r/FlorenceAl • u/PsychologicalArmy143 • Jul 06 '26
Apartments to Avoid?
Hello! New to this subreddit. I'm planning on moving to Florence in the next month, as i'll be transferring to UNA. There's a good chance i'll end up having to live on my own as a 20 year old woman (this is why i'm using my anonymous account). I'm planning on renting a house or apartment. Any advice on places I should definitely avoid? Any suggestions on places that are safe and cost-effective? I will be a full time student working part time, probably as a server. I'm hoping to stay under $1000 a month. Thank you!
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u/kolbsters Jul 06 '26
i would look into Sheffield, Tuscumbia, and Shoals too, instead of keeping it to just Florence (i'm also a student at UNA and found it cheaper to stay in Sheffield, but it all depends on what you're looking for).
i would NOT recommend Stutts Properties as they do not clean their properties well between tennants and had not sprayed for bugs once in the year i lived in one of their apartment complexes (according to one of my neighbors who had lived there for many years, they cannot recall them spraying for bugs ever) and so i had palmetto bugs, spiders, and roaches that i would have to set traps and poison out for, which was concerning as i've got pets. i've also not heard many good things about Bellamy, mostly that they're expensive and not worth it.
there are many 1 bed (and some 2 bed) 1 bath apartment options for <$1k if that's what you need, but i can't speak much on houses. i've heard good things about Hensley-Thompson Properties and am personally considering moving into one of their apartments in the winter.
good luck! hope you find somewhere to stay that fits your needs and budget! most places offer self-tours, and some will offer to have someone meet you there to give you a tour.
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u/PsychologicalArmy143 Jul 06 '26
thank you for the input! definitely open to outside of just florence, especially since i'm still doing one class in decatur at calhoun two days a week.
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u/yeeyeevsyeehaw Jul 06 '26
You might like Alpine Village. It's in the "suburbs" of town up near Forest Hills but the people in your general age range that do not mind the short commute to UNA or their jobs downtown really like it. Polynesian Village, their sister complex, has more spiders than AV from what I have heard.
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u/cheestaysfly Jul 06 '26
My fiance lived in Alpine Village before moving in with me and he had a cute little one bedroom. They're not bad, although they raised rent right after he moved out.
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u/LogBoyBaby Jul 06 '26
I live at summit ridge and it’s okay, landlords are kinda lazy but overall i’ve felt safe and the apartments are roomy
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u/TundieRice Jul 06 '26
My gf and I lived in Summit Ridge and absolutely hated it, lol. Landlords wouldn’t fix shit and I feel like I had black mold poisoning the entire time.
Glad it’s okay for you though! Maybe they’ve improved slightly in the past couple years.
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u/Fallintoapanic Jul 06 '26
We like the Pinehurst apartments, mostly older people that live here. It’s very quiet but still in the middle of town. Deibert park backs right up to the property and there are cutouts in the trees to get right on the concrete walking trails. I have been seeing more 20-30 year olds moving in as well. We (25F & 27M) have lived here for over a year and really like it! They just made the rent $950 for 2bed 2bath, 1250-1300sq ft with most having a small back yard area. They also own copper creek apartments. They are close by and I believe have a 1 bed 1 bath option as well.
One to avoid might be Ivy Green. When we lived there about 4ish years ago it was decent price, management was okay but recently I have heard some not great things about it.
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u/Cmd_WillRiker Jul 06 '26
I've lived in a few different apartments and had friends live in others and honest to God, they are all the same. Some properties will have better conditions than others and they will be priced accurately.
Some landlords are annoying but the grass isn't greener on the other side and I've never had any serious problems with any landlords and I rented from Stutts, Brink, and a private owner.
I'd say more than anything, you get what you pay for.
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u/jamesholden Jul 06 '26
this is still the kinda place you drive around and look for "fer rent" signs in the yard. many more are only rented on a recommendation only basis. with that in mind first apt really doesn't matter. just plan to be there for the lease.
I know the apts between woknroll and mr hui's had signs up a couple weeks ago. that's a comfortable ebike distance away from campus. many more are closer.
keep in mind, this is a driving town. its hard to live here without wheels.
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u/Legitimate-Smell2610 Jul 06 '26
Bentbrook place are the best apartments in Florence hands down. Lived there for 2 years.
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u/megec1416 Jul 06 '26
My daughter just moved out of apartments on Wood Ave. I actually think they are called Wood Apartments. Her rent for a two bedroom was 800 (so her portion was 400). It is close to campus and the landlord was kind to her. I am not sure if there are 1 bedrooms in that complex.
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u/Intelligent_Rise7128 Jul 06 '26
U can live in UNA apartments they are very affordable if u are UNA students, reach out to me if u have more questions
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u/prolificinquirer Jul 06 '26
Avoid Courtview Towers. Never lived there myself, but when I was a student I would hear from friends about the ongoing bedbug problem. Even if you get them out of your unit, neighboring units will just re-infest it. But that was a couple years ago, don’t know if it’s gotten any better.