The apartment was nearly perfect for my needs. I wanted a place that was quiet, peaceful, and spacious, where I could read, write, and study. Since I already knew Riga fairly well, I wasn't there as a tourist and didn't intend to visit tourist spots, nightclubs, or restaurants. Instead, I needed a place that was residential: affordable, close to groceries and public transport, and quiet. The forest with walking trails nearby also was pleasant. The apartment was nearly ideal.

Although it's located in a series of former Soviet-style apartment buildings, the drab appearance of the outside of the building can be misleading. As with most of these buildings, inside is something completely different and better. The apartment itself has all that you need for cooking (a fully functional and efficient kitchen). The washing machine worked well and the patio had a clothes line for drying your clothes. The sofa bed was comfortable too. The TV and stereo system worked well, and the heated floor was a nice touch. Lighting (natural and artificial) was good. It was also quiet most nights. The apartment is near two grocery stores where you can find all you need to cook at home.

The bus stop for the 25-minute commute into the city is about a 150 meters from the apartment and worked well for my daily routine (write at home in the morning, go to the city by late morning or early afternoon, and return "home" by evening). I used the commute to read or learn Latvian.

If you're comfortable with efficient public transit and you want to save some money for other things besides lodging, then this is the place for you.