Pros:
It’s very safe, has parking (rented separately), very well lit entrance at night. Noise between apartments is alright but your mileage may vary. Washing machines are well maintained. Trash is picked up daily from each floor’s recycling bags. Floors are always clean. The super is nice and always answers the phone.
Regarding location, it’s close to the Flushing-Meadows park, and several schools. The nearest subway station is 63rd Dr, and it has an entrance 64th Ave. The building is close enough to commercial space but far away enough to not be busy. There are shops on 108st, a little on 99st and a lot on Queens Blvd. You only have dentist’s and doctor’s offices nearby, you don’t even feel them. Very safe neighborhood. It’s kind of on the top of a hill but they called the area Forest Hills for a reason.
Seems like most apartments get renovated when going out to the market, I saw a couple of the listings recently. It’s not the greatest building in the neighborhood but it’s not bad. On a budget, I’d rather be in a good building in a great neighborhood than the other way around.
Be sure to also check the reviews for 99-65 64th Road, that’s the sister building sharing a wall with this. They are operated by the same company and have the same super.
Cons:
The lobby could use some decoration, the doors could use some paint, as it’s flaking off. As of 2024, they have replaced people's front doors after they move out, but they are not painting them, so they look mismatched. Honestly this landlord doesn't seem to care anymore about the look of their building and that has me worried about the future.
Regarding pests, there are small (German) roaches in my area of the building. If you wash your dishes immediately and keep roach baits in your kitchen you won't see any. But if you leave your dishes overnight it will get out of control in a few weeks. Just the nature of small roaches. I've only seen a large roach (American) like twice, both in the basement area (makes sense, those like moisture and living outside). No mice or rats anywhere near the building, or even the whole block.
Advice to owner:
Do a better paint job, and actually paint things. You're gonna scare away your best potential tenants when they see the building and it looks ugly.