{ "name": "500 Square Apartments", "slug": "500-square-apartments", "company_type": "Property", "address": "500 32nd St, Bellingham, WA 98225", "review_count": 23, "average_rating": 3.52, "reviews": { "google_reviews": [ { "author": "Nathaniel Stoppelman", "rating": 3, "review": "Apt are nice and secure until the power goes out and the all electronic system for the main entrances breaks. Too much reliance on tech when locks and keys would be just fine.", "owner_response": { "text": "Hi Nathaniel - we're sorry to hear that you didn't like the electronic locks for the building. We have installed a battery backup system that should allow phone app users to still have access to the building, but it does not apply to use of the fob. We will continue to look at and improve our system in the coming months and years to ensure that everyone has the best experience with the electronic lock system as possible." } }, { "author": "Kendra Morgen", "rating": 4, "review": "500 square is a nice place to live and is in a great location. I have a slight problem with that when me and my roommates moved in, there was a lot of damages to the apartment that wasnt taken care of prior to our move in. One of the biggest damages was a dent on one of the bathroom doors. We could also see that someone tried to do a paint match but it didnt work out so great and there is multiple dents and scratched to the walls. Another issue is that its hard to get contact with the onsite manager during their said business hours. Besides that, 500 square is an ideal place to live.", "owner_response": { "text": "Hi Kendra,\nGlad you are enjoying the apartment overall. We apologize for any maintenance that was not completed before move in. Any reported concerns should have been addressed by now. If anything has not been taken care of, please notify our office so we we can make sure it is addressed. I can also be reached by email or phone if i happen to not be in the office at the moment, so do not hesitate to reach out those ways as well. " } }, { "author": "Luke Gavin", "rating": 3, "review": "Fairly nice because theyre new, nice that theres locking outer doors to the whole building. On the cheap side for finish work in-unit", "owner_response": null }, { "author": "Bella Peregrino", "rating": 3, "review": "The parking lot is very crowded and not very safe. The apartment is on a steep hill and the property management decided to block off the safest and most convenient exit/entrance for the parking lot. To the best of my knowledge it was only to block non-residents from driving in the parking lot. I never noticed a problem with that before, this is my second year living at 500 Square. It has only made the access to parking more difficult and dangerous.", "owner_response": { "text": "Thank you for the feedback, Bella. Im sorry to hear that you have had difficulty with the parking lot here. Our goal is to always provide as much parking as possible for our residents in our reserved parking lot and make sure that only residents are utilizing their parking spaces. If you have specific concerns we are more than happy to address them with you when you get a chance to call or talk in our onsite office. " } }, { "author": "Sonja Hinshaw", "rating": 2, "review": "I really wanted to like this place but unfortunately its just not what it claims to be. The building itself is pretty nice, you can tell it was made to look good but not actually be of good quality but I can get over that. My main issue I have here is the lack of management presence and the lack of security/safety. There is almost never a manager on sight, even during 11am-2pm when they are said to be here. There is an entrance/exit that anyone can use to get into the building by sliding your hand through the bars, making it super easy for anyone to enter the apartment building without being a tenant or a guest. I messaged the manager about this 5 days ago and never got a response. I also sent a follow up message yesterday and still no response. I have friends living in this apartment, and when they moved in they didnt even have a functioning dish washer because it was missing key pieces. They didnt have any mirrors in the bathroom either. Yet, they were still paying full price of the rent regardless of not having a fully equipped apartment. When I moved into my unit, there weee already scuffs and dings - specifically around the kitchen. Not to mention there was sawdust in the cupboards. The apartment units themselves are beautiful in my opinion but lack functionality. For example, there is only one drawer in the kitchen in my unit (which is a 2-bed 1.5-bath) - and the drawer cant even be opened because the fridge blocks it from opening fully. Similar issue in the bathroom, if the door is open you cannot open the drawers. I think this apartment could be really great with some improvements but it definitely has a way to go.", "owner_response": { "text": "Hi Sonja,\nThanks for taking the time to give some feed back. I am sorry to hear you are not satisfied with the property. Regarding management, we have an onsite manager who is in the office from 9-1 every day, you are welcome to drop in and discuss any issues you have when you are available. We have not received any message from you about the door, through there are plans to address that issue right away. In the future please send messages to manager@500square.com or call the office at 360-209-5313 so we can address any concerns you may have. We try to address any work orders as fast as possible and we apologize if anything was missed before you moved in. Rent credit and gift cards were given to tenants who brought up any issues to management and any tenants who didn't have mirrors right away. Please let us know if the future if you have further issues so they can be addressed by management." } }, { "author": "Madison Paris", "rating": 3, "review": "Quickly built apartment with things that would peel/warp/fall apart but they were always quick to fix things. No windows as advertised and window in bedroom faces a courtyard, room had no closet and had to be built after moving in. Patio at ground level with cars.", "owner_response": { "text": "Hello Madison - we're sorry to hear that your stay at 500 Square was less than ideal, but glad to hear that we were timely and responsive to maintenance requests. If you think there is anything we could have done better for future tenants please feel free to send an email to the on-site office - we'd love to hear from you!" } }, { "author": "Wala Saadeh", "rating": 5, "review": "New and spacious apartments with excellent finishes. The entry to building is secured which is very safe and relaxing. Balcony view is amazing and I personally love it so much. The property manager is very responsive to questions and concerns. Highly recommended!", "owner_response": { "text": "Thanks for the review!" } }, { "author": "Jane Bekker", "rating": 1, "review": "Disappointed in the management and overall experience living here. There have been many issues with this place from the beginning. To name a few, the move in date was pushed back two days and we were given less