Casa Del Rio

Casa Del Rio is a good option if you just want to be close to the law school and need a decent place to live. It is about a 7-10 minute walk to the law school. There is a convenience store across the street that is open late, which is useful. The 10 bus line stops right by the apartment. The building is by no means a nice or luxury building, but it works for my preferences. I'd rather live alone here than in a nicer building further away with a roommate.

I have had a number of issues with the property management company. I'd recommend doing an in-person or virtual tour before signing the lease and insist that they show you the actual unit you are renting. If you do a virtual tour, don't be afraid to ask them to slow down and show you everything carefully. I was shown a unit with a dishwasher, but once I finally moved in, there was no dishwasher. Also, the photos on the apartment listing may not be photos of your actual unit. Don't let them trick you!

Otherwise, the place is fine and it gets the job done. There isn't a lot of natural light, but there's some. The sound insulation is not great so you can hear the neighbors, but they usually are not loud (the concrete "accent" walls might give the impression of good sound insulation, but don't be fooled). The pool has been shut down by the Health Department for a few weeks now. The laundry room looks like it never gets cleaned. However, when my AC broke, they sent someone to fix it the next day. When I've had questions, they've been responsive. The apartment is decently spacious, and there's lots of storage space. I've never felt unsafe there, and I've never had a package stolen. The place is starting to feel like home.

Generally good maintenance staff, quite responsive. I have never had pest problems or any real maintenance issues, so that is a huge plus. It is also right next to the law school, so my commute is ~5 min each morning.

Three prime criticisms:
1. The hot water goes in and out, depending on the usage in the apartment above me. If the upstairs renters flush the toilet while I'm in the shower, the cold water disappears and the shower becomes scalding hot.
2. The management company (forget the name) is not the best I've ever dealt with. They don't seem to understand that mass emails are (A) a thing, and (B) an easier way to communicate things like late-rent announcements, office closures, etc.
3. Some of the other renters are undergrads and therefore rowdy at times. Not a big deal, but I've had to ask people to be quiet on weekday nights when I am trying to get some sleep before class the next day.

I like the location of this apartment building it’s a quick walk to the law school. Management is responsive. But, it’s an old building and it has some problems.