We’re partial to vintage multi-unit buildings like this one, at 4838 N Ashland Ave, with long pathways leading to the rear units. Especially on busy streets like Ashland, to have a doorway set back from the main thoroughfare seems like an advantage. It’s a little greener and quieter back there. But we can get a little creeped out walking down those narrow paths at night, even if they’re well lit. Are we being a tad paranoid, do you think, or is our nervousness justified?
The building has 18 two- or three-bedroom condos with granite counterops, oak floors, stainless steel appliances and some exposed brick. Azarina Zayere-Cerkic of RE/MAX NorthCoast has the units priced from the $220s to the $290s.
I’ve viewed these.
If you were my client, you would not have to worry about the walk to the back units… those floorplans were terrible. I advised my clients to buy something else.
I admit to tending towards the paranoid side as well, and I agree that set-back entrances like this are a mixed blessing. When I was searching for a new rental apartment, if a building had this type of set-up for the entrance, it definitely was a check in the negative column. Whenever you can’t clearly see your whole path, no matter how well-lit, it’s always somewhat unnerving.
One thing I’d like to know is whether guys feel the same way, or if it’s primarily women (especially those of us who live alone) who would be more likely to see the negative security aspects of the set-up. Guys?
Katie T.:
Speaking as a man, this issue would never have crossed my mind. Even after having the conversation initiated and seeing the picture and I’m thinking, “Eh.”
Frankly, in a nightmare scenario — dark path in a dirty fight — I like my chances (I’m not an easy mark). So this is just not something that would worry me enough to take a pass on a place that I otherwise wanted. It’s a non-factor.