suspirar Posted March 1, 2012 Share Posted March 1, 2012 For those of you who are attending or have already attended UTPA, where do you recommend living, or where do you recommend against living? I found the on-campus apartment costs at http://portal.utpa.edu/utpa_main/dess_home/residence_home/Costs , which includes the costs of meal plans, which are required for apartment renters too. I called on-campus housing, and I was told that leases are 9 months long. I saw some private off-campus apartments, very close to UTPA, but I did not enter. I would prefer to live close to campus, preferably within walking distance, in case parking is scarce. I am interested in things like cost, safety, reliability of maintenance, convenience, and quality of air conditioning. If you don't want to post publicly, you can send me a private message. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desiree Posted April 25, 2013 Share Posted April 25, 2013 I was recommended the veranda apartments. Its a four bedroom four bath apartment for 370 a month. I think it would be very convenient to live with 3 other PA students the first semester while we are all a little lost. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ingram Posted May 1, 2013 Share Posted May 1, 2013 I'm one of those who lived there and moved out. It is a predominantly undergrad apartment. As such, you can expect regular, loud parties and sometimes there is broken glass on the common grounds outside this (more often than not actually). Those who break the beer bottles/other stuff are fined, but it doesn't really stop it. I'm not saying that all buildings are like this, but the one myself and 2 others happened to be in was like this. My roommate actually got his windshield busted with a skillet one night while he was sleeping (again, parties). So I'm not saying this is the worst place, but there have definitely been issues and I wouldn't recommend this for someone in the program. There are too many other options out there that don't have that issue. Your experience might be different, this was just mine. -Brian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ingram Posted May 1, 2013 Share Posted May 1, 2013 I'm one of those who lived there and moved out. It is a predominantly undergrad apartment. As such, you can expect regular, loud parties and sometimes there is broken glass on the common grounds outside this (more often than not actually). Those who break the beer bottles/other stuff are fined, but it doesn't really stop it. I'm not saying that all buildings are like this, but the one myself and 2 others happened to be in was like this. My roommate actually got his windshield busted with a skillet one night while he was sleeping (again, parties). So I'm not saying this is the worst place, but there have definitely been issues and I wouldn't recommend this for someone in the program. There are too many other options out there that don't have that issue. Your experience might be different, this was just mine. -Brian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ingram Posted May 1, 2013 Share Posted May 1, 2013 I'm one of those who lived there and moved out. It is a predominantly undergrad apartment. As such, you can expect regular, loud parties and sometimes there is broken glass on the common grounds outside this (more often than not actually). Those who break the beer bottles/other stuff are fined, but it doesn't really stop it. I'm not saying that all buildings are like this, but the one myself and 2 others happened to be in was like this. My roommate actually got his windshield busted with a skillet one night while he was sleeping (again, parties). So I'm not saying this is the worst place, but there have definitely been issues and I wouldn't recommend this for someone in the program. There are too many other options out there that don't have that issue. Your experience might be different, this was just mine. -Brian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desiree Posted May 2, 2013 Share Posted May 2, 2013 Hello Brian, Thank you for the info. What apartments would you recommend around the area? Where did you move in to? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desiree Posted May 2, 2013 Share Posted May 2, 2013 Hello Brian, Thank you for the info. What apartments would you recommend around the area? Where did you move in to? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desiree Posted May 2, 2013 Share Posted May 2, 2013 Hello Brian, Thank you for the info. What apartments would you recommend around the area? Where did you move in to? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ingram Posted May 2, 2013 Share Posted May 2, 2013 I used to have a document that I typed up that listed several of the apartment complexes around here. I will see if I can find it. I saw your class already has a FB page and that is where we had this one listed. All in all, it isn't as detailed as I would like for it to have been but I'll see if I can add some to it. It seems that the majority of us stay in privately owned apartments/condos that were built for that purpose. There are lots and lots of them surrounding UTPA, most of which can be found via craigslist or a local real estate agent. I personally used Red Door Real Estate for my current place and have had good service (another classmate uses this same one and had good service as well). Just to give yall an idea I am paying $550/month for a 2bdr/2bath complete with washer and dryer. It is around 950 sq.ft. and