Overall: Stayed here for ~ 2 months for work/study. Unfortunately, my positive time here spent was overshadowed by some large unexpected cons . I would not recommend for students, for those who prefer quiet ambient environment or for those with a low tolerance for bugs/roaches.
Would recommend bringing earplugs, several pairs of sheets and checking with owner about cleanliness of apartment.
Pros:
+ Decent price for studio
+ Wilmington! Great local food trucks and eats :p
+ Proximity to Long and Torrance and freeways
+ Parking close to entrance
+ Great air conditioner
+ Great heater
+ Remodeled and new
+ Roku smart TV
+ Pleasant neighbors
+ Corner apartment, tucked away from street
+ Communicative host, willing to work with you (if you're persistent and can advocate for yourself)
+ Fully furnished (w/ TV, bed, small desk, chairs, stove and fridge + more)
+ A true studio, no roommates
+ Bed with trundle
+ Easily could receive mail and package to door, even while I was away
+ Laundry service (for fee!)
+ Cleaning service (for fee!)
Cons:
- Cockroaches ! :(
(read more below)
- Miscommunication between owner, manager and you the renter
- General cleanliness, (trundle mattress with stained sheets, moldy shower curtain)
- Other bugs (close to open field and neighbors who may not be so cleanly)
- lots of noise at times! (trains, railroad crossings, commercial truck lot, >4 barking dogs in neighbors lot, occasionally loud music from neighbors on weekends)
- Brown running faucet water (clears up eventually, still didn't feel comfortable drinking or filtering it)
- Not too much natural light
- Note on roaches: was a problem initially, until plugged/sealed cracks and crevices with roach bait (host reimbursed me for all materials I bought). Following, roaches were rarely seen, only about 1x a week. However, given the problem, I found it difficult to safely prepare and enjoy food in kitchen and take advantage of twin bed trundle that's only inches raised above bedroom floor.
Some miscommunication from host regarding cleaning of the apartment beforehand. Initially host very responsive and I even lengthened the time of my original time being there in good faith with host as he was facing new guidelines from city regarding short term rentals. However, in resolving issue with cleanliness and roaches, the owner may have been misinformed by the on-site manager as to what services were performed. This lead to miscommunication between the renter and host. Did eventually get resolved and, after providing them itemized receipts, host reimbursed me for materials spent to mitigate bug problem.