Bell Preston Reserve

Current Resident 430893

Resident • 2013

1. There is a parking issue if you want to park in front of your apartment - there are a very limited # of spots - in one apartment building there can be 12 apartments but only 6 spots in front of it. If you get in late, the chances are extremely high that you will have to park farther away and will need to walk a ways. The staff is aware of this and emails do go out periodically about it. Some people have garages but still park in parking spaces and I know that is something they also ask residents to be courteous about. That, and when you have company, tell them to use what they call "over flow" parking (the farther spots). It looks like this place was built with little foresight to a higher number of cars. 2. You will probably have a problem with staff. There only appear to be two people who know what they are doing - the others are unprofessional, are extremely poor with communication and in some instances have been rude or have outright ignored requests. It floors me that this happens, but it does. 3. The apartments themselves are large, a bit dark depending on where your apartment is situated and there is some amount of noise. It pays to know your neighbors - and I have both kind neighbors and not so kind ones. It's like that anywhere. 4. There are water issues here - be forewarned. In my apartment there are signs of previous water damage. 5. I was duped when I moved into my rental. I was told it was completely gutted and refurbished but all they did was shampoo old carpets and paint the place. It made me laugh. 6. There is storage here, a washer and dryer inside and the walk in closet is really nice. I am on the fence about an overall rating - I can't say that I'd recommend a friend to live here, that much I can say. Mostly because of the staff. I also don't think the apartment is worth the price, but that is just me. Lesson learned, I will be moving next year.

Current Resident 997046

Resident • 2013

I've lived here about two months now and am baffled by the bad rating of this place. My apartment is clean, spacious, has no bugs, has great parking, and I've never heard any of my neighbors. I've never had anything break or go wrong in this apartment and the few times I've talked to the management they've been super pleasant. When I was applying to rent the management was a little hard to get a hold of but you just have to be diligent about calling and leaving messages. Yes, their apartments are more expensive than others but I believe that you get what you pay for. And since it is such a lovely apartment in such a wonderful, SAFE community I believe it's money well spent.

Current Resident 497107

Resident • 2012 - 2013

This place used to be a good place, but not anymore. It is getting worse everyday. Do not come here. Run away from here. Office do not have respect to anybody. It is al about money. it is expensive as well.

Prospective Resident 696435

Prospect • Visited 2013

I inquired via their chat system to gain information about the complex and the availability of an apartment. The person I was chatting with dodged my questions and didn't read my answers careful. Like he asked our move date and I responded with by September 30 but if we find the right place we are willing to move earlier. The respond I got was that is outside of their 30-60 window. Not sure what part of if we find the right place we will move earlier he didn't read. Also asked about and specific apartment and he ignored the question. If you aren't going to listen to peoples questions or needs how do you expect to rent up the place.

Current Resident 12356

Resident • 2012 - 2013

I cannot say enough nice things about this community. The staff is top-notch and the amenities are outstanding. The proximity to RDU (<20 minutes) has been critical for me. My unit has an attached garage, W/D, and is spacious and well laid out. I enjoy bird-watching, and the dozens of species in the wooded area to which my unit backs up has been impressive. My balcony is private and I have never had any noise issues. On the whole, and in all respects, my experience has been outstanding.

Current Resident 230379

Resident • 2012 - 2013

Best two bedroom layout I've seen! Spacious with extremely high ceilings plus an attached garage. My apartment didn't feel like an apartment except when you hear the stomping of the neighbors above. There are many reviews on here and all other apartment community profiles written by residents with really high expectations. It makes me wonder if they've ever lived in an apartment before. Of course there will be noise and a lack of parking; you're living among 300 people! Although my experience at Bell Preston Reserve was short-term, I really enjoyed living there. PERFECT location - walk to just about anything you need. Beautiful community, very nice office and maintenance staff, responsive. Yes, rent does increase, but so do taxes, repairs and insurance if you own a home so really, what's the difference if you think about it? Oh, and another great thing is they have a courtesy officer on patrol. Oh! and a washer dryer included!

sinha06

Resident • 2011 - 2012

Have been living in this apartment for last 18 months and experience has been nothing less that very satisfied. Here are the good things: 1- Prompt maintenance service 2- Excellent leasing staff 3- very Clean apartment, well manicured greens 4- Efforts are always on to keep apartment with latest safety equipments 5- Well lit and feels safe 6- Great neighborhood Here is one thing which could have been better 1- More parking space, finding a parking in front of your unit is a rare occurrence thanks, Amit

