break-ins. in my opinion, the management office failed to respond adequately or increase the security around the community. for example, i have gone to the management office a number of times concerning broken lighting around my apartment building. my initial complaint regarding the building lighting was verbalized around august/september 2009. of the three lights that were inoperable, two were repaired. today, all three lights are out out again. i've since gotten used to returning home after hours with minimal lighting. however, what i can't get used to is the new recurring problem....the garbage. i attached two pictures proving my point that management is slow to respond to issues and doesn't seemed concerned with hazards pertaining to current residents. the first picture is from the memorial holiday weekend. due to the holiday, i gave the management a pass. the second photo is from today (a week later). sorry management no passes on this one. am i disgruntled? not at all. im just moving out once my lease expires.

brownsgirl79

Resident • 2007 - 2008

So-So, you can do worse but you can also do better.

When I moved here, it was still operated by Archstone. They changed management a couple months before lease end, and I was glad that it was time to go. The rent is waaaay to high, and the parking situation is bad. Anytime there was snow or ice, you might as well have put on your skates to get to and from your car. Also, the lot was frequently packed after about 8pm and not very well lit. The "fitness center" is more like a fitness room. The staff...not very smart, very rude, disorganized. The plus sides? Good sized kitchen, no pests, washer and dryer in unit, and Carabbas Italian Restaurant is within walking distance! Another negative, the trash situation was stupid. You drive your trash to the dumpster/compactor and it would be overflowing and random, stray cats & kittens would linger around the area...to the point where residents used to leave tuna and cat food for them...way to attract raccoons and other creatures. Also, the mail situation was just plain ignorant. I would constantly get someone else's mail, and would have to basically stalk the rental office just to get my packages because they would only leave package notices half of the time. You could do better.

Current Resident 754489

Resident • 2009

Scary

Living here for less than a year now I have been hearing of breakins and also saw the police attending to some activity that took place early last Saturday morning, which was very scary. I think that Management really needs to do something about this and start having police patrol everyday on this property to protect the people that live here. If people are breaking in the apartments with the double locks on the door then they need to realize the urgency of this that peoples lives are at stake. I used to see police cars driving back and forth in the early part of the year, now I don't see any type of security. Two weeks ago management sent out a letter indicating that someone got held up but he's doing ok after the incident, are you serious, something has to be done!

Current Resident 292001

Resident • 2009

Best place I've lived at so far, my daughter and I love it!

I've only been a resident at Governor's Green since February but after dealing with so many bad apartment choices, Governor's Green is definitely a sigh of relief. The staff are very friendly and very helpful, the neighbors are great, and maintenance has been very very responsive. The grounds are beautiful and the neighborhood is quiet. Best apartment choice by far!

Current Resident 329790

Resident • 2007 - 2009

FINALLY!

I have lived here for about 3 years now, and initially moved in when it was Archstone. I moved here when I took a computer programmer position in the area and had been inquiring about the possibility of getting Verizon Fios. I had spoken with the property manager with Archstone numerous times and she always told me they were discussing it. After having many issues with Comcast and no responses from Archstone, I finally gave up. I had a few maintenance issues up until last year. The community was bought by Equity last year and since then, Verizon Fios was installed! Also, the maintenance issues I had, have improved completely. No more waiting days and days for someone to come fix my maintenace requests. We did have some break ins on the property, but as far as I know, none have happened since January. I think this is a great place to consider! Thank you Equity!!

Current Resident 527466

Resident • 2007 - 2009

High Crime, Unresponsive Management

I am in agreement with the other reviewered on the problem of safety. I have been living in the complex for the past two years, and previously lived here for a year a few years back. After the community meeting, nothing has been done. The easiest fix that was suggested was to actually install light poles around the entrances to the apartments! Currently, the actual entrances from the parking lot are shrouded in darkness. I have not seen any new lightpoles and it's been several months since that meeting. I don't think management cares at all about the problems, and it's disturbing to hear that there was another breakin after the double locks that was not reported to residents.

KVeverka

Resident • 2007 - 2009

Can't wait till our lease is up!

We have had nothing but problems with this place. The robberies, the noise from our neighbors is just absolutely horrible, we are constantly getting spiders and other mutant bugs in our apartment. I can NOT wait to move.

Nervoustenant...

Resident • 2008 - 2009

You don't get what you pay for!

