Apartment Review for Breezy Point Apartments - Norfolk, VA

I chose Breezy Point after doing extensive research from afar--I moved to Norfolk last summer for graduate school at ODU, and was unable to come to Norfolk to choose a place. On paper, Breezy Point is great. The "list price" rent is high, but there are always specials for new tenants. Overall my wife and I had an OK experience--there were no major catastrophes, but I wouldnt move here again if I was to do it again. Some of the issues we encoutered: Safety: This is NOT the safest neighborhood in the world. Then again, it is Norfolk and nice neighborhoods are few and far between. I feel fairly safe within the large complex, but I won't let my wife go out at night by herself. Outside the complex is way worse. I try to not drive out at night if I can help it. The townhomes outside the complex are very run down and there are always shady folks hanging around. Maintenance: Luckily, we haven't had any disasters. However, in agreement with previous posts, the maintenance staff is usually slow to respond and often times will use temporary fixes for long term problems. The washer in our building hasn't worked in months--it just eats the quarters and starts to wash and quits, leaving the clothes sopping wet and soapy. The dryers don't do much--save your money and get a drying rack. The unit: Ok space for the price (we had the 1 BR) but several notable issues. The plugs are terrible--make sure you have powerstrips, because it is very hard to keep plugs to stay in. The thermostat calibration is way off--to keep the apartment at 75 degrees we have to set it around 82. Similar problems with the oven thermostat--it's at least 50 degrees off. Oh, and the burner trays don't fit. Not a major issue, but annoying. The paint is very cheap--wash the walls and it will come off. That being said, it scratches very easily, so be careful. All in all, many of the problems listed above you will find at any apartment complex. Just don't be fooled by their claims of "gated" (unless a traffic stick which half the city knows the code to counts). I would recommend to ask to see an apartment that is not their usual model--that building is much nicer than the rest. Move here if you need to be close to the base or can't afford something nicer--but look elsewhere if you are concerned about safety.