Current Resident 847583

Resident • 2012

Have been living at Bell Preston since July 2012. I am very happy with the apartment. Searched extensively in the Cary/Morrisville/Raleigh area and decided this was the best apartment complex for our price range. Neighbors are friendly, very very little noise. Flooring could use an upgrade in our apartment and there needs to be something done about the parking availibility. These things would not stop be from renewing. Happy to be living there!

jbroussrd

Resident • 2012

I have lived here for 4 months now and couldn't be happier. The apartments have a great layout, the porches are nice, the kitchen could stand some updating of lighting and appliances but it's not a big inconvenience. Large closets and high ceilings. The apartment grounds are kept looking very nice and always clean and the pool area is fantastic. The clubhouse is just such a nice benefit. The gym there is great and always clean and they offer free Starbucks coffee to residents daily as well as free yoga classes. I'm not sure what the bad reviews are referring to as far as a rude staff. I have always found all members of the staff to be very friendly and professional.

28696226

Resident • 2012

It used to be good, but after they switch ownership to Bell, it's all different. Price went up a lot. New staffs are rude and indifference. Noise problem.

Current Resident 730368

Resident • 2011 - 2012

Management is not good very rude. ------------------------ and makes her coffe before she will help you. You never get a call back. All the staff is rude except the maintenance. I would never recommend this to anyone.

is300drifter

Resident • 2011 - 2012

WORST STAFF EVER...MOVE SOMEWHERE ELSE

After moving in ~year ago I cannot tell you how displeased I am with the management at this location. The management continually ignored maintence requests, noise complaints (told me that "I" should just accept that it was apartment living). Bell Properties came and purchased this place 1/2 way through my rental period and nothing improved. Yes, Bell spent TONS of $ making the outside look pretty, remodeled office and fancy stuff around the tiny pool, but has done nothing to update the apartments inside. Parking is horrible and the garage openers are louder than what should be expected. Living about 3 garages was not a good choice at this location. At the end of your lease expect REDICULOUS increases and nothing but deaf ears from the management. They could care less. Its a shame because from the outside this place looks great, almost like nice condos...MOVE ELSEWHERE!!!

Current Resident 449814

Resident • 2011 - 2012

great place to call home

I have lived here about a year and have been pretty happy. There have been so many great improvements to the apartment buildings over the last few months. It makes me happy to call Preston Reserve home. The office and maintenance are always friendly and smiling when you see them. I live in a corner apartment that has a private entrance and a two car garage and it is very quiet. Yes parking can be tight sometimes, but I think it is like that in most apartments. I will probably renew my lease a couple more times before I am ready to buy a house. I have very few complaints and I am happy living here.

Current Resident 816117

Resident • 2012

DONT RENT HERE

The manager is the worst! I think all Bell Preston Manager's are. The parking SUCKS! Good luck getting home at 10pm and finding a park. I think there are 7 spots in front of each building....I mean really? The pool is horrible. So small for such a large community. Maintenance is good, thats the only thing good here! But then again, I don't use them and fix my own problems. Rent increase....IT IS HORRIBLE. They will jack it up so high, so be prepared! If you want to move here, plan on a year and that is it. BELL PARTNERS IS THE WORST MANAGEMENT COMPANY EVER!!

Current Resident 606348

Resident • 2011 - 2012

Horrible- Now Bell Preston Reserve

We moved here about 8 months ago from California, and are currently waiting for our house to be built. We cannot wait to get out of here and into our home. It's been very uncomfortable living here. First of all, the walls and floors are extremely thin, so you can hear everything. We're talking conversations, coughs, etc. We live on the 2nd floor, which is where you have to live if you want a unit with a garage, and we could hear the people upstairs if they were just simply walking or exercising. We felt bad having to ask them to try to be more light on their feet because we knew it wasn't their fault, but we have a young baby, and it was keeping her awake. I myself was having a hard time because I could hear the kitchen shelves shaking whenever I walk into or out of it, and no matter how lightly I try to walk (and we don't wear shoes in our home), I felt like we were disturbing the people downstairs ourselves. Second, we had an issue with our water bill due to a leak we were not aware of, and it took several months for the issue to be corrected. In the meantime, we were charged about 3 times the normal amount because of this leak! Finally, since Bell Preston has taken over management, there has been constant disturbances. About every other week, we are getting some kind of notice about them having to come into the apartment for one thing or another, or about construction needing to take place on the outside. It's been extremely loud with all of this construction going on on the stairway, the walls, and now I understand more to come on the roof and the sidewalks. I'm talking drilling and pounding on cement noise compounded again by the thin walls. Our baby has had a difficult time taking naps because of all the noise, and the management refuses to compensate us in anyway with all of the inconveniences, and this after raising our rent more than 10% from the original rate we had just 8 months ago! We truly regret our decision to move into this complex.

