Oak Grove Village

I purposely didn't do this review until we'd been here through the renewal, so as to have a comprehensive review.

We love it here!

We upped the lease term from 12 to 15 months and in so were very pleased to come to good financial and other terms in the new lease--- honestly, clearly and respectfully. Obviously there's a year to year increase. Any reviews that suggest that it's unreasonable for there to be a cost of living raise is just not realistic. Melrose has topped the lists as a "Best place to live" several times which has resulted in a shortage of housing inventory. Supply and demand rules costs. Especially with the hugely desirable location adjacent to the T. Do check out the pricing at the Washington Street brand new, modern apt complexes. (Especially see their reviews. New buildings already having big issues) They're priced in the same range or higher---without the green spaces and amenities.

Our apartment is so lovely. 2 bedroom, two bath. Top floor. 10 ft ceilings, all doors are solid and controlled closing (no slamming of doors is fantastic) with lots of oversized windows-- all the way to the floor in the central area, which the dogs are crazy about. We almost never hear our neighbors or smell food cooking (a pet peeve) inside our home.. Our leasing agent that we first signed with (awesome Kevin Pickup!!) was able to find the perfect apartment for our "Need to have" list.

We put down our wait list deposit with a 4-6 month lead time to move in, giving time for Kevin to succeed fulfilling our needs.

You should listen to the terms of renting. Nothing is included. The water & sewer are billed by a third party company and added to your monthly. Storage in only in two buildings, which can be annoying but we've adjusted, with an adjustable dolly from Walmart ($60) which is invaluable to move items to/from the storage space in building 2, opposing us. We rent a nicely sized storage room that's less money than an off-site location.

The exterior parking seems to be tight and well controlled to avoid T station people from parking here. We chose to get an inside reserved space. We needed a handicapped space and they created one for us next to the elevator!!!

Anything we've asked for help with, including help hanging art, installing a different shower head, helping us find great movers.... our concierge Kevin is ABSOLUTELY wonderful.

The entire leasing and management team are equally fabulous. They clearly enjoy their work.

Regan took us through our January renewal--- he was open to our ideas, honest, clear and professional .

And. the maintenance crew, well, they're just incredible. Dave, Mike, Michael, Jesus..We can set our clocks by the cleaning team who keep the common areas impeccable. We've never gone longer than 12 hours without their response. On snow days they are out at 5am hand shoveling all the sidewalks and entrances.

The landscaping is so well planned with flowering trees, spring and fall flowers everywhere, tree lined walkways. Just beautiful. It looks like a neighborhood, unlike the big, new complexes built on Washington St, the flip side of Oak Grove T station.

I do sincerely wish the dog park was bigger and not on sloping ground, right against the chain link that runs along the waterway. Its kept clean and has some toys but has a big granite rock in the middle. Also, maybe they could offer a dog wash station of some kind?

Yes there are small things that drive me crazy but any concern I've thought strongly enough to raise to staff has always been respectfully listened to.

Very dog friendly in half the buildings. Our two pups have so much fun here. It's wonderful to see all the happy yappy pups. So many sweet families. Like I said, it's a neighborhood.

The pool is very busy. There are 550 apartments, so it's not surprising. The gym is open 24/7 and has a good selection of machines and free weights.

Oak Grove Village has quickly become our home.

The maintenance staff is very helpful and timely. One time we noticed our bathroom sink was clogged, and Anthony came within an hour or two and helped us unclog it in minutes. Thanks Anthony!