is 1 mile from the school. The area is quiet and safe. Another one of my classmates pays $650/month for a 2bdr/2bath with washer and dryer and it is around 1100 sq.ft. and is in an equally nice area (she has a small patio as well, whereas I don't). This does not include water ($30/month for me), electricity (varies based on usage naturally), and internet/cable (I run just internet for $40/month with 15mbps speed). A few apartment complexes nearby, off the top of my head, are Heritage Square, Rock Ridge (right next to Veranda and UTPA), El Bosque, and The Palms. I know people that stay at all of those and for the most part I think they are pretty satisfied, but I would recommend talking with them before signing a lease. You'll have time to talk and figure things out this summer. I don't know if it will go for yall like it did for us, but we added some of the 2nd years to our facebook page and they helped answer a lot of our questions before we moved down. That might be something yall care to do as well. If you have any more questions please ask away! -Brian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ingram Posted May 2, 2013 Share Posted May 2, 2013 I used to have a document that I typed up that listed several of the apartment complexes around here. I will see if I can find it. I saw your class already has a FB page and that is where we had this one listed. All in all, it isn't as detailed as I would like for it to have been but I'll see if I can add some to it. It seems that the majority of us stay in privately owned apartments/condos that were built for that purpose. There are lots and lots of them surrounding UTPA, most of which can be found via craigslist or a local real estate agent. I personally used Red Door Real Estate for my current place and have had good service (another classmate uses this same one and had good service as well). Just to give yall an idea I am paying $550/month for a 2bdr/2bath complete with washer and dryer. It is around 950 sq.ft. and is 1 mile from the school. The area is quiet and safe. Another one of my classmates pays $650/month for a 2bdr/2bath with washer and dryer and it is around 1100 sq.ft. and is in an equally nice area (she has a small patio as well, whereas I don't). This does not include water ($30/month for me), electricity (varies based on usage naturally), and internet/cable (I run just internet for $40/month with 15mbps speed). A few apartment complexes nearby, off the top of my head, are Heritage Square, Rock Ridge (right next to Veranda and UTPA), El Bosque, and The Palms. I know people that stay at all of those and for the most part I think they are pretty satisfied, but I would recommend talking with them before signing a lease. You'll have time to talk and figure things out this summer. I don't know if it will go for yall like it did for us, but we added some of the 2nd years to our facebook page and they helped answer a lot of our questions before we moved down. That might be something yall care to do as well. If you have any more questions please ask away! -Brian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ingram Posted May 2, 2013 Share Posted May 2, 2013 I used to have a document that I typed up that listed several of the apartment complexes around here. I will see if I can find it. I saw your class already has a FB page and that is where we had this one listed. All in all, it isn't as detailed as I would like for it to have been but I'll see if I can add some to it. It seems that the majority of us stay in privately owned apartments/condos that were built for that purpose. There are lots and lots of them surrounding UTPA, most of which can be found via craigslist or a local real estate agent. I personally used Red Door Real Estate for my current place and have had good service (another classmate uses this same one and had good service as well). Just to give yall an idea I am paying $550/month for a 2bdr/2bath complete with washer and dryer. It is around 950 sq.ft. and is 1 mile from the school. The area is quiet and safe. Another one of my classmates pays $650/month for a 2bdr/2bath with washer and dryer and it is around 1100 sq.ft. and is in an equally nice area (she has a small patio as well, whereas I don't). This does not include water ($30/month for me), electricity (varies based on usage naturally), and internet/cable (I run just internet for $40/month with 15mbps speed). A few apartment complexes nearby, off the top of my head, are Heritage Square, Rock Ridge (right next to Veranda and UTPA), El Bosque, and The Palms. I know people that stay at all of those and for the most part I think they are pretty satisfied, but I would recommend talking with them before signing a lease. You'll have time to talk and figure things out this summer. I don't know if it will go for yall like it did for us, but we added some of the 2nd years to our facebook page and they helped answer a lot of our questions before we moved down. That might be something yall care to do as well. If you have any more questions please ask away! -Brian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdg Posted May 8, 2013 Share Posted May 8, 2013 hey ya'll, I am currently a first year and I was able to sign up early and get a single bedroom at Bronc Village in preparation for convenience during rotations in the Fall. Although I must say that Bronc village is competitive to get, they are currently going through applications and signing up for housing. So if you must act, act pretty soon. The rent that