Current Resident 13014

Resident • 2011

Not worth the rent

Noise issues reported to Leasing Office are not resolved. When you call they give you vague responses and when you ask for a call back you never get it. Grounds are not maintained uniformly. Near Leasing office all is well manicured, but there are several other buildings on the property where the entry walkways are overgrown by shrubbery, making it feel a little unsafe after dark. Personnel in Leasing Office seems to have a relatively short shelf life. Most are temps and the apartment manager position seems to have an astronomical turnover rate. Guess it makes it easier to just sit back and collect rent when there is no one concerned with addressing issues of those that live/pay rent here. It also helps to have the high turnover rate on personnel - then everyone can always claim to be new and that they will do their best...hmmmm...nothing there that defines a clear role/responsibility to get anything done on the apartment complex's end. Lesson learned. Renter beware.

Current Resident 312970

Resident • 2011

If I could give ZERO STARS....DO NOT MOVE HERE! PARKING TOTAL NIGHTMARE! GETTING PARKING TICKETS!

I have lived here for three years and I've now seen three sets of management come in and go out. The latest office staff seems to be incompetent and unwilling to work with individuals. Parking is a NIGHTMARE! If I could have written "nightmare" with a larger font in bold, I would have. Due to late work hours, we almost always have to come home late. I waste soooo much time searching for a parking place and it has become such a stressful thing to come home to. Last weekend, I was forced to park illegally in a fire lane. After driving through the entire complex, I realized there were no open parking places in the ENTIRE complex, let alone within half a mile of my building. I had to leave at 6:30AM and I had a parking ticket on my car waiting for me. I took the ticket to the office and expected them to pay for it...because there was absolutely no where else for me to park, after all, I am paying to live here (and I feel that includes a place to park my car). The new manager lady refused to take the amount off my rent and when asked where I was supposed to park, I was told to keep paying parking tickets b/c it wasn't their problem and I could try taking it up with the Cary PD. When I asked to break my lease early without a fee, I was laughed at. Our walkway is horrendously dirty. The first year we moved here, it was cleaned almost on a monthly basis. I requested it be cleaned in January because we had guests coming and it was embarrassing how dirty the building was. That was 8 months ago and it still hasn't been cleaned. I generally have to go out and sweep the steps myself...but it just doesn't cut the grime that's built up. I have been waiting on a list to have my carpet cleaned for 7 months (something I was promised would happen when I renewed my lease. It still hasn't happened. When we first moved here three years ago, the place was wonderful. It felt like we were living in a resort and we were well taken care of. Now, it feels like a dump where you're treated poorly and I can't wait to get out.

Current Resident 491623

Resident • 2011

DO NOT MOVE HERE

Parking is a nightmare! Units are old and incredibly outdated! Do your research - you can find something brand new for the same price

Current Resident 243931

Resident • 2006 - 2011

HORRIBLE!!!

Do not move here ...unless you LIKE bad customer service and a management company that does not care for the property or the people that live here!!!

Current Resident 530960

Resident • 2003 - 2011

DO NOT move here!

I am a LONG time resident. I agree with all of the earlier comments. The Preston Reserve management team of Jason and Steve were great. They knew the residents and treated us like individuals and reacted to our problems accordingly. I find the new management of Century to be all about the bottom line: money. This is not a neighborhood community like they make themselves out to be! I have a rusted bathroom sink stopper that looks absolutely horrible and they won't replace it due to corporate office guidelines ($). Parking is the worst, I've been complaining about it for years.....with management saying they have a plan but then never following through. I realize there are fair housing laws but the clientele has really gone down hill, now leasing to more and more inconsiderate and immature tenants, obviously transients who don't care about others. They have parties until all hours of the night, illegally park in handicapped spots!, think nothing of littering trash or throwing their cigarette butts in our walkway, even dumped their car ashtray in our entrance way, etc. And management won't do anything about it, except say they'll fine these people if they see them do it. Right, like they're going to see them toss a butt at 10:00 at night. Rules like this are just ridiculous, everyone knows they can't be enforced. And you can hear everything your neighbors do, the walls/ceilings are poorly insulated. Staff is unreachable except via email, they never answer their phones during work hours. Lanscaping is done less often and is not kept up. Don't be fooled by the exterior or interior of the apartments upon your visit. You'll be sorry.

