The Southerly at St. Augustine

This property receives highly polarized reviews, with 42 negative and only 3 positive assessments. The majority of negative reviews cite recurring maintenance and operational issues including non-functional access gates, broken door locks, plumbing problems, and unresponsive maintenance requests. Positive reviews consistently praise staff friendliness, amenities, location, and community atmosphere, though these represent a small minority of resident feedback.

Management and leasing staff receive consistently positive feedback for professionalism, friendliness, and responsiveness to resident needs. The office team is noted for handling applications, move-in processes, and service requests efficiently. However, one detailed review raises concerns about enforcement of fines for policy violations and difficulty resolving maintenance issues, suggesting inconsistency in how policies are communicated and applied.

Residents consistently praise the property's amenities, including pools, fitness centers, and common areas, which are well-maintained and accessible. Staff responsiveness and community cleanliness are frequently highlighted as strengths. Some residents note concerns about location distance from major urban centers and the complexity of move-in processes, though overall satisfaction with amenities and shared spaces remains high.

Residents consistently praise the location for its convenience to shopping, dining, and major highways, with nearby options including Publix, Costco, and various restaurants. The property's proximity to downtown St. Augustine, Jacksonville, and beaches (25-30 minutes away) is highlighted as a major advantage. The gated community and security measures are frequently noted as contributing to a safe, peaceful neighborhood environment. Some residents note the area lacks certain big-box retailers like Target or Walmart, and commutes to Jacksonville can extend 25-30+ minutes depending on destination.

Maintenance experiences at this property are mixed. One resident reported that maintenance marked service requests as completed when issues remained unresolved, while another resident praised timely electrical repairs and courteous communication before entry. Plumbing concerns were noted, including toilets requiring multiple flushes and water quality issues, though these reports came from a single review.

This review raises significant concerns about building quality and maintenance. Key issues include noise transmission through thin walls and ceilings, broken door locks and handles requiring repeated attempts to open, deteriorating paint finishes that mark easily, and plumbing problems including toilets that require multiple flushes and water quality concerns. The reviewer also notes issues with access gates, maintenance responsiveness, and overall building upkeep.