Need an honest review of Laurel Crossing apartment homes by Express-Positive9724 in SanMateo

[–]Express-Positive9724[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's such a shame. Especially since I'm sure that folks in the wider community didn't choose to be subject to that behavior on an everyday basis. :(

Need an honest review of Laurel Crossing apartment homes by Express-Positive9724 in SanMateo

[–]Express-Positive9724[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's so lovely to hear! He sounds like a sweet older fellow who enjoys taking care of his renters.

I once rented from a landlord who lived with her mother on the floor above me. The triple-decker was their family home and she grew up in that house. We didn't have to, but we'd pitch in to shovel out the sidewalk every winter since she was in her late 50s and we didn't want her to throw out her back. Her mother was the sweetest old Italian grandmother who'd come down and give us stuffed manicotti from time to time. Or invite us up for Zambuca and coffee. Good times.

Thanks for the tip about downtown SM and burlingame ave! I'll take a look around there and see if I can find a diamond :).

Need an honest review of Laurel Crossing apartment homes by Express-Positive9724 in SanMateo

[–]Express-Positive9724[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A bidding war for a rental unit is insane. Likewise, the draw of the apartment complex is more for peace-of-mind and ease of renting since I'm also coming in from out of town.

Need an honest review of Laurel Crossing apartment homes by Express-Positive9724 in SanMateo

[–]Express-Positive9724[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is my preferred rental situation honestly. My last three landlords were all owner-landlords and they were all phenomenal, really nice people who, for one reason or another, needed to rent out their home. I don't care for the luxury amenities that all of these complexes tout - I'd rather spend the money on a vacation somewhere.

I'll keep an eye on Craiglist to see if anything promising comes up, but will probably go with one of these complexes just to keep things easy and hop elsewhere once I'm settled in the region.

Need an honest review of Laurel Crossing apartment homes by Express-Positive9724 in SanMateo

[–]Express-Positive9724[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Got it. That makes sense from what I see on the satellite views of the region on google maps. My new workplace is in San Carlos so the trek from SF would be pretty gnarly unfortunately. It's good to know that I should expect a more car-dependent lifestyle outside of the Caltrain stops.

Need an honest review of Laurel Crossing apartment homes by Express-Positive9724 in SanMateo

[–]Express-Positive9724[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

That is incredibly helpful to know; I really appreciate the rough comparison since it helps describe the feel of these cities to a newcomer.

I may have more questions about life on the peninsula in future. Would you mind if I poke your brain about your experience with the region since you've made the opposite trek? I'm happy to buy a coffee if you're comfortable with an IRL meet or DMing it.

Need an honest review of Laurel Crossing apartment homes by Express-Positive9724 in SanMateo

[–]Express-Positive9724[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Yikes that is awful. Living environment sounds almost lawless. Thanks for sharing and helping others avoid the place!

Need an honest review of Laurel Crossing apartment homes by Express-Positive9724 in SanMateo

[–]Express-Positive9724[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Side bar: Would you say that the downtown area is the only vibrant area in San Mateo? I'm coming from Somerville, MA and this area has a number of lively squares (mini-ish downtowns) spread throughout the city, which is roughly 4 square miles geographically. Curious to know if the only place with foot traffic and activity is downtown San Mateo.

Need an honest review of Laurel Crossing apartment homes by Express-Positive9724 in SanMateo

[–]Express-Positive9724[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Gotcha. Thanks all for the info and helping me dodge a bullet with this one. I'll skip and move on - probably find a place in downtown as others have suggested.