The Overlook

It is amazing. I have no complaints!

Overall positive experience. The location is convenient and feels safe. Value for money could be better. Apartments are basic but well maintained.

The Overlook is nicely located right off of Wanamaker and close to both restaurants and a Walmart. It is under 15 minutes away from school, and the drive there and back is not difficult. While many families live in the complex, I find that I enjoy living here alone and feel safe. I have had no issues with noise level or major problems with the apartment.

The apartment complex and units themselves are nice enough, but the managers and maintenance personnel pry a little too much. I’ve got maintenance peeking in my windows on more than one occasion. I solved this issue by putting a peel and stick cling film on all windows - which, in and of itself, is insane.

Rent is also outrageous and has gone up every year I have lived here. I will not be renewing my lease.

I’ve lived at Overlook for over a year. I’ve never had issues with management since I’ve been here. Maintenance requests are done timely and courteously. There are a lot of families that live here so it doesn’t get super loud or disruptive like other places that might be mostly undergrad residents. The gym is pretty small but has basic machines and equipment, is useable and is usually not very busy. Appliances all work well with in-unit laundry included. It’s located in a convenient area close to all the restaurants and shopping areas on Wanamaker and about 10-15 minutes from campus.
One thing that could probably be better is indoor lighting in the units. The one safety issue I’ve experienced was a couple of car break-ins at the complex. In my unit my, the bedrooms have also tended to be considerably colder than the living room. The walls usually prevent noise coming from neighboring units but we still can hear them occasionally.

Rent is expensive and management is incredibly intrusive, but the community is low crime, very secure, and quiet for the most part. Management tries to play "gotcha" games and is bad about giving reasonable notice prior to entry. For lack of a better term, the property manager is "snooty." They also charge over $700 in pet fees and raise the rent based on "market price," which appears to be a made-up figure based on management's mood. They act offended when residents try to negotiate lower rent prices.

I moved to Topeka in order to find a reasonably priced 1B/1B apartment.