HOUSING GUIDE SMU DEDMAN LAW SCHOOL 2021 - VeryApt
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REVIEWS AND ADVICE FROM CURRENT STUDENTS SMU DEDMAN LAW SCHOOL HOUSING GUIDE 2021 HOUSING DATA TOP PROPERTIES NEIGHBORHOODS EXPLAINED LANDLORD INFO APARTMENT RATINGS RENTER RESOURCES Intelligent Apartment Search
TABLE OF CONTENTS GETTING THE MOST OUT OF THE GUIDE Start with the Housing Facts section. This section should help you determine the type of apartment you'd 4 HOUSING FACTS like to live in and how much you should expect to pay Our data on housing in rent. Read about different neighborhoods and narrow down your search to parts of the city that you like most. 5 ABOUT VERYAPT Using the VeryApt site alongside this Use the Apartment Ratings section to identify the guide best apartment buildings across the categories (e.g. best amenities, highest rated) that matter most to you. 6 NEIGHBORHOODS OVERVIEW Most popular neighborhoods for SMU Visit VeryApt.com to read reviews, get pricing, and set Law students up appointments for the apartments you like most. 7 M Streets 8 Vickery Meadow 10 Oak Lawn ABOUT THE DATA IN THIS GUIDE 12 Old East Dallas All of the data in this guide are based on feedback from real renters in Dalla. We asked students to rate their apartments on a scale of 1-10 across six categories: 13 DATA TABLE Compiled from SMU Law student reviews 15 APARTMENT RATINGS Top apartments, based on the feedback of SMU Law students Overall Value Management 15 Most Popular 16 Highest Rated 17 Best for Amenities 18 Best for Value 20 LANDLORDS Amenities Location Safety Ratings for landlords and management companies Based on their feedback, we compiled a list of the best apartment buildings for SMU Law students. If you are interested in additional data that is not in the guide or have a housing question, you can reach us at contact@veryapt.com. DISCLAIMER: The reviews and ratings presented throughout the guide and the VeryApt website do not reflect the opinions, position, or endorsement of VeryApt. The responses and reviews presented are solely those of the survey respondents. VeryApt assumes no responsibility for readers' or users' interpretation of the data. The results do not in any way constitute a warranty or representation by VeryApt as to the quality, safety, or other features of a property. We encourage you to check all available sources of information about properties prior to renting.
Where SMU Law students live Who SMU Law students live with 35% M Streets 50% Alone 25% Vickery Meadow 25% Spouse/partner 25% Oak Lawn 25% Roommate 10% Old East Dallas (excluding spouse/ 5% Other partner) 37% of SMU Law students live with pets What type of properties SMU What size residences SMU Law Law students live in students live in 75% Large property (50+ 5% Studios or efficiences units) 65% One bedrooms 10% Mid-size property (20-49 units) 25% Two bedrooms 15% Small property (2-9 5% Three or more units) bedrooms Distribution of property ratings Average rent by apartment size $1,120 STUDIO $1,300 1BR $1,625 2BR 10% 20% 25% 45% $1,900 3BR 0 - 6.9 7 - 7.9 8 - 8.9 9+ Rent versus own Commute methods 90% Rent 10% Own 90% 5% 5% Driving Walking Biking 4
Rent with Confidence Time Savers Intelligent Search All the information you need in a Personalized apartment single place. Photos, prices, floor recommendations based on the plans, maps, and amenities - amenities you want, your VeryApt has you covered. proximity to school or work, and your desired price range. Concierge Service Trusted Reviews On demand rental experts that Hundreds of verified apartment can provide apartment reviews from current and past recommendations, set up tenants that help you make an apartment tours, and help you informed decision about where with your rental application - all at you want to live. no extra cost. WHY WE STARTED VERYAPT VeryApt was born from the simple realization that the small things about an apartment are often the most important: a friendly doorman, lots of sunlight in the living room, a running trail nearby, or that amazing hole-in-the-wall Thai restaurant across the street. We understand that the frustrations of apartment hunting are universal, but share a belief that it doesn't have to be. We know what makes an apartment truly feel like home is unique for each person and that's why our focus is on bringing you personalized recommendations based on timely, relevant, and real user reviews. We'll be there every step of the way to help you find your perfect apartment. Julia Rizio VP Operations juliar@veryapt.com 5