than a days notice, the apartment was still covered in sawdust once we were able to move in, the toilets werent working, the dishwasher wasnt fully installed, mirrors werent installed until weeks after moving in, and now we are dealing with not having electricity for the past 72 hours.", "owner_response": { "text": "Hi Jane, \nI'm sorry to hear about your disappointment with some issues since you moved in. There were some tight construction deadlines, so we apologize if anything was missed by the builders before move in. Your issue with the electricity being out in part of your unit is being scheduled with the electrician and will be addressed right away, as was confirmed earlier today. That you for your patience as we get the electrician out to address the issue. Thank you for your feedback, and please feel free to voice any further concerns to us and we'll do our best to address any remaining issues." } }, { "author": "Lauren Wright", "rating": 1, "review": "Nice apartments but poor management as far as wait times, parking, and construction goes. This place was supposed to be finished in May 2022 and is still not finished. Its a sunny afternoon and I have my window shut because of all the noise they make all the time. My friends in this building didnt have MIRRORS in their bathrooms until this week. They moved into this place in the first week of September. Also the prison gate door is so deafening that some people just dont close it, which is a security issue.", "owner_response": { "text": "We're sorry to hear this about your experience here. We strive to make our residents happy, and we apologize for the disruptions and noise caused by construction at the property. Our management team has addressed these noise issues with the construction company, and we anticipate less noise from them going forward, especially as the construction on the property is nearing completion.\n\nIn regards to parking, we are aware of the issues you mentioned in your review and are working to improve these issues. In the meantime, if someone is parked in your spot, please contact management with a description of the vehicle, and the license plate number, so we can have the car removed immediately. We thank you for your understanding in regards to this issue as we sort out this issue on the property.\n\nThank you for letting us know about the noise being caused by the closing of the metal gate, and the safety issue its causing. Weve fixed this since being alerted to the issue. If youre still experiencing this issue, or see the gate left open, please contact us as soon as possible, as safety is of the utmost important at our property.\n\nThat is correct about the missing mirrors for some of our tenants, but we have fixed that issue and those tenants all should have mirrors at this point. We issued a rent credit to compensate those tenants for the inconvenience.\n\nThank you for your feedback, and please feel free to voice any further concerns to us and we'll do our best to address any remaining issues." } }, { "author": "Richard Dickson", "rating": 1, "review": "When I moved in I was warned by other residents that this building is not safe, I didn't believe them but i should have. I have lived here for just over 3 weeks and I have already heard of 2 of my neighbors being robbed because the doors do not use real locks, instead opting for keypads that malfunction half the time you use them.", "owner_response": { "text": "We are sorry to hear that there have been crime issues here. We are always working towards creating a safer place to live for our tenants. Thank you for your patience as we worked through any issues that came up in our opening days with the controlled access. Please let us know if there are any further issues with our controlled access system." } }, { "author": "Kimberly Fine", "rating": 5, "review": "Beautiful apartments with modern finishes. The property manager is very responsive to questions and concerns. Having secure entry to the building makes it feel super safe and the package parcels are a great bonus!", "owner_response": { "text": "Thank you for your feedback!" } }, { "author": "Kennedy Hogan", "rating": 5, "review": "Super nice and communicative repair man! Got it fixed with no problem. Even gave me a heads up when he was on his way", "owner_response": null }, { "author": "Muhammad Awais Bin Altaf", "rating": 5, "review": "Great place and nice location. Living here with my family and absolutely enjoying it. Highly recommended. Maintenance just an email away from you. Management is Highly responsive and accommodating.", "owner_response": { "text": "Glad you enjoy the apartment! Thanks for the feedback." } }, { "author": "Alex", "rating": 1, "review": "0 stars. I would like this apartment but the horrible management is unacceptable, feel free to park in any spot though, as they do not fine you unless you live here.", "owner_response": { "text": "We apologize for the tight parking situation. We understand it is frustrating when your parking space is parked in by another person. We are working to create a working parking situation for all tenants. Please let us know if you have further parking issues so we can have the vehicle removed." } }, { "author": "Stillo", "rating": 5, "review": "i like it ", "owner_response": { "text": "Hello Stillo! Thank you for your review! We're glad you like it here!" } }, { "author": "Bell Young", "rating": 4, "review": "", "owner_response": { "text": "Hi Bell - thank you for providing us with a four star review! If there's anything in particular you think we could do better, please do not hesitate to reach out to the office and let us know." } }, { "author": "Mava Sanaei", "rating": 5, "review": "", "owner_response": { "text": "Hello Mava - thank you for the five star review! We are always grateful for the feedback!" } }, { "author": "Sofia Clark", "rating": 4, "review": "", "owner_response": { "text": "Hello Sofia - thank you for the four star review! We are always working towards offering a great service, and it's nice to know we're doing well!" } }, { "author": "Marcus", "rating": 3, "review": "", "owner_response": { "text": "Hello Marcus, thanks for taking the time to review us. It sounds like we could have done something to better accommodate you. Please reach out to us to tell us how we can improve our service. Thank you!" } }, { "author": "Evan Spratt", "rating": 5, "review": "", "owner_response": { "text": "Hi Evan - thanks for the positive review! We will work hard to ensure that others have a positive experience here too!" } }, { "author": "Andrew Smith-Moreland", "rating": 5, "review": "", "owner_response": { "text": "Hello Andrew! Thank you for the review!" } }, { "author": "Isabelle Sheadel", "rating": 4, "review": "", "owner_response": { "text": "Hello Isabelle! Thank you for your review! " } }, { "author": "Jo Mosgrove", "rating": 4, "review": "", "owner_response": { "text": "Thank you, Jo, for your review! " } } ] }, "adjusted_review_count": 15, "adjusted_average_rating": 3.13, "distribution": { "1": 4, "2": 1, "3": 5, "4": 5, "5": 8 }, "summary": { "created_timestamp": 1739205389, "text": "

