Residents and Public Transportation

When apartments are located in urban—or even suburban or rural—residents sometimes cannot have a car and therefore must rely on public transportation. And when a community is in proximity to a bus or subway, it is often seen as an added bonus. MHN and Kingsley surveyed renters to see what they thought about their transportation options.

“It was a really hard choice to go with the other apartment, but we found a similar complex at a lower price with a complimentary shuttle to the area I work in. The benefit of the shuttle was a deciding factor in my final decision.” —Melrose, Mass.

“To create more value for the residents, add shuttle buses to entertainment areas such as local malls, nearby casinos and movie theaters, as well as transportation hubs such as nearby airports and trains.” —Yonkers, N.Y.

“The bus stop is too far away from the property. When I moved in, I was told the bus was a convenient form of public transportation, but I was misled.” —Pompano Beach, Fla.

“The shuttle service Monday through Friday to the metro should have additional trips. Currently, there are only two shuttles from the apartments, but I see other shuttles pass by that could easily add our stop to their route.” —Arlington, Va.

“A bus service to local bars, restaurants and places of interest would be a big improvement to the community. Not only would this help to alleviate some of the traffic in the parking garage, but residents would get to know each other on the bus.” —Laguna Niguel, Calif.

“I love that the metro station is a five-minute walk away from my apartment. Even though we are outside the city, it is easy to take the train into downtown. I can leave my car at home and not deal with the hassle of driving.” —Glenview, Ill.

“I am a senior citizen so the location of public transportation is important to me since I am unable to drive. If I want to get around, I have to be able to walk to and from public transportation stop locations.” —Beaverton, Ore.

“Please consider providing a free shuttle service for nearby offices. It would be a great asset for the community and make residents happy.” —Scottsdale, Ariz.

“The neighborhood safety is declining again due to the subway stop that is across the street. I have noticed an influx of sketchy people who come from the station and hang out in the park next door.” —New York

“The complex is close to all forms of transportation, making all areas of town easily accessible. The daily shuttle service to the markets is a plus!” —Oaklyn, N.J.

“I would consider staying here long term if there was more access to public transportation on the nights and weekends. As the transportation schedule is now, it is difficult to get anywhere, making the location feel very isolated.” —Waltham, Mass.

“I signed here specifically for the free shuttle, which was taken away just two months after I signed, leaving me with nothing I could do about it. Now, my commute to work is twice as long and I will be moving as soon as my lease ends.” —Alexandria, Va.

“The rends are high considering the age of the complex, but we pay for the convenience of living right next to the trolley stop.” —San Diego

“I cringe every time I see someone waiting for the bus on someone’s front porch. I couldn’t imagine having strangers sitting outside my door.” —Atlanta

“I think the best thing about my current apartment is its location. The light rail access is really why we picked the complex and why we have stayed.” —Seattle