One University Drive South

As someone who moves out from hell, let me share some features of these overpriced apartments: (1) there is no sound-insulation material in the very thin wooden walls so you can hear your neighbors' laughs and talks echoing in your room; (2) neither the landlord nor the property management (RLS) will clean the room before they rent it to you so a lot of unexpected "gifts" from the previous tenant can be found as you move in; (3) their response to service request is slow and can be costly; (4) in the end, they take your deposit for irrelevant reasons. * note that the rent of the first month is fixed so it is NOT charged proportionally with accordance to the exact day of the month that you move in, be careful!

I’ve lived here since the building opened in Sep 2022. It’s one of the better places to live in Amherst. There are two large supermarkets across the street and a variety of other shops within walking distance. Unlike most apartments in Amherst, parking is free, and PVTA buses to campus (33/B43) stop here every 20 minutes during the school year. The rail trail is adjacent and is a very peaceful place to walk. I can’t speak for the other reviewer’s experience, but the common areas and grounds here are always spotless. Snow plowing happens very early in the morning, and you don’t need to move your car. The only visitor parking is a half dozen spots on the street, but weekend passes for the lot can be requested. The building’s management is a bit “old school,” but it’s a good thing. For example, they actually lease apartments rather than “pre-leasing” them. (eg taking applications/deposits for many more units than they will have available, then waiting until late Spring to deliver that bad news about why they’ll be unable to accommodate you for Fall) The studio units are small, but they’re private. (ie no surprise roommates or random suitemates) There really isn’t much common area or social space, but the campuses are close. I haven’t experienced any issues with noise, but shared walls probably could have been better sealed. The windows are large, open wide, and seal shut. There were some issues with the a/c units last year, but they work well now and could keep the units quite cold during Summer months. The interior color pallet is very calming, and the casework is high end. As for the bad, some of the interior doors stick, and the closet organizers are askew. I despise the high-tech hybrid water heater. It’s enormous and runs constantly, but supposedly is very energy efficient. There is no in-unit washer/dryer, but the laundry room equipment is clean/modern. Internet isn’t included in the rent, nor is electric service. The units aren’t furnished, but few buildings in this area actually are. If given the choice, I’d probably rather live closer to downtown, but this supermarket adjacent lifestyle has been growing on me. In short, given the limited housing options in Amherst, 1UDS is a decent place to call home.