NEIGHBORHOODS EXPLAINED An overview of the most popular neighborhoods for SMU Law students 1 M Streets 2 Vickery Meadow Other Neighborhoods 35% of SMU Law students 25% of SMU Law students less than 5% each M Streets is a combination of smaller Vickery Meadow is the consensus top areas - Greenland Hills, Vickery Place, neighborhood for SMU graduate 5 Lake Highlands Lower Greenville, etc. What this students. The main reasons are 1) it's neighborhood offers is quiet living, very easy commute to class and 2) this affordable rent, and the feeling that area is home to the popular apartment 6 Southeast Dallas you're not stuck in the suburbs since it's complex, The Village at Dallas. close to Downtown. Combining these two factors makes living here an easy choice for SMU grad 7 Downtown Dallas students. 3 Oak Lawn 4 Old East Dallas 8 Far North Dallas 25% of SMU Law students 10% of SMU Law students 9 South Dallas Oak Lawn is a lively and vibrant upscale Old East Dallas is a historical district just north of Downtown Dallas. neighborhood full of culture and art. It is This neighborhood, proud to embrace a quiet neighborhood that is perfect for 10 Northwest Dallas diverse lifestyles, is adorned with tree- somebody looking for something more lined avenues, grand old homes, and relaxing close to campus. It is also right offers easy access to Interstate 35 and next to Downtown, so it is very easy to the Dallas North Tollway. get to the popular nightlife options. 6
M Streets Slice of Small Town ABOUT M STREETS M Streets is the perfect neighborhood for a younger crowd that craves living in a classic neighborhood while not having to sacrifice a city lifestyle. M Streets exudes personality and charm. It’s an open and friendly community anyone would find easy to love. Parks, grocery stores, great schools, restaurants, and walking trails are all within a 10-minute walk. Restaurants Bars Close to Downtown Suburban MEDIAN RENTS IN M STREETS $1,100 $1,450 $1,905 Studio 1 Bedroom 2 Bedroom WHAT RESIDENTS THINK ABOUT M STREETS Review by SMU Law Student THE ATWOOD Review by SMU Law Student VUE FITZHUGH Overall it's very lowkey compared to other areas of The neighborhood is up and coming so there are a lot of town. Everyone pretty much keeps to themselves. There good restaurants popping up in the immediate area. Lots are lots of apartment complexes in this area but mine of young professionals live in this area. doesn't feel too crowded or compacted. If you're looking for something more relaxed and quiet, this is a good place. If you're looking for a close location to night life or entertainment, it's probably not what you're looking for. 7
Vickery Meadow Full of Graduate Students ABOUT VICKERY MEADOW In the northeast section of Dallas lies the neighborhood Vickery Meadow. In the 1940s, Vickery Meadow was a small town, and in the '60s and '70s, the area was developed with apartment complexes for young professionals. Today, Vickery Meadow offers a multitude of affordable apartments that are extremely popular for SMU graduate students because it provides easy access to class, yet is not too far removed from Downtown. Lots of Greenery Close to Campus MEDIAN RENTS IN VICKERY MEADOW $870 $950 $1,300 Studio 1 Bedroom 2 Bedroom WHAT RESIDENTS THINK ABOUT VICKERY MEADOW Review by SMU Law Student BEND IN THE VIL. Review by SMU Law Student CORNERS IN THE VIL. The neighborhood is great! It's near school and super The neighborhood is super pet friendly. I always see safe. There's 24-hour Village security that covers all of people walking their dogs. The Village has its own the Village properties. There is a lot of construction private security that drives around the property 24/7. It happening because they're building a new apartment is also super affordable compared to other Dallas and shopping/restaurant center nearby, but that should apartments, and I think it is a great bang for your buck. be finished soon. The neighborhood is also mainly young people, from what I can tell. 8