I have lived in this complex since Oct 08 and have heard of at least 5 robberies or crimes. The latest incident was yesterday evening, where thieves busted through the *new* double locks. We will see if the mgmt lets us know about this. They have let us know in the past through postings on our doors of crimes and did install an extra lock, along with arranging a meeting with local law enforcement and an ADT sales rep, however there was absolutely NO follow up after this meeting. Turn out for the meeting was great, and the complaints were many (to be expected since people were scared), but mgmt seemed defensive instead of trying to help. (example-coming up with reasons why suggestions from the residents wouldn't work) After the meeting, nothing happened. There was no control over the meeting and even if there were no conclusions made, there should have been a follow up meeting for those who wanted a neighborhood watch. Mgmt did nothing after the meeting-very disappointing. The apartments are very nice and maintenance is prompt and responsive. Parking is no issue (but be sure to look around: a person was held up at gunpoint in the parking lot). For the money that they charge more action should be taken. They hired a security guard (although he often slept in a car and kept a very predictable route of surveillance) but the management could not justify the cost of keeping him on since crime was down. There has been more crime, but no return of the guard. There are actions that can be taken (i.e. gating the community) but management just provides excuses like "I worked for a property with a gate and there was still crime". That personal experience should have no bearing, as the previous property undoubtedly was in a different neighborhood and there were different circumstances. Do not move here unless you do not mind being a little jumpy at loud noises and concerned as to what you might find when you return home every day.

Current Resident 948169

Resident • 2008 - 2012

Caliber of tenants at all time low

I must agree. I loved living here. I've been here almost 4 years. I too am trying to move. The caliber of tenants that are moving in are causing the property value to drop way down. Its a shame. I don't know what has happened, but is truly disturbing. On top of everything they want to raise the rent constantly to meet the market, but the complex is getting to the point of being one step away from ------. Its truly a shame.

Current Resident 670566

Resident • 2009

buyer beware

I love the location and the look of my apartment inside and out. However, as a new resident I don't feel safe as every week there is a new posting on my door with some new crime that has been commited (forced entries during the day, robbery at gunpoint, etc)

bhagee

Resident • 2007 - 2008

THIEVES LOVE THIS PLACE

Over 10 thefts in the last 2 months. Beware. Do NOT move here - management has been extremely unresponsive to the recent surge in burglaries. All they said to me was that I should be more mindful of how late I come back at night. I was livid at their remark and their audacity to assume when I return home. Please stay away from this place, especially if you have children.

Current Resident 319495

Resident • 2004 - 2008

We love it here!

Out of curiosity, I went on ApartmentRatings.com to read the reviews for the apartment community I live at, and I was shocked! My husband, children and myself have lived at Governors Green for almost four years now and are very happy here. I couldn't believe all of the negative things I had read! We first moved in when it was managed by the old company, Archstone. Once the new management company, Equity Residential took over, we were pleasantly surprised. The office staff was very friendly and actually took the time to get to know us and introduce themselves. They made us feel like we mattered and weren't just another tenant. If they said something would be done, it was done immediately instead of having to wait like we had with the other company. We try not to bother the staff often, we know they are busy. However, when we call in service requests, they have always been done right away. We love how close it is to Route 301, the shopping and all of the restaurants. I'm not sure why people are complaining about fireworks - they only last for 10 minutes, once or twice a week. If nothing else, it's something I can take my kids outside to see! The only issue that I have, is that parking is somewhat tight on the weekends, because of the Carabbas restaurant on the property. Overall, I couldn't have found anywhere better to live!

agedoesnotmatter

Resident • 2003 - 2008

An excellent place to call home

I have lived in the same apartment at (Archistone) now called Governor's Green Apartments going on five years now and signed a new lease. And I must say that both my wife and I are semi-handicapped asked for a handicapped sign to be moved so she could get out easier of our vehicle and they created the special parking spot. Most other apartments complexes would have said no. Here at Governor's Green the staff is extremely helpful and knows almost every resident my name. Some people think that we are not safe here but show me a complex where it is free of crime and I will show you an impossible living area. This complex takes care of us in snow storm and also if you live here both Safeway and Giant deliver grocery here if you cannot get to the store. There are many excellent eating place with in 2 to 3 miles. Bowie is a very helpful town and most of their residents also are friendly. YOU WILL NEVER GO WRONG TO LIVE HERE. Stephen D. Young, Building 16507A

Current Resident 254646

Resident •

Break-Ins!!! Theft!!! Beware!

