Meridian at the Port - Mobile, Alabama

M MN

Meridian at the port has a pretty facade, but the reality of living here leaves a lot to be desired.
Housing: the actual apartment itself is comfortable (in my opinion), there are rly tall ceilings that allow in natural light from the many windows. Most apartments have a patio and I’ve never had any trouble with the household appliances. However, you can hear EVERYTHING, I’ve walked into a number of physical and verbal altercations (the police have been here at least a few times due to domestic disputes) and you can clearly hear screaming or even just talking from the hallways when you’re in a common area of your home and you can clearly hear your upstairs neighbors walking about (which I think is typical for apartments). It’s easy to find parking in the parking garage or in the front parking area, it may be further away, but at least it’s there.
Quality: my main gripe with this apartment building is that the quality of facilities and deeply incongruous with the cost of living. The rugs in the hallways are dirty, like truly grimy, same thing for the walls and floors of the elevator. The stairs are particularly disgusting, people smoke in the stairwell because it reeks of tobacco, there are clumps of dog fur and trash throughout, so it’s clear no one takes care of it. Other random observations: I’ve seen dog feces and urine in the elevators, hallways, and “club room” (on several occasions), a clearly unhoused man muttering to himself and walking throughout the hallways, every time there’s a thunder storm the gates just stop working (so do the locked doors) — so even if you have a key fob you’re SOL unless someone exits the building, the fire alarm system is rly bad I remember one month there was a fire alarm and evacuation at least 4 times and residents had to wait outside for the fire department to come (the system is a loud alarm as well as a programmed voice saying continuously to evacuate due to fire), there was a huge flood right in front of my and another resident’s apartment, there’s dog feces EVERYWHERE outside (the leasing agency used to threaten that dog owners who didn’t pick up after there pets would be fined, which was clearly an ineffective strategy), there are huge roaches (water bugs) who hang out on the rooftop and near the swimming pool, the gym door hasn’t been working for months so you have to access it by exiting the building and reentering on the other side (closest to the swimming pool), the elevators ALSO go out all the time which wouldn’t be such a big deal except for the fact that the stairwells are rly gross and that ppl who experience any physical disabilities are quite inconvenienced (additionally, I wouldn’t recommend physically disabled rent here bc able-bodied residents are able to parking in the handicapped parking spots, leaving no spaces open in the garage by about 8pm each night), the coffee machine stops working at least once a week, & the “valet trash” which is an extra charge each month is a running joke at this point — the trash is never picked up and if a resident leaves their trash can out during the day after a certain (I think about 8am), they will be fined. All of this in an apartment that has increased the rent each year I’ve lived here, but has gotten progressively worse and worse — imagine paying $1200/month for a studio apartment in ALABAMA and then dealing with all of this.
Maintenance: maintenance is quick and efficient, the few maintenance people I’ve talked to have been pleasant and professional. Honestly, I wish a maintenance staff could transition to working in the main office so improvements can be done overall in the apartment, not just quick fixes and bandaids on a worsening foundation. a resident can enter their request in through the online web platform and it’s done within 24hrs.
Leasing office staff: the leasing office staff are truly a nightmare. I can’t remember the last time I have been talked to so rudely and dismissed so easily by a person whose job is essentially customer service-based and customer-facing.

Kylie Scioneaux

I have lived at the Meridian for 2 months now and have ZERO complaints so far. Everyone will have a different experience at different complexes. Here's mine:)

The Location: I moved from west mobile & instantly my entire mood changed. It's only a 25 min drive to the University. I can walk or grab a scooter and i'll be downtown faster than taking a car. One thing I am upset about is when moving in I was told that the apartment had their own free bikes. But they are still being repaired since I moved in.. Not a dealbreaker since the city has lime bikes, but those cost money (40cents/min). I do feel very safe here. I was nervous at first to move downtown, but the area is very safe in my opinion. There's also many gates and keyfob entires that would be difficult for any non-residents to enter from.

The Community: I never expected to feel this welcomed? My second night living here I was exploring- it was obvious I looked lost and new. A few of the other tenants chatted with me and put me in a group chat with 50+ other tenants. Some tenants have happy hour every Friday and occasionally gatherings to network and meet new people. Even the Meridian will throw pool parties, game nights, etc. The group chat has been helpful. We even have our own little Meridian Marketplace! Overall the community and people in this building have been very helpful and welcoming. I would say it's a range of 23-40yr olds that live here. A handful of international workers, engineers, doctors, and med students.

