We've been living in our two-room apartment for four years now; we bought it while it was still under construction. The layout is great, and the square footage is just right for a family, but we had to invest in soundproofing and proper windows right after we got the keys.
Security
The developer's door was immediately thrown out and a proper security door with good locks was installed. We didn't install an alarm because the entrance is under surveillance, so we feel safe.
Neighbors
Our neighbors are reasonable; we have a shared chat room where we discuss everyday issues. There's a family with children living upstairs; we can hear them, but we've gotten used to it and don't have any conflicts with anyone.
Noise
Soundproofing is a major concern for all new buildings, and our house is no exception. The walls are very thin. You can hear your neighbor sneezing or arguing on the phone if you don't install complete soundproofing during the renovation.
Renovation
We did a major renovation "for ourselves," leveling all the walls and replacing the wiring. We used high-quality materials; nothing has fallen off in four years, except for a little wear on the laminate flooring in the hallway.
Furniture
We ordered built-in furniture to save space, and a ceiling-high kitchen is the perfect solution. The living room has a large sofa that's already seen a couple of dry cleanings, but still looks great. Appliances
Appliances
All the appliances are brand new, there were no connection issues, and the wiring can handle the load. The only issue is that the exhaust fan in the bathroom is a bit noisy, but it works great.
Internet
We installed fiber optic right away, and the speed is stable, enough for working from home and online gaming. The router is in the hallway and penetrates walls well, so there are no dead spots in the apartment.
About the building
General
The complex is huge, a veritable anthill, with a huge number of people living there. But the building is warm, looks modern, the façade isn't crumbling, and it's quite comfortable to live in.
Cleanliness
The cleaners do a conscientious job; the floors in the entryway are washed every morning, and there's no trash lying around. The elevators are sometimes dirty by movers or construction workers, but by evening, everything is usually clean.
Security
The area is fenced, the barriers work efficiently, and security guards make rounds. There are cameras on every floor and in the elevators, so I have peace of mind about my family's safety.
Yard
The courtyard is the pride of the residential complex, with huge play areas and a soccer field, giving children plenty of room to run around. It's certainly noisy in the evenings, like a summer camp, but at least your child is always supervised.
Parking
We didn't buy a parking space (it was expensive), and now we regret it because parking in the courtyard after 8:00 PM is impossible. We have to drive in circles or leave the car on the street, where it could get hit.
Demographics
The neighborhood is filled with young families with strollers and many school-age children. There are few pensioners, and no marginalized people in sight; the population is solvent and active.
Building Quality
The house is monolithic, it seems to have already settled, and there are no cracks in the apartment. The ventilated façade retains heat, and in winter we turn the radiators down to the minimum setting.
About the district
General
The Bostandyk district is considered one of the best, with a well-developed infrastructure. However, the building density here is staggering, and the traffic can sometimes make breathing difficult.
Cleanliness
Gagarin Street is the main street; it's cleaned and washed regularly, and there's less dust than in other neighborhoods. The courtyards are also well-maintained, the lawns are mowed, and the trash is collected on time.
Security
The area is safe, the lighting is bright everywhere, and you can walk around safely even at midnight. Police patrol the avenue constantly, and we haven't encountered any criminal elements here.
Beauty
Modern high-rises, glass and concrete, look urban and stylish. There's still a bit of greenery, the trees are young, and there's not enough shade in the summer, but the mountain views make up for it.
Transport Accessibility
There are plenty of buses, but they're always packed, and getting on during rush hour is a real challenge. The metro is far away, and it's not even within walking distance, so your only hope is a private car or taxi.
Traffic Jams
The traffic here is monstrous; Gagarin Street is jammed from 8 a.m. until evening, and getting out of the courtyard is a real challenge. Turning left onto Levitan Street is a real test of nerves.
Stray Animals
There are almost no stray dogs; apparently the construction is over and they've moved on. There are no cats either; the basements are locked up, and there are too many cars in the yards.
Parks
There are no parks nearby, and there's not much to walk around, just an alley down the middle of Gagarin Street. It's a 10-15-minute drive to the First President Park, assuming there's no traffic.