Demerits:
1) Old: Everything in the apartment is extremely dated and modestly functional.
2) Inefficient: The apartments are drafty and functionally energy sink holes due to the poor sealing around both windows and doors.
3) Bugs: That said, bugs are able to breach very easily from various places throughout the apartment.
4) Poor Lighting: One window and a sliding glass door makes it feel light a cold, dark cave on even the sunniest of days.
5) Exposed/Gate-less: Break-ins are kept really hush,
...which is a dereliction of duty on the highest order.
RELEVANT: A high speed chase from the Garland police department lead to two criminals jumping onto my patio at 1 am. They ran off after I overheard mumbling but not before 5 terrifying minutes had passed.
6) Cat city: Tons of strays with nothing done to curb their presence on the property. Management allows continual feeding from many residences as well as allowing at least one resident to modify his/her sliding glass door to allow a house cat to enter and exit at whim!
Dog owners are constantly being pulled all over the place as their dogs follow their instincts to give chase to the strays with one instance I witnessed seeming to result in a wrist injury to the owner.
7) Property Manager is very young/under experienced.
Merits:
1) Upkeep: Well maintained grounds and facilities (Pools/gym/bark park).
2) Upgrades: Added fountains/bark park, and improved gym equipment.
3) Security: Armed personnel walk/patrol the premises a few nights a week and late into the a.m.
4) Quiet: Never had to deal with obtrusive noise pollution to any significant degree.
5) Maintenance Staff: Arguably the best I've ever seen. Friendly, skilled, prompt, and professional.
6) Location: While not the best neighborhood, it is, however, near 3 supermarkets, next door to a movie theater and a large park, a block away from 635 and Loop 12, and within a mere moments drive from tons of fast food spots/restaurants/gas stations/ and watering holes.
7)Value: Rent vs Sq.footage is good.
Add all of this up and grade on the curve of knowing that nowhere is perfect. I'd give this place a sold C to C .
Max of 2. Pets Welcome *One time pet fee and rent are per pet.