The Amenities: If you have looked at the photos its obvious that this place is gorgeous. And it looks like that in person too. Anytime I go to the pool I am always think "dang, I live here." When I first moved in my sister said "It feels like a resort!" And I think that is the best way to describe this place. I am a big gym-rat so I expect high quality gym equipment. I have tried using the gym, and it is not bad if you are just looking for the basics. But it's just not for me. I found a really nice gym downtown, it's 6 mins by scooter or 2 mins by car. MobTown Grind (I would give this gym 5 stars too).

The Maintenance: I have no complaints about the maintenance. BUT I also haven't experienced anything breaking on me yet. Yes, the elevator breaks down every now and then- but there are 3 other elevators to choose from. The power does go out here and there- but this is Mobile where it always storming, especially during hurricane szn. I have seen a lot that pets will do their business in the elevators or other inconvenient places, but it's always delt with. And if it becomes a reoccurring thing, management will send out an email reminding the tenants to keep it a clean environment. Anytime I see something that looks tacky or trashy in the hallways, I always seem to get an email the day of or the next addressing and resolving it. With my own apartment, I haven't had any issues to call maintenance so I cant speak on that part. But I guess thats a good thing right?

My Apartment: At first I wanted the 1b 1b, but settled for a studio. I thought I was going to be suffocated, but after 2 months it is the perfect size. I love how much sunlight I get. Which saves me a lot on my power bill, because I NEVER have the lights on! The room, yes, is pretty cramped. I have a full bed and pretty big dresser that takes up most of the space. But I spend most of my time in my living room anyways, which surprisingly has plenty space. Kitchen is very up to date and has sooo much cabinet space!

Overall: I love this place and do not regret signing a 13m lease. It is pricey, but you get what you pay for. And I would much rather pay more to feel safe, welcomed, luxurious, and a refreshing place to live. I know others have not had the best experience here, but it all comes down to how you look at it. Things will break, issues will occur, things will get dirty. But from what I have seen, management handles these issues quickly and effectively. You can either get upset about it or be patient and understanding.

I'll update at 6 months:)

Bradley Marston

Great place to live. The amenities are very nice (pool, gym, lounge etc) The staff is very helpful and show concern of any problems you have and attend to them in a quick manner. Highly would recommend.

Ashley Huntley

I absolutely LOVE meridian at the port apartment homes! I don’t have a single complaint or bad thing to say about this place. I lived there 2 and a half years and was so sad to leave. The staff and management are AMAZING and adheres to any request, they are always ready to help! The amenities are wonderful, the neighbors are delightful and it’s a wonderful community! Please move here ! You won’t regret it .

Charles Henderson

Without question or Debate the best Apartment Complex Mobile has to offer. Amenities are even better than advertised. Have some Smores on a cool calm evening by the comfortable fire Pit, Enjoy the night sky from the Rooftop deck, or go for a swim during the warm months. 24 Hr. Fitness center and a Clubhouse for relaxation or quiet area to catch up some work. Grab a cup of coffee, Hot Chocolate or even a Cappuccino on your way up in the lobby lounge area from the Coffee Bar. Combine that and much more with Outstanding Management and Staff, u will feel right at home.

Jeannea Spence

I have recently moved into Meridian at the Port, a Hawthorne residential property. My leasing specialist, Katey Mosley, has gone above and beyond from my first inquiry through my walk through on move in day. She represents Hawthorne in the best possible way. Friendly, professional, excellent attention to detail, prompt follow through. Katey has provided a superior customer experience — not just customer service. The handwritten note she left in my apartment was a welcome surprise to see after so many days of arduous packing, cleaning, and an 11-hour drive to get here. I hope Hawthorne appreciates Katey. I sure do!

Carl Thomas

The service here was really good… and the help with moving my client in was really well too. They treat people really well here.

Lohan Sutton

Worst rental property in Mobile, AL! Do not even consider renting at this property! You will have issues throughout the who term with the management. Samantha is extremely lazy whenever I come to day to day busy work. The best one to talk to at the property from my experience is Paul, if you need something handled. Whenever I moved in, the apartment look like is had not been cleaned or prepared for a new tenant moving in. For the first two days I did not have a functional lock on the door, and the carpet was coming up, and the apartment was just overall dirty. There is a major pest problem at the property. Yes, lots of cockroaches! The common areas are not very nice, photos are misleading. Lots of dogs and lazy dog owners. On multiple occasions I got in the elevator and dog pee was on the floor. Moving out I had all my payments finalized and was still sent to a debt collection because Samantha, the manager, never closed the account. Overall do not consider looking at this property to rent! If you want an apartment downtown Mobile there are plenty of other options to try!