Apartment Review for The Atrium - Baltimore, MD

I broke my lease at the Atrium. While the building itself isn't too bad (except the walls are paper thin), the location leaves a lot to be desired. Right out of the front door is the Lexington Light Rail stop and the people waiting for the train range from poor to looking like they belong in a prison somewhere. Even if the building was just a block or two futher south on Howard, it would be a big improvement. But overall, I would recommend avoiding the "new west side." The area isn't turning around as fast as anyone would like.

Also, the parking situation is a pain in the ass. Yes, the parking is secure and yes, there is plenty of space. But you have to park on the seventh or eight floor and driving up there every time really got on my nerves. Also, the garage is always under contruction. To avoid areas that are blocked off in the garage you often have to drive the wrong way down a one-way route or make some awkward three-point turn. There were even times when the contruction prevented me from getting my car out of the garage at all.

Further, the contracts have no early termination clause protecting the tenant in the event that you will want/need to move out early. While most apartments will require you to pay one or two months rent if you break your lease, the atrium requires you to pay all the rent for the whole year when you break a lease even if you just started one.