Towson Promenade vs. The Palisades of Towson (apartments, lease)

[Dee Va]

Hello,

I'll be moving to Towson this summer, but I am torn over which apartment building I will choose. I have narrowed my choices down to Towson Promenade and The Palisades of Towson. I have checked out other apartments and these seem to be the best for what I am looking for. I am just not sure about the exclusivity of the Promenade and I am not sure about the parking at Palisades. If you have any experience with either of these, please give me you input. Also, does anyone know if high school students have to walk to Towson High or if there is a school bus? The Palisades in about a half a mile away. That is also a concern of mine since my daughter will be going into the 9th grade. Thank you!

[Pretty Little Liar]

I currently live in the Promenade and could answer any specific questions you have. I really like it here, and am planning to renew another year. I live on the top floor so that might make a difference but it is always very quiet; we've never had any problems with our neighbors being too loud or heard any loud parties anywhere. Parking is great, the garage opens directly onto each floor - however it seems like the gate is often broken. A lot of people worry about security with that but I figure it still beats street parking or an uncovered lot at other places.

The apartments themselves are really beautiful and when we moved in it clearly had brand new carpet and was freshly painted. We've had to call maintenance a couple times for minor things - old fridge filter, burnt out light bulb - and they have always responded very quickly.

[Dee Va]

I read reviews that said the walls are thin. Have you experienced hearing your neighbor's tv or talking through the walls? How many floors are there? I would probably rather be on the top floor too so I can't hear footsteps above. Thanks.

[oltown]

I lived at the Promenade for 6 months. I heard my neighbors when they were yelling or being excessively loud. The management would be all up in your @ss if you make too much noise. The pool and exercise room are both very nice and maintenance would always be quick to fix any issues. I didn't think the management team was all that great, but if you don't bother them, they won't bother you. The apartments were really nice and the whole place is new. As Pretty Little Liar said, one of the garage gates is ALWAYS broken, but you still need key fobs to get in the buildings and get around. You can not beat the location of either place as far as walking around Towson. TP is probably a little better b/c of the grocery and mall so close. I didn't feel the 'exclusivity' as you stated, even though I know there were professional athletes living there. I know nothing about the Palisades, and can only answer about the Promenade. If you have more questions, ask...

[Dee Va]

Oltown, thanks so much. That was helpful. I think some people exaggerated how loud it could be. They had me thinking you could hear your neighbors flush their toilet.

[oltown]

Dee Va, I think it all depends on your neighbors, as with any apartment, you will most likely have people living above, below, and on one side or both. There is mostly young professionals living there, and it seemed that most were always busy with everyday life. If I remember correctly, the lease states that you must keep a certain % of the floor covered with rugs to help buffer the noises. To lessen foot traffic, look for a place on level 5, 7, or 8 and further from the elevators. Also, if you have a vehicle, you do not want to live on 2. 3 can be hard to find parking also, and 6 is a main level with mail room and many entrances to/from garage. LEt me know if you have any more questions.

[Pretty Little Liar]

I agree, the higher numbered floors are better with the exception of 6 - one entrance to the parking garage is on that floor along with the mail room so it faces more traffic. Also another thing about the walls - I have heard my neighbor's washing machine running before, but I actually have to be in the bathtub in silence to hear it. Standing at the sink in the bathroom, or in the bedroom you can't hear it. Unless your neighbor watches TV extra loudly I doubt there is much you would hear through the walls.

[Gagam2013]

I am new to this property and the walls and floors are very thin.. the person above me must be training for a marathon because I can hear them all day long. It is a high price to pay to live in a not so quite place.
Also make sure you are clear where you are located in the building if being near an elevator or the parking garage is important. They will not be very forth coming about any of this if they feel like you will take it.
I am not saying the staff or the apartment are bad, but after waiting 3 weeks to decide and this is what I picked it is not worth the money.