Lets start with the staff, I think they are wonderful. If anything, I believe they inherited a lot on their plates that they are...
Lets start with the staff, I think they are wonderful. If anything, I believe they inherited a lot on their plates that they are trying to get control over. When we first toured Camden, Pam and Charlene greeted us and showed us everything in the community (even with a cart ride to the units). Keep in mind, this a big property, they have their main complex where the clubhouse is located off of Summit Ave but they also have a tertiary complex up the road as well (which I understand is a bit newer than the main complex). When we toured, we had locked in a unit on the third floor (which had high ceilings and a fire place). But during the process, the tenant who was going to vacate the unit decided they wanted to keep their unit and we had to essentially start over the leasing process (I know this is out of their control, but I think a deadline should be kept strict and not mess up other people's lives).
Before I start, be advised there is a technology package (from Xfinity, cable and internet) and valet waste (where they come and take the trash from outside your door to the dumpsters on the weekday evenings) that are non-negotiable fees (approx. $120 together). So keep this in mind with your search, since utilities are separate as well. The current unit we are in is 2bed/bath w/den. Its a nice size for a couple and roommate, but for family I think it would be a bit of a snug fit. The unit itself that we received seemed to have an updated package of a fridge and stove. The dish washer was old (and eventually it broke, but they came in and gave us a new one, which I thought was great service by the complex to do and the maintenance team was diligent in ensuring they got the job done). Our service requests have been completed in a timely manner and communication with the front staff (especially Heidi) has been positive. Being that we shared with a roommate, having the laundry room in the opposite bathroom was a bit weird but we managed.
The one thing that is troublesome is the noise, since the apartment is a courtyard style, it is wood based and you can hear your upstairs neighbors when they walk (floors creak); it is even worse if they are jumping or running. The upstairs unit has a dog and we can hear it and also when they open their sliding door. I know these units are older so I don't see how they can really stop that noise without doing a total rebuild on all the units. Our unit was on the 1st floor, near the stairwell (which is where the bedroom was located) and man could you hear the foot traffic going through the hallways for the other units. But if you get a top floor unit (also be advised, no elevator=courtyards style), you wont have to deal with that and you would get high ceilings. The other troubling factor is the parking (which is free, great!), but this leads to visitors taking up resident spots in front of your building and cars left abandoned in the complex. When we toured, we were told there would be more community officers on duty and installation of new LED lighting to brighten up the place at night, all of which has not happened (6 months now). I can understand budget/money tie ups, but something should be prioritized with the amount of car vandalisms that have occurred since we have moved in.
The location is great for sure; you are footsteps away from Sam's Club, Wal Mart (which can be good/bad), an Anne Arundel County library, community center for Russett, and nice trail to bike or job along. You can grab the Balt/Wash Pkwy right off the main road so you are right in-between Washington, Dc or Baltimore. Plenty of food options around, you can't beat the location honestly, so it makes it worth it.
So with location in mind, the staff, & maintenance service, it is a solid 5-star location, but with the downsides of the noise, parking, and safety, its more of a 3.5 star complex. I think if these are tackled (also some renovations), it would help the complex.