RYAN TOWER

Old, worn down building and units, built in the 50s with very little updating. The views, especially from the higher floors, are spectacular. Everything else was just so-so. We lived there for over a year. The management was fine but not terribly proactive. It changed a couple of months before we left, but the service level stayed about the same.

One huge pro is that it is a dog friendly building and there were lots of friendly dog owners. The lawn in front is an easy dog walking area, as well… as the block.

The unit itself was very worn down. Parquet floors that were well past their time and buckling in places. The kitchen is TINY with only two upper cabinets and one lower. Everything worked, just very old and low quality. Same goes for the bathrooms that are clearly original. We had two bathrooms and the shower stall in one was so small that you couldn't turn around when in it.

The owner proposed several changes while we were there, but none actually happened. These included replacing all the windows, which was sorely needed; improving the entry way - not sure why this was a priority; and adding a 'business center' - totally unnecessary.

We were warned by building staff that despite how clean we left out apartment, we would be charged for cleaning and painting. Which we were to the tune of $715.

We were in a time crunch when looking for apartments, with two pets, and this was the only place available. If you have more than two days to find an apartment, I strongly suggest you look elsewhere. Plenty of nicer looking buildings on 4th and 5th Street on the same block.

Also, if you are moving to this neighborhood for Baywood Elementary, you won't get in. When we went to register, we were informed of the heavily crowded San Mateo schools and assigned to a very low rating elementary in another part of town. After we had been there a year, we were given the option to switch to Baywood, but had already moved to another town. Read More