Review for 91 Sidney Apartments

There are almost no negatives to this place and I am *extremely* picky. Of course, the rent is very high - but it's high for a reason. So, starting at the beginning... I originally disliked some of the snobby attitudes of the leasing staff & it was so bad I almost didn't live here. I just couldn't deal with them. However, don't let that dissuade you. Most of the bad ones have left over the years. Although this building has no street or train noise in the back, the main problem with this bldg is noise from the undergrads (from other countries who drive $80k cars whose billionaire parents send them here for an American degree) every night after 2:30 AM when the bars close. Also, I heard from people who face the front that they hear the undergrads coming home yelling / puking all night - so be careful. The building has gotten a lot more strict about tenant noise which has improved things markedly -- they have security in the complex who will go up there & then call the cops if it continues. I think people have had their leases terminated over this actually (rumors). Who you are living by is very hit or miss, so just keep that in mind. The apartments are by far the nicest of anything in Cambridge where most things are run down and creaky / gross. Whatever you do - avoid the "apartment rental experts" who will put you in absolute crap for almost as much as these places (I wasted a full week with them and it was a disaster - but at least I can compare this place to others). Central square is wacky and this complex is a little removed from it -- it certainly does not fit in at all but who cares - you can walk to the subway in 7 minutes and be anywhere in Boston. There is not much take-out food here except 1 place on the corner that is only open on weekdays. Star market (huge new grocery store) is just up the street and the newer/nicer whole foods is a very short drive. Parking is never a hassle (for guests either) but spaces are not assigned and therefore I have accumulated a lot of dents thanks to some of the lovely people who live here. The excercise room is nice & usually pretty empty. I would 100% recommend this place - just maybe face the back & get the concierge number on speed dial so you can report your neighbors as soon as they start annoying you in the fall. I think there is a 3 strike policy now so call EVERY time & then they'll shut up once they learn they're going to be kicked out if they don't stop. The concierge staff is extremely nice & the maintenance people are very nice & helpful too. You never have to wait too long if you have any repair issues (I hardly had any in 2 years). They do have a lot of "rules" here because so many spoiled/immature students live here which is sort of annoying for older people...but I guess you get used to it.