Crystal Commons

Snow removal is very bad. My visitors often complain that they fear getting stuck. I have a feeling that management thinks everyone drives an SUV. In fact most residents here do not. Passenger cars have a tough time making it through the main private road. The snow plow used to remove the snow is a small to medium size pickup truck which is barely adequate for driveway plowing. Conversely, the commercial space adjacent to the townhomes which is owned by the same company has superb snow removal. Often down to the pavement. Unlike other townhouse complexes water is not free. Be prepared to spend a minimum of $28 per month for your water bill. For a family of 3 or 4 expect to pay much more for water. Mail is not delivered directly to your townhouse but rather to a centrally located common area with a row of mailboxes. This can be very inconvenient if you don't go in and out every day. Drive up access to the mailboxes in the winter is difficult due to aforementioned poor snow removal. You usually need to get out of the car. The complex is NOT gated as erroneously noted under outdoor space above. There is no property manager on site which is erroneously stated above. In fact there is no rental office on site. The rooms in the 1072 sq. ft. ranch townhomes are quite small. The rent for this part of Monroe County (Gates) is higher than usual. The rent is more representative of rent you'd expect to pay in Brighton or Pittsford. Not blue collar Gates. On the plus side, the townhouses are insulated very well which helps keep heating and air conditioning costs in check. Yes, you must pay for both electricity and natural gas.

Located in Gates, NY near the corner of Buffalo Rd. and Trabold Rd., what strikes me first is the excellent build quality of my townhouse apartment. The carpentry, plumbing and electrical are very professionally done. I live in the ranch style fully carpeted townhouse which is 1074 square feet. It also has a full basement (with laundry hookups), two bedrooms, one bath, kitchen and dining area. Oh! And did I mention the elevated deck just off the dining area? Great for entertaining. Colonial style townhomes are also available which measure 1200 square feet. I lso enjoy the fully covered front porch which enters into the living room. One of the best features, especially when it's raining or snowing is the attached 1.5 car garage measuring 12' x 22'with remote opener. Passage from the garage is via a door in the kitchen. The kitchen includes appliances (stove, fridge, dishwasher and disposal)and a pantry. The cupboards are adequate and counter space is too. One counter separates the dining area from the kitchen. That counter is also built for stools although none are provided. In the spring and summer ducks frequent the community and adjoining ponds. Also adjoining the townhouse community is a small commercial area that has a Dentist office, doctor's office, hair salon, workout gym and other small businesses as of this writing. The rent as of this writing (August 2015) is $1025 per month. The colonial style is $1075 per month. A security deposit is required as well as signing a 1-year lease. The townhouse community is owned and operated by a couple who have other townhouse communities around the greater Rochester, NY area. Small pets are allowed for a $25 per month additional fee. Most of the residents are middle aged and up with a few in their 20's. Everyone seems to be very friendly and mostly keep to themselves. I've been here for five years and plan to stay for many more.