Current Resident 137816

Resident • 2010 - 2011

BRING SARAH BACK!!

ALL I GOTTA SAY IS WHEN SARAH AND STEVE WERE MANAGING, THIS COMPLEX WAS AT ITS BEST. FRIENDLY, COURTEOUS GREAT PEOPLE TO DEAL WITH AND LAID BACK. RESIDENT PROBLEMS WHERE SOLVED QUICKLY AND EFFECTIVELY. PARKING YEA THATS A BUMMER BUT THATS JUST A COMPLEX FOR YOU. NOW WITH NEW ACTING MANAGER AND THE "GREAT ASSISTANT MANAGER" THAT NEEDS TO LEARN HER MANNERS, THIS COMPLEX HAS GONE DOWN HILL. I WOULDNT RECOMMENDED OR GO BACK TO THIS COMPLEX EVEN IF IT WAS RENT FREE FOR A YEAR. WHEN AND "IF" THERE'S A BETTER ASSISTANT MANAGER AND MANAGER THERE OR ATLEAST SIMILAR TO STEVE AND SARAH, THEN THAT COMPLEX WILL BE HOW IT USED TO BE. IT'S FOR SALE AGAIN, SO HOPEFULLY THE NEW OWNERS WILL FIX THE LANDSCAPING, POOL FURNITURE, ROOF AND STAREWELLS. BEST OF LUCK SARAH!!!! THE COMPLEX WILL MISS YOU!!!

Current Resident 322665

Resident • 2006 - 2011

content to call it home

I have lived here for several years, and grew very fond of the old staff as well. However, I have had great encounters with the new staff too. I love that they have more events now, as with the last management, they only had one pool party a year. And they were great pool parties! With DJ's and Jason and Steve, and prizes and games...but again, it was only once a year. It seems like the new staff has something every other month or so. Although I have not gone to all of them, I have met so many more neighbors this year, than I have in all the 5 years that I have lived here combined. I certainly agree with some of the complaints made by others on here, however I think that in time, the staff and the maintenance seem to be getting better. I lived at another complex 6 years ago, and it had a management change while I was there, and let me tell you... that experience was a nightmare! They immediately raised all our rents, took away amenities instead of adding like they did here, and quit landscaping all together. I love that here, they added the trash pickup...which I LOVE and did not charge a dime for it. Being single and working odd shifts, this service is perfect for me! Although, when I work 12 hours shifts, I do occassionally get notes on my door that say to bring my container inside. But luckily no one has ever charged me for this, even thuough the note from the trash people says that they might. I have never had an issue with the office staff, and I have certainly caught them on bad days, but they always seem to be helpful and whenever I ask for anything to be done, it is done for me. I know one thing... by reading the prior complaints, I am certainly happy that my job does not have a complaint website. I know I have, and I am sure everyone reading this, has had bad days. I would hate to see someone complain about my work on the internet and I am sure the other writers would hate if someone criticised them on everything too. If this were the case, after the day I had last Wednesday of getting yelled at by patients and vomited on by others, I was not a happy person and probably not a joy to be around... I am sure the website on me would be blowing up! ;) I am in the medical field, and there are many things I cannot control at work. I do as my job description and ploicies allow, and it sometimes upsets patients, but it is what it is. I am sure the staff does what they can to please everyone... I knw they have everytime I have dealt with them. And I will keep praying a site like this never opens up for my work! Hehehe! I was not aware of this site until a friend mentioned it to me last night, but it seems like a place for people to complain...I am happy that I am mostly putting happy things on here. And although i agree with some of the complaints, I can see improvements over the past couple of months. And I hope those improvements continue. OH! i read several complaints about the parking here. As for parking, I knew when I moved here 5 years ago that the parking was tight. But at the last apartment I lived at, where the horrible management change occured, I also had numbered parking spaces...and that was a NIGHTMARE!!!! We got one parking space, no matter the size of your apartment home or the number of people in it. It was so difficult when I had visitors or came home from a late night shift. i would rather take my chances here, and I do get frustrated when I have to park farther away. But, I have usually noticced when that happens that it is due to a neighbor of mine not using their garage. I am not afraid to leave notes on their cars or directly ask the nighbors to move their car into or infront of their garage. And I have discussed it with the manager, and I have since noticed that some cars that look beat up and never move, are now being towed, leaving me more open spaces now. Overall, I am very happy here and plan to stay until I relocate for my job or can finally afford a home on my own in this area. Thanks for reading my thoughts.