Oak Lawn A Lively Neighborhood ABOUT OAK LAWN Oak Lawn is a lively and vibrant, upscale district just north of Downtown Dallas. This neighborhood is adorned with tree-lined avenues, grand old homes, and offers easy access to Interstate 35 and the Dallas North Tollway. The active social scene here offers some of the best restaurants & bars in all of Dallas. Vibrant Downtown Pricier Apartments Grand Homes Active MEDIAN RENTS IN OAK LAWN $1,315 $1,525 $2,050 Studio 1 Bedroom 2 Bedroom WHAT RESIDENTS THINK ABOUT OAK LAWN Review by SMU Law Student POST UPTOWN VIL. Review by SMU Law Student KNOX HEIGHTS Great place to live. Plenty of restaurants, bars, and It’s a great mix of young professionals. There aren’t a grocery stores within walking distance. I do not have to whole lot of undergrads living over here, which is really leave a three mile radius unless I want to. nice. I love being so close to so many shops and restaurants, but not too close, like I feel you’d be in Uptown. Knox Heights is on the strip of McKinney perpendicular to Knox, so you get the location benefits without the noise. 10
Old East Dallas History Abounds ABOUT OLD EAST DALLAS This neighborhood's name fits its feel, as the homes are a bit older and the area is full of history. That said, it's experienced a recent revitalization with an influx of young professionals and grad students moving here. If you're looking for a hip area with some old- school Dallas Charm, Old East Dallas is your spot. Architecture Well-Located Historic Young Professionals MEDIAN RENTS IN OLD EAST DALLAS $1,410 $1,525 $2,000 Studio 1 Bedroom 2 Bedroom WHAT RESIDENTS THINK ABOUT OLD EAST DALLAS Review by SMU Student FITZHUGH URBAN FLATS Review by SMU Student 2660 @ CITYPLACE Apartments in Old East Dallas are close enough to The neighborhood is definitely a fun place to be as a Uptown and Knox Henderson that you get the city vibe social young person in Dallas - the proximity in the city without the city prices. Check out Jimmy's Food Store - and popular bars and restaurants can't really be beat an Italian grocery store with THE BEST sandwiches and cannolis! 12
APARTMENT KEY Excellent for a category RATINGS •••• $$$$ $1560+ per renter ••• Great $$$ $1260- $1559 •• Average $$ $1080- $1259 • Below average $ < $1080 * Prices subject to change and may vary significantly by room type s ilie e lar nt yp ts Fam ge me pu Pe yT s an itie Po ge for for er t R g y en l na lue cia st tin fet ce p st st Am Mo Ma Pro Pri Va Ra Be Be So Sa 3636 McKinney Ave Apt 7.8 $$$ •• •• ••• ••• •••• 5 Mockingbird Apt 8.5 $ ••• ••• ••• ••• ••• Arrive on University Apt 7.6 $$ •• •• •• •• •• Cityplace Heights Apt 9.5 $$$ ••• •••• ••• ••• •• Gables Katy Trail Apt 7.3 $$ ••• •• •• •• ••• Glass House by Windsor Apt 8.4 $$$$ •• •••• •• ••• ••• Knox Heights Apt 9.0 $$$$ ••• ••• •• ••• •••• Lakewood on the Trail Apt 8.0 $$ •••• •••• •• •• ••• Landmark on Lovers Apt 7.6 $$$ •• •• •• • •• Post Uptown Village Apt 7.8 $$ •• •• •••• •••• •••• Post Worthington Apt 7.2 $$ •• •• •• •••• •• The Ash Apt 9.7 $$$$ ••• •••• •••• •••• ••• The Atwood Apt 7.4 $$$ ••• ••• •• •• ••• ** Buildings with fewer than 3 reviews or ratings below 7.0 are not listed in this guide but reviews can be found online at VeryApt.com. *** Some buildings with fewer than 3 reviews are included above because of high ratings but do not appear in the top 10 lists. 13
