College Manor Gainesville: An In-Depth Review of Apartment Living

College Manor Apartments in Gainesville, Florida, offer a range of housing options, primarily catering to students at the nearby University of Florida. Located conveniently close to campus, restaurants, and shops, this apartment complex provides various floor plans and amenities. This article delves into a comprehensive review of College Manor, considering its location, apartment features, pricing, and resident reviews.

Location and Accessibility

One of the most significant advantages of College Manor is its prime location. Situated just 167 steps from the University of Florida campus, it offers unparalleled convenience for students. According to resident reviews, the walk to class can be as short as 10 minutes, a considerable improvement compared to on-campus dormitories. The proximity to Midtown Gainesville's restaurants and shops further enhances its appeal.

College Manor also boasts excellent walkability and bike-friendliness. The area is considered a "walker’s paradise" and a "biker’s paradise," making it easy for residents to navigate the neighborhood without relying on a car. Additionally, a conveniently located bus stop provides easy access to public transportation along SW 2nd Ave.

Several shopping centers are within walking distance, including:

Gainesville Retail Walk: 10 min (0.5 mi)
The Shops at 700 Walk: 9 min (0.5 mi)
Central Plaza Walk: 11 min (0.6 mi)

For travel, Gainesville Regional Airport is a 16-minute drive (6.1 mi) away. Other nearby educational institutions include Santa Fe College, which is a 16-minute drive (7.6 mi) away.

Apartment Features and Amenities

College Manor offers a variety of floor plans to suit different needs and preferences. These range from studio apartments to larger units with multiple bedrooms and bathrooms.

Floor Plan Models and Units:

The available data provides a snapshot of the floor plans, rent ranges, and square footage:

Studio Apartments: Prices for studio apartments range from $1,159 to $1,375, with square footage varying from 325 to 450 sq. ft.
Larger Units: Total Monthly Price $2,075 1,020Sq. Total Monthly Price $1,649 1,200Sq. Total Monthly Price $2,449 1,200Sq. Ft.

It’s important to note that the displayed square footage is approximate, and definitions may vary. Prices shown are total prices based on community-supplied monthly required fees but may exclude user-selected optional fees and variable or usage-based fees.

Unit Amenities:

College Manor apartments come equipped with a range of amenities, including:

Air conditioning
Carpet or laminate floors
Ceiling fans
Dining room
Extra storage
Garbage disposal
Heating (central or floor/wall)
High-speed internet access
Kitchen with microwave
Patio, balcony, porch, or deck
Laundry options (in-unit washer/dryer or community laundry room)

Unique Features:

Select units also offer unique features such as:

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Built-in desk, shelves, and dresser
Freestanding showers
Fully equipped kitchen with microwave
Guest half-bathroom
Larger end units
Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring
Private suites with private bathrooms
Soundproof construction
Stainless steel appliances
Studio kitchenette with full-size fridge and microwave
Two-story townhome living

Fees and Policies

Prospective residents should be aware of the fees and policies associated with living at College Manor. The fees listed are community-provided and may exclude utilities or add-ons. All payments are made directly to the property and are non-refundable unless otherwise specified.

Utilities & Essentials:

One-time application fee per applicant
Move-in fees (based on community-supplied data and independent market research)

It is crucial to confirm the exact fees and policies with the management office, as they are subject to change without notice.

Resident Reviews and Ratings

Resident reviews provide valuable insights into the living experience at College Manor. The overall rating is 3.8/5 based on 13 reviews. While some residents praise the location, staff, and maintenance services, others express concerns about issues such as roaches and the condition of the units.

Positive Reviews:

Love the Staff and Living Space: One resident highlighted the exceptional staff, convenient location, cost-efficiency, and prompt maintenance services. They also appreciated having their own space and the proximity to friends.
Great Location: Another reviewer emphasized the closeness to UF, restaurants, and bars, as well as the responsiveness of the office and maintenance staff.
Nice Apartments: Several reviewers commended the friendly and helpful staff, noting that it sets College Manor apart from other apartments in the area.
Old but Gold: Despite acknowledging that the property is older, one resident praised the upkeep and staff friendliness.

Negative Reviews:

Roaches and Falling Apart: One reviewer reported issues with roaches, rotting wooden posts, and peeling paint. They also criticized the management's pressure to renew leases.
Some residents have reported issues with hot water and frequent water shutoffs for maintenance.
Concerns have been raised about the prices charged relative to the condition and features of the apartments.

Amenities and Conveniences

College Manor aims to provide a convenient and comfortable living environment for its residents. The apartment complex is particularly well-suited for:

Undergraduates
Graduate Students
Faculty/Staff

Community Amenities:

Beyond the individual apartment features, College Manor offers several community amenities:

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On-site laundry facilities
Proximity to shopping, dining, and entertainment options
Easy access to the University of Florida campus

Nearby Parks and Recreation:

For those who enjoy outdoor activities, several parks and recreational areas are within a reasonable distance:

Univ of Florida Observatory Walk: 20 min Distance: 1.1 mi
Alfred A. Ring Park Walk: 42 min Distance: 2.2 mi
Loblolly Woods Nature Park Walk: 46 min Distance: 2.4 mi
Bivens Arm Nature Park Walk: 50 min Distance: 2.6 mi
McGuire Center for Lepidoptera & Biodiversity Walk: 50 min Distance: 2.6 mi

Considerations for Prospective Residents

Before deciding to live at College Manor, prospective residents should consider the following:

Budget: Evaluate the rent ranges and associated fees to determine if it fits within your budget.
Location Preferences: If proximity to the University of Florida is a top priority, College Manor is an excellent choice.
Desired Amenities: Consider which amenities are essential to you and ensure that College Manor offers them.
Read Reviews: Pay attention to both positive and negative reviews to get a balanced perspective on the living experience.
Visit the Property: Schedule a visit to tour the property and specific units to assess their condition and suitability.
Inquire About Fees and Policies: Obtain a clear understanding of all fees and policies before signing a lease.

Office Hours

The management office is open during the following hours:

Sunday: 12:00 PM-4:00 PM
Monday: 9:00 AM-6:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM-6:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM-6:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM-6:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM-6:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM-4:00 PM

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