You better load the gun, get a burglar alarm, hide your vehicle and wait for the burglar to kick in your front door because the thieves are at work here at Governors Green apartments. Don't let the rent-a-cops (PG County Police) on the premises foolyou. Their only concern is discounted rent. Get a burglar alarm with a monitoring service. Get a gun and a tazer because you're better off killing the thieves yourself to stop them (I'm prepared w/my weapon and burglar alarm). We all know that management could give a fu_ k about the burglars. What's up with the quality of people (low budget, jobless, section 8) moving in lately? They and their friends are probably the burglars watching the working class people leave for work so they can burglarize their homes. Someone is going to give them what they're looking for (a bullet in the ---).

Current Resident 111332

Resident • 2007 - 2008

Nice, but a little pricey

I've lived here almost a year, and so far not bad. I moved to Governor's Green when it was still owned by Archstone. At the end of June we were notified that the community had changed ownership. I immediately became worried, and started thinking about moving, but the thought of packing up all my stuff and moving again didn't hold much appeal, so I decided to give it another year. The biggest change I've noticed is the build-up of garbage. It took management almost a month to remove a queen-size mattress and box spring from the trash area - not cool! Aside from the neighbors constantly slamming their doors all hours of the day and night, I really haven't had much issue with noise. Rommel is the best, as far as maintenance goes. I would email my service request in the morning before leaving for work, and by the time I'd gotten home my issue would be resolved.

Current Resident 615115

Resident • 2007 - 2008

not bad

I've lived here almost a year now and will be moving within the next month and a half. I actually wish I could stay but don't have anyone to replace my roommate who is moving a little more south. Overall I would say the apartment is really nice. My bathtub is extremely squeaky but they said they couldn't do anything about that. A couple cars have been broken into in the parking lot as well. Rent is a bit expensive but I looked around and I would much rather pay a higher rent for a nice place then live somewhere else where I would have to worry about cockroaches etc. I never hear neighbors and parking is never a problem. I think maybe 4-5 times I had to park a little further away but nothing too crazy. Appliances work really well, huge closets, lots of space and lots of storage. Maintenance is pretty slow when it comes to fixing anything though.

dragontat

Resident • 2004 - 2008

Great Living Experience

I have had absolutely zero problems living within this community. The office staff is courteous and helpful through and through. Even though they deal with sometimes rude and inconsiderate tenants!! Rent is a little high but if you look around the county you really can't find anything comparable, especially with the quality of living that the community provides. I would recommend this community to anyone (and have).

CaspertheFriendlyGhost

Resident • 2006 - 2008

Residential Service SUCKS!

This place... man... what a joke. Where do I begin? Hmm... how about with the non-working employees in the rental office. Clearly, clearly they have no idea how to run an office. They are to busy checking out the latest videos of YouTube or gossiping about what is in the residents packages. How about doing some work! You know it is what you're there for. Lost packages and mail. Let me see... at least 3 times a week I received my neighbors mail. The maintenance crew is also a joke. When it snows... good luck... oops... don't fall. Because they do nothing to clear ice or snow from the walkways. During my final two months there, I submitted my departure letter. No one contacted me about moving out and what they need from me. I had to call them to find out my final rent due. I had to call them to find out what they needed from me, etc... As far as walk through, etc... I went into the leasing office and the manager is sitting there sprawled across the couch talking to a man. I tell them I'm here to drop off my keys, etc... And she asked. Do you have your moving out package? (What?) I said, NO. She hands me a piece of paper and tells me to sign it, stating a walk thru had been done. I laughed in her face. This place is a joke. Parking is a nightmare after 8 pm. Cars are regularly broken into even with the cops living in the neighborhood. The gym is the size of a small bedroom jammed with equipment. The walls are so thin I can hear my neighbor shredding papers, washing clothes, showering, you name it. The double kitchen sink... hahahaha... you can't even fit a pot in there. Really! I think the bathroom sink is bigger than the kitchen. The closets are laughable. Just think... white wire racks... You can do better; prospective renters... look somewhere else. These apartments start at $1200 bucks a month for a 1 bedroom... but you get nothing!