APARTMENT RATINGS s ilie e lar nt yp ts Fam ge me pu Pe yT s an itie Po ge for for er t R g y en l na lue cia st tin fet ce p st st Am Mo Ma Pro Pri Va Ra Be Be So Sa The Continental Apt 8.3 $$ •••• ••• ••• ••• ••• The Corners in The Village Apt 8.7 $ •••• •• ••• •• ••• The Dakota in The Village Apt 9.2 $$$ •••• ••• •• •• •• The Gate in The Village Apt 9.4 $ •• ••• •••• •• •••• The Lakes in The Village Apt 8.7 $ •••• ••• •••• ••• •• The Merc Apt 7.0 $ •• ••• •••• •••• •• The Mondrian Apt 8.7 $$$$ ••• •••• •••• ••• •••• The Taylor Apt 8.8 $$$$ •••• •••• •• •••• ••• The Teak Apt 9.9 $$$$ •• ••• •••• •• •• Tonti Lakeside Apt 7.8 $ •• •• •••• • ••• Upper East Side Apt 9.3 $$$ •• •••• ••• •••• •••• Vue Fitzhugh Apt 8.0 $$ ••• •• •••• •• •• Westside In The Village Apt 8.4 $ ••• •• •• • •• White Rock Lake Apartment Villas Apt 9.8 $ •••• •••• •• • •••• ABOUT OUR CATEGORIES Living Situation Ratings Property Type Families How students with partners and/or children rated the building. Pet Owners How students with pets rated the building. Apartment (Apt) Properties with one building manager. Often have consistent pricing/features. Building Quality Ratings Condo Properties with multiple owners. Lease terms and features can vary significantly by unit. Management Maintenance and service quality. Amenities In-room and building features beyond the basics. Key Building Factor Ratings Value Building quality given cost of rent. Overall Rating Overall feedback on building quality. Social Building community and social scene. Popularity Estimated # of students in the building. Safety Building neighborhood safety. 14
MOST 1 st 5 MOCKINGBIRD M Streets $ 8+ PEOPLE POPULAR Buildings with the most SMU Law students READ MORE REVIEWS AT VERYAPT.COM Review by SMU Law Student “Pretty great place. My apartment looks over the pool which is What students typically look for: super loud when the weather is nice. The gym is pretty nice as well but sometimes only one treadmill works. Maintenance is quick. Apparently the other half of the building Excellent location experiences a lot of power outages but I've never had one.” Reasonably-priced apartments 2 nd Solid amenities LANDMARK ON LOVERS $$$$ 7+ PEOPLE M Streets, 5201 Amesbury Dr Review by SMU Law Student "The apartments at Landmark on Lovers are quite pleasant overall, and maintenance is always quick to answer any queries. The location is fantastic too, being at walking distance of two different grocery stores, several bus stops, and in the route of the SMU shuttle. The biggest issue is getting management to reply to any queries and requests you might have." Studio 1 BR 2 BR 3 BR 3 rd THE ATWOOD $$$ 6+ $1,120 $1,300 $1,625 $1,900 M Streets PEOPLE TOP 5 1st 5 MOCKINGBIRD 8+ PEOPLE LANDMARK ON Review by SMU Law Student 2nd LOVERS 7+ PEOPLE “Quiet, very close to campus, pretty safe. Only issue is that parking within the complex is limited. Unit quality is really nice. Gym is nice. Pool area is pretty small but also nice. Good place to 3rd THE ATWOOD 6+ PEOPLE live if you want a small space to live alone.” 4th THE ASH 4+ PEOPLE POST UPTOWN 5th VILLAGE 3+ PEOPLE 15
HIGHEST 1 st THE TEAK M Streets $$$$ 9.9 OVERALL RATED RATING Buildings with the best overall ratings READ MORE REVIEWS AT VERYAPT.COM Review by SMU Law Student What the highest-rated properties typically offer: “I’ve lived at the Teak for 6 months. The pool and gym are great and clean. The complex itself is not too loud. The location and proximity to campus is great and its a short drive to lower Greenville & Lakewood. There is trail access by the apartment so it’s a great place for runners or people with pets. Management is High-end amenities virtually nonexistent but I have not had any problems since living here. Maintenance is always completed within 24 hours.” Close proximity to work/ school Nearby stores/grocery 2 nd WHITE ROCK LAKE APARTMENT VILLAS 9.8 Forest Hills $ OVERALL Excellent management RATING Review by SMU Law Student “Great location if you’re looking to be right off of White Rock Lake. The back of the apartment hooks into the trail that goes around the lake. It’s very quiet and if you take surface streets, it’s about 15-20 minutes to SMU.” 3 rd Studio 1 BR 2 BR 3 BR THE ASH $$$$ 9.7 OVERALL M Streets $1,320 $1,500 $1,825 $2,100 RATING TOP 5 1st THE TEAK 9.9 OVERALL RATING Review by SMU Law Student WHITE ROCK LAKE 2nd APARTMENT VILLAS 9.8 OVERALL RATING “The ash is a great place to live. The bedrooms/closets are huge which was a huge plus for us so we could put large desks in the rooms. the amenities here are also really great - large updated gym, huge pool, hammock areas, dog park/showers. It takes 3rd THE ASH 9.7 OVERALL RATING about 5 minutes to drive to campus and is really centrally located for accessing grocery stores and restaurants” 4th CITYPLACE HEIGHTS 9.5 OVERALL RATING THE GATE IN THE 5th VILLAGE 9.4 OVERALL RATING 16