I was quoted was around $700 for my single a month which includes water, electricity, and Internet all into one. I currently live in the Heritage dorms which is not that bad, since I have an awesome roommate and great dormmates who are undergrads. The dorm is majority if not all undergrads, but because of the RAs things are kept under control pretty well. The Bronc Village apartments also have RAs that help keep things under control as well which is a great thing to have. There is ALWAYS an RA on call for you to phone should any issue occur at anytime. Great thing about Heritage is that the walls are made of cement so any music or noise the room next to you has is not heard. Also it takes me literally 3 minutes to walk to class from the dorms. :) Before entering PA school I was given the advice not to live with a classmate(s) because you will spend so much time with them in class and throughout your studies you kind of just want to go home and get away from it all, if you will. So far, it has worked well for me. Something about the change of scenery and talking about something other than classes at the end of the day keeps me at ease. Definitely not trying to dissuade you from living with your classmates, but I am just giving yall my experience. Helps that I am a heavy sleeper too. If ya'll have any other questions I am here to help. Enjoy your summer and see ya'll soon! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdg Posted May 8, 2013 Share Posted May 8, 2013 hey ya'll, I am currently a first year and I was able to sign up early and get a single bedroom at Bronc Village in preparation for convenience during rotations in the Fall. Although I must say that Bronc village is competitive to get, they are currently going through applications and signing up for housing. So if you must act, act pretty soon. The rent that I was quoted was around $700 for my single a month which includes water, electricity, and Internet all into one. I currently live in the Heritage dorms which is not that bad, since I have an awesome roommate and great dormmates who are undergrads. The dorm is majority if not all undergrads, but because of the RAs things are kept under control pretty well. The Bronc Village apartments also have RAs that help keep things under control as well which is a great thing to have. There is ALWAYS an RA on call for you to phone should any issue occur at anytime. Great thing about Heritage is that the walls are made of cement so any music or noise the room next to you has is not heard. Also it takes me literally 3 minutes to walk to class from the dorms. :) Before entering PA school I was given the advice not to live with a classmate(s) because you will spend so much time with them in class and throughout your studies you kind of just want to go home and get away from it all, if you will. So far, it has worked well for me. Something about the change of scenery and talking about something other than classes at the end of the day keeps me at ease. Definitely not trying to dissuade you from living with your classmates, but I am just giving yall my experience. Helps that I am a heavy sleeper too. If ya'll have any other questions I am here to help. Enjoy your summer and see ya'll soon! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdg Posted May 8, 2013 Share Posted May 8, 2013 hey ya'll, I am currently a first year and I was able to sign up early and get a single bedroom at Bronc Village in preparation for convenience during rotations in the Fall. Although I must say that Bronc village is competitive to get, they are currently going through applications and signing up for housing. So if you must act, act pretty soon. The rent that I was quoted was around $700 for my single a month which includes water, electricity, and Internet all into one. I currently live in the Heritage dorms which is not that bad, since I have an awesome roommate and great dormmates who are undergrads. The dorm is majority if not all undergrads, but because of the RAs things are kept under control pretty well. The Bronc Village apartments also have RAs that help keep things under control as well which is a great thing to have. There is ALWAYS an RA on call for you to phone should any issue occur at anytime. Great thing about Heritage is that the walls are made of cement so any music or noise the room next to you has is not heard. Also it takes me literally 3 minutes to walk to class from the dorms. :) Before entering PA school I was given the advice not to live with a classmate(s) because you will spend so much time with them in class and throughout your studies you kind of just want to go home and get away from it all, if you will. So far, it has worked well for me. Something about the change of scenery and talking about something other than classes at the end of the day keeps me at ease. Definitely not trying to dissuade you from living with your classmates, but I am just giving yall my experience. Helps that I am a heavy sleeper too. If ya'll have any other questions I am here to help. Enjoy your summer and see ya'll soon! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suspirar Posted May 15, 2013 Author Share Posted May 15, 2013 Here is a link to a document about some housing options near UTPA: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B0UCn9kUHG9aWjRTWVhvNnhlZlk/edit?usp=sharing If you cannot read it, let me know; I can try something else. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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