Smith & Porter Apartments

Update from living here the last 4-5 years. Also I moved into my second unit from a 1-bedroom into a 2-bedroom this year. My most recent move-in was easy and quick. I paid my move-in fees, transferred my power and internet services, and signed my lease in about 2 hours. Then I got my keys to my 2 bedroom. Please note: All comments below are based on my 1st unit and they are for those wanting an unbiased opinion. PROS 1) My unit was clean and I had no bugs. I also did a lot of self-preventative things to reduce them being around such as having maintenance caulk openings and having them install a door bug stopper around the door trims. I closed up my trash and kept my front door area clean. I got my unit sprayed regularly and I clean as well. 2) I faced the tracks and got use to the trains so noise wasn’t an issue for me. Also as long as I closed the bedroom door the train noise was less audible. 3) Never had an issue with the Leasing manager. Ms. Sparcle has been a consistent manager and helpful. During covid and after covid, she worked with me to get my rent caught up, and she was still easy to deal with in hard times. Her presence is also a big part of why I’ve stayed. It’s hard to find a LONG term GOOD manager, and a company with small turnover in management. 4) 88% Walkable to downtown Atlanta, Marta train, the bus stops, coffee shops, the Benz Dome area, several international hotel chains, local restaurants (that are actually good), Grady Hospital, and gas stations. Easy access to I-20/75/85 and 285. Also there is a 12-17 minute short cut to the airport without getting on the highway. 5) Reliable front door trash pick up. 6) My neighbors were relatively quiet and respectful. 6) Car break ins have been reduce quite a bit since Atlanta Police installed a Police Observation Device in the parking lot. They can see the cavities in your mouth and long distance so this has been a good deterrent. 7) The pool area is really a vibe. Pool is cleaned weekly for the most part and the area is well kept. It’s relatively safe at night and well lit. The police WILL come if a resident calls for trespassers. CONS 1) Trash and spills in the hallway. This is primarily a tenant issue and you can definitely tell whose houses are nasty inside by the way they keep their front door. 2) Traffic during games, concerts and occasional filming. Plan accordingly. 3) Air BNB people can be an annoying when they’re disrespectful of the property, not keeping the property clean (parking lot or overflowing garbage), or being loud. Get to know the AirBNB owner and have their number on standby so they can handle their clients. Just my thoughts. (Of course call the police if need be.). 4) Not a lot of good gym equipment. 5) No EV charging stations. Summary: First, I gave a 5 star based on my experience. In addition, we live DOWNTOWN so there is an expectation that certain things will or can occur. That’s par for the course of living downtown. Use your head and stay security minded when coming and going as well as mindful of leaving things in your car. We’re also located between million dollar homes and $300,000+ condos so that alone will attract various elements. Seecond, If you have kids, honestly…stay somewhere else. It’s hard for them to be kids with the running and jumping, and there is no play area. This is really a property for responsible, clean, thriving adults who care about their homes, the common spaces we share (pool, community room...etc) and outside recreation places we can walk to. If you’re looking for a relaxed, mid to slow paced location that’s convenient to downtown but not in the heart of downtown, then this is it. If you’re looking to be near the Belt-Line, then grabbing a cup of coffee or brunch in a cute spot in Atlanta, then this is it. If you’re looking to make your apartment space cozy, attractive and fun to be in….then this is it.

INFESTED ⚠️ Moved into this place March 2025. Since day 1 there has been an uncontrollable amount of roaches. I spoken when the property manager (Sparkle) and she stated pest control will be out. Months go by with pest control coming each Tuesday and absolutely no change. If anything the problem got worst. The baseboards around the entire apartment is lifted so the roaches just come in and run right back under the baseboard before you can even get a chance to kill it. I once killed a roach in my kitchen area and when I smashed it what seamed to be a million clear baby roaches sprouted from it assuming it was pregnant. This place is infested and they downplay the issue to their residents & future residents. On top of several other issues with the upkeep of property, this being the worst, this place is very inhabitable. I’ve spoken with several other tenants and they’ve said the same. Decided to end lease and move elsewhere before my expensive furniture became infested. SAVE YOUR TIME AND MONEY (attached is a photo TWO DAYS after pest control left a roach trap in the kitchen/ living area )

Tavarius is a great asset to smith and porter. I would recommend him as one of the best agents that I have worked with. Very professional,knowledgeable, and respectful.

Update: The Good - Beautiful murals, super spacious and bright layouts, cool amenities, great location. The Bad - Lots of additional monthly fees (pest control fee, trash fee, service fee, and more.) Amenities (pool) are not always open for use. The Ugly - Lots of AirBnb guests that tear up the property. Trash and glass in staircases and elevators, stains on concrete, dog poop and pee, graffiti, paint chipping, car break ins, and leaks. Hallways and common areas are usually dirty and need to be cleaned regularly.

The intensity of the AC unit noise and vibration has lessened but still ever present! My broken bathroom door, rattling bedroom vent, non working stove range light (picture shows light as on)and low clothes racks have not been addressed.

I lived in the Smith & Porter apartments since May 2020 and in my opinion, it’s not worth what they’re charging. There are better apartments in Atlanta. I was one of the first tenants and first in my unit. When I first moved in, the property management company and the property managers, Aysia and Cam were amazing. In the two years I’ve lived here and since Bridge Property Management took over, the quality has gone extremely down and the price has gone up. The fact that they’re charging over $2K for units in these apartments is honestly laughable. I would NOT recommend moving here as a single woman or a person living alone. The property doesn’t care or make any effort regarding to the safety of tenants and the greater apartment community. My rental car was stolen outside my window on Peters St. and last month my car was broken into, INSIDE the parking lot. The second time, I was out of town so my car was broken into and exposed to rain for days, and no one from the leasing office reached out to me. The parking gate (see pics attached), has been broken for months, exposing all of our cars and units to God knows who. There are multiple break-ins at least a couple times a month in and outside of the property. I’ve also experienced multiple lease violations. Including the maintenance team entering my home without written notice. I literally woke up one day hearing the voices of men in my apartment. This was extremely terrifying, especially as a single woman living alone. I ultimately left because I wasn’t going to continue paying for a place I didn’t feel safe. I would wake up at 7 AM every morning just to make sure my car wasn’t broken into or stolen from the apartment parking lot, in the parking space that I had to pay for. The feeling that you can’t even park your own car at your home, fear of random men in your apartment, and constantly dealing with rude management, after it was all said and done the nice apartment, wasn’t worth my peace of mind. With the prices they’re charging now, you’d be better off moving to Midtown or anywhere else quite frankly. You’d get a better apartment with nicer amenities. The complex is also in a food desert so you’re gonna have to drive to other neighborhoods for basic necessities anyway. As a former tenant, listen to me when I type, it’s not worth it!!

I wish I could give more stars. Property manager and her team are extremely professional. Would not ask for a better staff. Thanks to you all.

Cam is always quick & efficient, knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly. Whenever he services my unit, I know that I’m in good hands!!!