BEST FOR 1 st THE MONDRIAN Oak Lawn, 3000 Blackburn St $$$$ 9.8 AMENITY AMENITIES RATING Highest-rated properties for amenities READ MORE REVIEWS AT VERYAPT.COM Review by SMU Law Student What top amenity properties typically offer: “Pros: Nice hardwoods, thick walls so you don't hear neighbors, good location, gym in the building, 24 hr concierge, safe and well maintained, most units have balconies, pet friendly Cons: Lower floors are mainly students and can get messy, power outages during major storms can last a while as it's not on the main Great common spaces Uptown power grid” Convenient location Excellent management 2 nd UPPER EAST SIDE $$$ 9.6 Newer construction Vickery Meadow AMENITY RATING Review by SMU Law Student “It’s so amazing!!! The entire complex is beautiful and so well maintained. We have a free coffee shop with unlimited barista drinks, as well as a great place to study. We have multiple social events a month that are free, as well as multiple pools and multiple gyms. The staff and residents are all so sweet, and there is a concierge who helps with a lot of things. The walls are also very thick, so I never hear any of my neighbors. And finally, we have multiple security guards at all times so it feels very safe.” Studio 1 BR 2 BR 3 BR $1,520 $1,800 $2,025 $2,300 3 rd GLASS HOUSE BY WINDSOR 9.5 Oak Lawn, 2728 McKinnon St $$$$ AMENITY TOP 5 RATING 1st THE MONDRIAN 9.8 AMENITY RATING 2nd UPPER EAST SIDE 9.6 AMENITY RATING Review by SMU Law Student GLASS HOUSE BY “The location is great. The tollway is easily accessible from the 3rd WINDSOR 9.5 AMENITY RATING building, and turtle creek provides an easy route to campus. The property is located between Victory Park and Uptown, allowing access to both while remaining out of the traffic created by both areas during games and on weekends.” 4th THE TAYLOR 9.3 AMENITY RATING 5th CITYPLACE HEIGHTS 9.2 AMENITY RATING 17
BEST FOR 1 st THE MERC Downtown Dallas $ 9.9 VALUE VALUE RATING Highest-rated properties for value READ MORE REVIEWS AT VERYAPT.COM Review by SMU Law Student What top value properties typically offer: “Pros: pretty good amenities and the location is great (5 min or less uber to restaurants/bars; Royal Blue, Wild Salsa, and Irish pub beneath building); also great views Shared patio has impressive view of surrounding buildings - great for entertaining. Cons: Management can often seem bad, but they respond better Great price-to-space trade if you are assertive or firm with your requests. This was a great off place to live during summer clerkships - close to federal/state courthouse and most law firms.” Good location Solid amenities and basic 2 nd features THE LAKES IN THE VILLAGE $ 9.6 VALUE Vickery Meadow, 8610 Southwestern Blvd RATING Review by SMU Law Student “Beautiful area with lots of green space and pool access; management is very responsive to work orders; a good amount of interior space; new fixtures” 3 rd Studio 1 BR 2 BR 3 BR TONTI LAKESIDE $ 9.5 VALUE Vickery Meadow, 7777 Glen America Dr $920 $1,100 $1,425 $1,700 RATING TOP 5 1st THE MERC 9.9 VALUE RATING Review by SMU Law Student THE LAKES IN THE 2nd VILLAGE 9.6 VALUE RATING "Overall, the location is great (about 10 minutes from campus, 15 minutes to downtown), and having gated access is nice for extra security. My unit is updated with hardwood floors and granite countertops and is the perfect amount of space for me. One 3rd TONTI LAKESIDE 9.5 VALUE RATING huge plus is that there's no monthly pet rent, only the fee and deposit. If you have a unit overlooking the small lake or creek, the view is very beautiful. I have had generally good experiences with management." 4th VUE FITZHUGH 9.3 VALUE RATING POST UPTOWN 5th VILLAGE 9.0 VALUE RATING 18