Current Resident 337917

Resident • 2009 - 2011

We have lived here over a year and our lease ends this year. We will definitely be moving out!! If you are looking to get an apartment here, please drive around at night and see if you can find a parking space. If you come home after 8 pm either pay EXTRA to get a garage or park away from your building or keep driving around and stalking your neighbors until a space is empty! We came home around 10pm on a Friday and there was NO parking anywhere! We ended up parking on the street. One of our neighbors has only one car and even they have a hard time trying to find a space for their one car! The maintenance was great with the old management. We had put in a request for maintenance, somebody came in and fixed it without even letting us know that they would be coming and they didn't even leave a note that they came! So it's okay to come in whenever and not even let us know that they were here? In any case the management always says either stop complaining about the parking or get a garage (pay extra)! The rent here is not the cheapest in the area either. So pay them higher rent and also struggle everyday to find a parking space unless you come in everyday before 6pm and not leave until the next day! Please please please think twice before you sign the lease and definitely drive around at different times in the evening before you rent here.

Current Resident 896475

Resident • 2010 - 2011

What more can you ask for

I have lived here almost a year and love it here. Yes, there are things that might need to be fixed but this is an apartment complex and if you don't like it leave or go move into a home. I looked at a number of other apartment complexes and none of them compare to Preston. If somewhere else has something nice it lacks something else. Here you get it all. Washer and dryer, nice surrounding area, spacious floorplans, nice kitchens, and avaliable upgrades. The parking situation is not something that can be fixed overnight but if its so much of a problem than people need to get a garage. I have an apartment without one and once I found parking to be a hassle I grabed a garage...simple as that. I have had a number of maintenance problems, but they were always fixed and even though I had to wait some time I can't say they werent accomodating or helpful with the issues. The people in the office are professional. There are obviously always going to be people you cannot please. There have been several times where I am either walking around the complex or in the office and when I start talking to other residents they tell me they hate it here and that I should get out while I can. When I ask them how long they been here they say years. If you dont like it that much than what makes you stay?? Every community is going to have its downfalls but there is obviously something about this community that makes people stay here. I am glad to call it home and would recommend people to this community. Its quite, tranquil, nice grounds, always kept clean, and spacious. The things that you would want you can find here. Other things that are minor in my opinion are sometimes out of peoples hands. You cannot have high expectations on an apartment...its not a house and will never be perfect. Bottom line I would recommend living here. I am happy here and my kids are too.

Current Resident 900846

Resident • 2005 - 2011

Please bring back the old Preston Reserve!!!

We have lived here for several years and I used to love living here when the property was known as Preston Reserve. I used to be proud of this community and I loved showing it off to visitors. This all changed when the new management took over. Along with the new tacky name of Century Preston Reserve, came new management that leaves little to be desired. I'm now embarrassed to have guests visit us. The grounds are now filthy and the new tenants who are moving in seem to be lacking- as if they've quit doing background checks. Vandalism is now a problem and cars are even being broken into. I no longer feel safe here in the middle of Preston. Parking is beyond unacceptable. I'm a fit person and I like working out, but walking clear across the community in the dark because there isn't a parking place within a mile of my building is unsafe...this comes after broken promises by management to resolve the problem. We are a very healthy family and we absolutely hate anything related to smoking. The people below us are chain smokers and our apartment frequently smells like smoke (especially in areas where there are closed doors- like closets and the washer/dryer). Our clothes and towels now reek of smoke...something I absolutely can't stand. They're also noisy and we can hear mostly everything our neighbors do. A large reason of why we decided to move here was the beautiful castle-themed playroom. No other complex even had a playroom. It was a perfect place for our children to play when the weather was bad. The new management took no time ripping it out and they replaced it with a boring game room that I've never seen anyone use. We're now forced to play with our children in the parking lot or on the tennis court. There's a playground but the last few times I was there, there was glass all over. A huge disappointment. They also filled in the spa/hot tub that was always a luxury to have...this upset quite a few people. Maintenance has become a huge issue. It takes months to get a problem resolved and you're lucky if it's resolved at all. When they do come, workmanship is average. The office staff is lacking. The whole "can't see the forest for the trees" thing really could be applied to the staff. They're so focused on getting their money that they don't seem to notice the place falling down around them. It's generally a pain to deal with them. To their credit, they did paint the exterior of the buildings and they added valet waste disposal. Although, I would much rather have a parking place when I come home than either of these things. I'm looking for a new apartment (in a new complex) which is sad because I really used to love living here.