AVA Ballston

Thanks to the new lady on duty, Shakira. She has been here for a very short time, but she has made her presence known. The couriers and delivery drivers are following her orders for keeping that god awful package room clean as well as the outside. We can finally find our packages. This is greatly appreciated. Hopefully she tackles the hallways next!!!!

After living in Bozzuto, Gables, and PANCO managed communities, Avalon is the worst. I lived here for 11 months, this place has outdated apartments, poor soundproof, poor move in move out experience (no help provided, poor communication, messed up loading dock reservation schedule). If you look at the reviews carefully, you can see that the maintenance ppl are the MVP here, most good reviews are because of their hard work. We have moved out, but now we need to deal with the extra charges that they sent over without much explanation, as always (after asking them they sent over details about carpet replacement. Note that we only lived there for 11 months with no animals,no plants. We also don’t wear shoes around the apt… (I’m Asian) I’ve always gotten almost full deposit back from all my previous apartments…)

At first it seems like a great option, however on closer inspection I realized why the price was so attractive. They advertised a price that is not a standard 12 month lease. The unit I had viewed with a price that seemed reasonable was for a 22 month lease. I was advised a 12 month lease was available only the price did not justify the comps - I’d be able to get a nicer place closer into the heart of Boston for their 12 month lease price, and the difference was so steep it was almost the same overall cost as the 22 month term. Bottom line is this was a bait and switch. While the building is acceptable, I can’t get over the fact that is a landlord screwing the little guy by limiting their options and strong arming them into longer lease periods. Life changes quickly and trying to standardize leases beyond 12 months is absurd.

Don't pursue a lease unless you're absolutely positive you're going to live here. My roommate and I submitted an application, took a few days to make an informed decision, chose not to sign a lease, and then got slapped with a $500 "reservation fee." The leasing agent never mentioned this fee during the tour or during all our back and forth afterward. Very disappointed.