Current Resident 251435

Resident • 2005 - 2007

Great Place to live, but very expensive

I love living at Archstone Governor's Green. I have lived here almost two years. It has been my best apartment experience ever. Yes, the fireworks are a bit annoying, but that's only in the summer. Even the service staff issues don't bother me much because I don't expect them to show up within 24 hours, even though that's their guarentee. I do however have a huge problem with the rent. It is entirely too expensive! Who wants to pay nearly $1400 per month for a one bedroom?!!! That's a mortgage! And not everyone is in the position to buy property. The price gouging has to stop. So now I have to move because I can't afford another rent increase. And based on the reviews I have read, there is no place better than where I am. :(

Current Resident 168485

Resident • 2006 - 2007

Some minor inconveniences, but about the best you'll get in PG county

PROS:<br>-We got to see the ACTUAL apartment that we were moving into instead of looking at a model.<br>-Bowie is probably the safest that you're going to get in PG county, and other than a few car thefts that I've "heard about" on here, there aren't really security problems and definitely less than you'll find anywhere else (especially in PG). Car theft is something that unfortunately happens in almost every apartment complex.<br>-The apartments are really spacious, walk-in closets are HUGE, brand new carpets when we moved in, and -FULL SIZED washers and dryers IN the apartment (hard to find), which means not having to worry about dragging laundry to a laundry room.<br>-Parking RIGHT IN FRONT of every building. Not ALWAYS available, but I find parking right in front of my building at least 90% of the time. I've seen people complain about the towing, but if they didn't tow then RESIDENTS would never be able to find parking during dinner time (time when most people come home from work). <br>-Really quiet, almost never hear the neighbors unless my windows are open.<br>-Easy access to Rt. 50 and shopping (Bowie Town Center, Target, BJ's, etc.), but the light out of the complex can take a long time and the traffic on Saturday afternoons can get bad. <br>-Lots of storage and counter space in the kitchen. Everything is almost new.<br>-Have NEVER seen a cockroach, ants, mice or anything in our apartment (knock on wood).<br><br>CONS<br>-The rent is a little expensive, but you get what you pay for... the apartments are newer and WAY nicer than a vast majority of any other apartments in PG county. I would rather spend the extra $100 a month to be in a safe neighborhood in a nice apartment than in an OK, old apartment, and the 2br here are WAY cheaper than studio apartments in DC. <br>-Utilities not included.<br>-Maintenance can sometimes be a pain and you have to call the office a few times, but once they do finally come they do a good job. You might have to call them over and over again to get them to come out (unless it's an emergency).<br>-Check your bills. Our water bill has been wrong every month, but they FINALLY sent someone out who found that there had be a leak in the water heater.<br>-The office staff is extremely nice, but they aren't good at follow up calls when they say they will. You'll have to be a little persistent.<br>-Aren't enough dumpsters. Depending on which building you live in, you might have to walk across the courtyard to the other side of the parking lot to throw out your trash. <br>-If you want to get out of the lease, they'll charge you an arm and a leg. But, they do offer semi short-term leases (6, 10 or 12 mos).<br>-Watch out for dog poop, many residents have dogs.

Current Resident 776304

Resident • 2005 - 2006

A little dissapointed

When I first moved here, I love living here and loved my apartment. Then, my boyfriend's car was broken into. I reported it and found out from neighbors that other cars had been broken into in my parking lot. I have seen people loitering and report each incident to the office. Aside from chasing these people off once, the office has done nothing else to alleviate the problem. My rent has gone up way too much and it is no longer worth the price to live here.

Current Resident 372622

Resident • 2004 - 2006

It's Ok but look around first

We were concerned about noise levels but insured that the walls were very THICK. Well, we could hear our neighbors phone ringing, arguments with her boyfriend AND the make-up sessions.<br>There are several scenic views offered but of course this increases your rent. We chose a standard view but wish we didn't. We have a view of the car dealearship and their BRIGHT lights shining into our bedroom. The mini-blinds are not very sturdy so ALL of the light comes in the window. We also hear ALL of the pages for the dealership employees. <br>My biggest complaint is the restaurant in the parking lot. The restaurant was here first but their patrons frequently park in our lot. This cause a shift in the parking and after 6PM it is VERY difficult to find a space near your building.<br>Overall, I would like more bedroom space and a linen closet would be nice.

Current Resident 300425

Resident • 2006

Rip off on rental renewal

When you go to renew your lease they jack up the price 10%-15%.<br>They care more for making money off of new renters than existing tenets.<br>My rent would go from 1140 to 1260 per month<br><br><br><br><br>