Good

In this article's \"Good\" section, 500 Square Apartments has been praised by several residents for its ideal location and the spaciousness of its units. Positive feedback commonly highlights the modern finishes and secured entry, making residents feel safe and at ease. The property manager's responsiveness shines through, with maintenance requests being handled swiftly and effectively, which leaves a good impression among tenants. Many user reviews also appreciate the lovely balcony views and the relaxing atmosphere of the apartment complex, contributing to a positive living experience.

Residents noted that the apartments' maintenance could be reached easily, either via email or phone, contributing to the comfort and convenience of living at 500 Square Apartments. The environment is acknowledged for its cleanliness and well-kept state, which many find conducive to a pleasant and inviting living space. This section reflects a general sentiment of satisfaction among tenants, who are pleased with the proactive communication and management's attempts to address needs promptly, despite some minor hiccups.

Great

In the \"Great\" section, 500 Square Apartments comes highly recommended by tenants appreciative of the apartment's newness and modern aesthetic. Residents often laud the property manager's excellent communication skills and willingness to handle questions and issues promptly. The package parcel system is seen as a significant advantage, ensuring residents have a seamless and secure process for receiving deliveries. Living experiences are enhanced by expansive interiors and standout safety measures, like secure building access, as noted by enthusiastic reviewers.

A recurring theme in user reviews is the property management's exceptional responsiveness, which extends to handling maintenance with efficiency and reliability. Residents expressed satisfaction with the high-impact improvements such as the addition of high-standard finishes, illustrating the management's commitment to quality living. It's clear that 500 Square Apartments manages to stand out for going beyond the basics, creating an environment where families and individuals alike find both comfort and peace of mind.

Bad

The \"Bad\" section of this article highlights some of the deficiencies 500 Square Apartments struggles with. One key issue stems from construction-related mishaps, where some residents moved into apartments that were not fully completed. Instances of non-functional appliances and missing essentials, such as bathroom mirrors, frustrated tenants eager to settle in. Noise from ongoing construction, a point of concern for those seeking peace and quiet, disrupts the otherwise appealing residential vibe promised by the property.

Moreover, communication issues with property management have been a source of angst. Several residents have raised concerns about the unavailability of managers during stated business hours, making it difficult to address mounting issues effectively. Security lapses, such as accessible entry points due to inadequate or malfunctioning locks, add to the list of grievances, further compounded by inconsistent responses to such critical safety concerns. Although the management displays attempts to address some complaints, the prevailing sentiment remains that progress is needed in terms of alleviating these challenges.

Ugly

The \"Ugly\" section of this article reflects the more severe criticisms lodged against 500 Square Apartments. A consistent issue highlighted by reviewers is the disappointing experience with management, chiefly due to poor communication and unaddressed security concerns, leaving some residents feeling vulnerable. Multiple accounts describe delays and oversight during the move-in process, with sawdust and incomplete installations stark indicators of rushed preparation and a lack of attention to detail.

Significantly, reports of crime and safety issues within the premises, including break-ins due to malfunctioning electronic locks, contribute to an unsettling atmosphere for some tenants. Some residents felt let down by the apparent ineffectiveness of measures meant to guarantee security. Although management has acknowledged some grievances and promised improvements, such measures often appear insufficient or belated, leaving a gap between expectation and reality. These concerns, coupled with ongoing parking challenges, tarnish what could potentially be a promising residential development.

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