Townhomes Smaller properties and how to find them ABOUT TOWNHOMES Townhomes are apartments in older buildings, typically a few stories tall. They Finding a townhome usually do not have a doorman, an elevator, Townhomes can be challenging to find because they tend to be or many amenities, but can be cheaper and individually owned and do not have full time leasing managers. more spacious than the apartment and Townhome listings are typically available ~60 days in advance. You condo units in high-rises. can find a townhome by searching online listings, contacting a WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER A TOWNHOME landlord directly, or by working with VeryApt's Concierge Team who can help identify some options. CHEAPER LARGER FLOOR PLANS 3+ BEDROOMS AVAILABLE MORE PRIVACY Preparing for a townhome search Most SMU Law students opt for larger properties in order to live WHY YOU MAY WANT TO AVOID A TOWNHOME closer to other students and simplify the housing search. That said, there are plenty of wonderful townhomes - be prepared to visit NO DOORMAN LESS CONVENIENT LOCATIONS more properties to find that perfect home, carefully examine the OLDER CONSTRUCTION LIMITED AMENITIES pros/cons, and move quickly if you find a unit you love. MORE MAINTENANCE ISSUES TIPS AND ADVICE Reliable Landlords Noise and Neighbors Lease Terms Check online reviews and talk to Sounds often travel well through Leases with independent landlords previous tenants to find out about townhomes and you can easily be are negotiable. Check your lease for your landlord. Look for one that disturbed by barking dogs, music, or restrictions on sub-letters and visitor responds quickly to maintenance construction. Check out the policies. You may be able to avoid a requests and has a history of surrounding area to get a sense for rent increase by locking in a longer returning deposits. what it may be like. lease.
LANDLORD GRADES and the Renting Process GRADE LANDLORD Understanding THE RENTING PROCESS A+ Alliance Residential Company If this is your first time renting, here is a heads up on what the process is like: A+ Berkshire Communities Application process You will be asked to fill out an application for an B CIM Group apartment. Likely this will include an application fee ($30-50) and potentially a deposit (up to one month’s rent). If you’re an international student, you A- Gables Residential may have to provide alternate information - in the absence of a social security number, bank accounts, etc., often landlords will accept your visa documents A+ Greystar and acceptance letter. Landlords will use your information to approve you based only on your credit history and income. In the event where there are A Lincoln Property Company issues, a landlord may grant the application on the condition that a guarantor cosigns the lease. B- MAA After you're approved A landlord will often ask for a security deposit and prepaid rent. A landlord typically charges up to two A Sentinel Real Estate Corp months' rent as a security deposit and will ask for up to two months in prepaid rent. Anything beyond this is more than normal. At the end of your lease and A+ The Tipton Group after you give proper notification that you are moving out (typically 60-90 days), the landlord has 30 days to return the security deposit at the end of B Tonti Properties the lease. The landlord may not return the deposit in full if there are claimed damages to the property or other charges outstanding. B Trinity Property Consultants What to look out for B Windsor Communities Check for additional charges or obligations that could cost you more than the listed price of a property. This could include move-in/move-out fees, renters B ZRS Management insurance requirements, condo fees, common electrical fees, etc. Definitely ask about what previous electrical/utility bills have been to get a feel for any additional monthly costs there may be. Be sure to research the landlord and management company Landlord Grades before placing any sort of deposit. If you have any Grades were assigned to landlords by using a specific questions, feel free to reach out to us at combination of management ratings and overall contact@veryapt.com. ratings for the properties they manage. 20
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