The Alexander at Ghent Apartment Homes

Seriously they’re the worst. When I first moved in I wasn’t even told everything or really even welcomed they just gave me the key and handed me a map that doesn’t even show where you currently are. When I finally found my apartment it was nothing like the one I was given on the tour but I had already signed so I counldnt do anything. Btw read the lease from top to bottom they don’t even allow pet visitors and will try to charge pet rent if for example a friend brings a new puppy by and they see it. They also require a 60 day notice of nonrenewal so call and ask about their rates about 3 months in advance because right before my 60 day mark I was informed that my rent would go up over $ 100 per month and when asked why they said they were trying to match more with the other luxury apartments.
The biggest turn off is it’s supposed to be a luxury apartment but the only thing they have that makes it luxury is that it’s a controlled building and has a garage.
My garbage disposal has been broken twice within 5 months (I rarely use it) and because they don’t have up to date appliances when the disposal is broken the dishwasher is as well. So my kitchen floor gets soaked with water that I have to clean up.
The leasing office does not answer their phones promptly and it typically takes 3 calls to reach them which I don’t have time for since I work full time and their office hours are typically within my working hours. They also change their office hours frequently and just post it up front randomly.
They seriously need to work on their communication skills they do things without explanation and this place is really just a regular apartment. With poor management. It’s only considered luxury because it’s safe to be in Norfolk

Wow, the reviews of this place sure are divided. I suspect it has something to do with when they were posted, as the problems seem mostly centered on the management, which seems to have changed a few times.
We moved here a few months ago and we have had nothing but friendly co-​operation from management. They were flexible enough to give us a ten-​month lease because that’s how long we will be here. I am here from Canada so I didn’t have a social security number yet, but they let me sign a lease anyway — some of the other apartments we were considering just didn’t seem able to work around that. A few minor maintenance issues were fixed promptly.
Maybe we are lucky with our neighbors, but we haven’t had any noise issues. The Granby Street side is fairly quiet aside from a few young folks that like to overshare their expensive sound systems as they drive by. We don’t really find that to be a problem. I think you would have a lot more noise on the Montecello side, but there are fewer apartments there because that’s where they wisely put the parking garage. The neighborhood seems pretty safe and everything you need is fairly close.
Yes, the appliances are pretty cheap and beginning to show their age. Most of the balconies are those dumb «Juliet» balconies that are only a few inches wide and purely for show. We have one of the suites on the ground floor with a real patio, which we find really nice. We’ve never seen anyone else sitting outside even on warm days — must be a cultural thing.
Overall we have been really happy with the place, and I wouldn’t be put off by reviews from a few years ago when perhaps the management really was a pain.

Worst place ever. The staff is terrible. They never return calls or pick up the phone. Might look nice outside but things inside are cheap. The walls are thin and things break apart so easily.

A tenant at The Alexander at Ghent since October 20, 2011, I had specific criteria when I was searching for a place:
1) Within Norfolk (no bridges or tunnels on a daily commute)
2) Secure parking (no on-​street parking)
3) Out of flood plain (or at least as high as possible — insurance company suggested being at least a mile away from any body of water for lowest rates)
4) Pet friendly (I did not wish to give up my fur family)
5) Laundry equipment IN the apartment, not just the complex — I no longer wish to schlep laundry.
6) Community amenities
I searched many online sites and read many reviews. I visited several while I was here for my interview. I chose The Alex it met my criteria at the lowest price. Management was most helpful when I moved in. They went through some changes, but our current staff are very responsive. Most of your neighbors are considerate of others (excessive noise, pets, etc.). Management does not only a credit check but a criminal background check as well. I like that they receive packages for us – an increased sense of security that you will actually receive your packages.
For some time there has been major construction in the area, and I am sure that is miserable for tenants on the outer side of the building. I have an interior courtyard apartment and have never been bothered by road noise or constructions sounds. Rarely do I hear noise from the other apartments around me and I try to be a good neighbor. I love my balcony over one of the three courtyards and watching the dogs meet and greet each other or family picnics.
Maintenance rocks our world. They are timely, friendly, and have gone above and beyond more than once. I like the new security system and automatic garage openers. Caution: do not park where you are not authorized. Random checks by a towing service will cost you $ 135 to retrieve your vehicle if proper hang tag and designated spaces are not used.
In 2012 and 2013 I repeated my search. There were a few properties that had everything I do now, but they were either more expensive, did not allow pets, did not have secure parking, etc. Each year I have made the informed decision to remain where I am. There are always occasional irritations that go with apartment living.
Overall, I love the community of Ghent — great choice of churches, public library, parks, restaurants, etc. I particularly love the Express Lane service at the Harris Teeter on Colonial Avenue. I do recommend a small, collapsible wheeled cart to haul groceries, etc., to and from your apartment.

Had a bad experience here due to a military deployment. Despite a note in my file asking them to contact family stateside if they ever had a problem an couldn’t get a hold of me, they instead took me to small claims court over about $ 100 of water charges that accrued over four months of my absence. When I returned and discovered the court summons on my door (never received official mail, email or a phone call –all of which were monitored by someone while I was out), I immediately contacted the desk manager. Although he gladly took the money right away, he refused to voice my good faith to the management company that owns the apartments or contact the apartment’s lawyer to inform them that their claim had been paid. It took my base’s lawyer two weeks and a threat of a Servicemembers’ Civil Relief Act violation to end the insanity.
I fully agree with Eric C. above: the minority of your neighbors are noisy, filthy, disrespectful and irresponsible. The management does not clean up after these tenants and does not enforce its quiet hours, common areas or pet rules. Prepare to step in dog feces outside your door at least once.
This apartment does have potential to be really nice. Just needs to replace its management, kick out many of the ODU and NSU students living there, and bring its rent back in line with the rest of the area.
In short, if you’re military and want a quiet, well maintained apartment, look elsewhere.

Ok, so time for an update. I’ve lived here over a year now and I’m becoming more and more furious with the management team in the building. Don’t be fooled by this apartment complex. I gives the appearance of something classy and fancy (certainly charges it for the apartments in the area), but delivers something subpar. Yes, there is a gym, but they never turn on the air conditioning. Even when it’s 50 – 60 degrees outside, the gym itself is close to 80. Counter tops look like granite, but peel off really easily.
In general, it’s a decent place, but you also have to consider some of the people you are living with in the building. Most people respect their neighbors, but there are some sections of the building that seem to have young freshmen from college running around up and down the hallways. Someone dropped eggs in the hallway the other day and left it there. It took 3 days until it was cleaned up. In the past, management in the building had been fantastic. I would have compared it to something I’ve seen in more classier neighborhoods, but when the last good management person left the team, the rest of them seemed like disgruntled people; sitting behind their desk playing solitaire and never wanting to talk to residents (unless of course you want to sign a lease).
A year later since my last review, there has been a significant number of other apartment complexes that have developed in the area. I suggest looking elsewhere. Don’t waste your time here. Most people live here for a year and take off after experiencing the «Alexander at Ghent» experience. Best of luck with your apartment searches!