The Pierce Apartments

Lots of potential but serious room for improvement. Location is currently pretty sparse for amenities in the immediate vicinity. Ground floor retail space is still entirely empty. Nearest grocery store is now closed (downtown Safeway).

Many security issues with doors stuck open allowing criminals access to ground floor and parking garages unrestricted. I have entirely forgone getting a bike as I have heard too many reports of break-ins/stolen bikes from the "secure" bike locker. Recently there... was break-ins to multiple units on the same day in the middle of the afternoon. There has been increasing issues with homeless people getting in and sleeping in common areas of the building overnight.

Many issues dog excrement in common areas in the building (elevators, hallway carpets) or on street around building. Issues with smokers smoking indoors and setting off fire alarms requiring the whole building to evacuate at 4AM. Constant issues with elevators being broken for days at a time.

Building has nice amenities and units (although many of the finishing seem incredibly cheaply made). Downside is amenity rooms (community room/pub room/movie room) are restricted access which makes them inconvenient to use.

Airplanes - personally I got used to them after a month or so but expect to hear large commercial airliner flying overhead several times an hour all day starting early morning and going until around midnight. The building is directly south of San Jose airport and as such planes fly directly overtop of the apartment at a few thousand feet.

Some positives: Leasing staff is quick to respond to emails and questions and are overall very friendly. Luxer locker is a huge convenience and (at least for me) has minimal issues. FordGo Bike station out front is convenient. There is pretty much always Lime/Bird/Spin/Lyft scooters in the vicinity of the building. BBQ's are great and pool is nice for lounging and well maintained (the addition of a hot tub/spa pool would be a game changer though). Has one of the best gyms out of the 10 apartment complexes I looked at when moving to San Jose, very clean and equipment is reasonably maintained (also has towel service which is a nice plus). It's walking distance to VTA lightrail and fairly close to Caltrain and also has several buses that pick up almost right out front of the building. They host many fun community events at the building.

May or may not renew for a third year. Read More