Manchester Gardens

It's fine for a roof over your head, but the rent for this existing renter has increased by 66% over the past 7 years - all but about 10% of that has been in the last 3 years. I am not sure where this money goes, but it does not appear to be amenities or wages (an advertised pool monitor position paid $14/hour). The pool is small, without any shade whatsoever, and only open during office hours so those who work a 9-5 job can't use it, and there's limited communication as to when it's open for… the season. There used to be a gym with similar hours and there were promises that, post-covid closures, a new 24/7 access gym would be built. Despite amazing rent increases, this has not happened and office staff professes to no knowledge of such a plan. They also claim in the listing to have a clubhouse, but this is not actually available to residents. So, for any resident who works 9-5, your amenities are a small courtyard with 3 benches and a fountain and a basketball court. Each building has 2 each washers and dryers, which work fine but cost nearly $5 to wash and dry a load. You also must use an app to use the washers/dryers. They also do not accept checks for rent payment, this must be done online. Parking is indeed plentiful, that's something. I am not sure where the walk-in closets they mention are, but maybe there's one unit with one. Attic storage is handy. Maintenance requests (when put through the app) are handled quickly and the maintenance staff is always very pleasant. Pest control is an issue and, while it is handled, residents are only given a few days notice to empty particular rooms and vacate for the day with threats of eviction for non-compliance. It would be nice if the clubhouse were open to residents for at least these occasions, but I have been assured by office staff that there is not nor has there ever been a clubhouse (I've been in it, it's nice, sofas, kitchenette, pool table etc). Sadly, there are few options less expensive in Manchester, but the former owner of the property prided himself in offering affordable housing for residents and since his death his legacy has been shattered. Read More