Clayton Koff
Staff Writer
With spring right around the corner, the time has come for students to begin looking for housing for both the summer and fall semester. Some things people should consider while looking for housing are the following: floor plan, cost, amenities, community, management and proximity to campus. Here at The Bengal, we will be doing a series of reviews on all of the housing options available to students over the next couple weeks. The first on the list will be the student living community of Bengal Creek.
Floor Plan
Bengal Creek is an apartment complex with two different suite style living areas: a four-person suite or a six-person suite. Each suite is 2,000 square feet containing two large bathrooms, a full-sized kitchen with two refrigerators, an oven, a dishwasher, and a large living area. Some differences between the four-bedroom suite and the six-bedroom suite are the cost, size of the bedrooms, and slightly different amenities. The four-bedroom suite has slightly larger rooms than the six-bedroom suite, containing a walk-in closet in each room as well as a washer and dryer unit within the suite. The four-bedroom suite is also slightly more expensive than its six bedroom counterpart.
“The property and community is a fun and safe environment,” said tenant Mikayla Holton in a Google review posted in April 2017. “I love living here!”
Cost
When searching for housing, pricing is a very important factor to consider. Bengal Creek offers the unique option of two different payment methods. Residents can choose either to pay month-to-month or to pay a flat rate for the entire year. The price for the six-bedroom suite is either $295 for month-to-month or $2,475 for a year. The price for the four bedroom suite is slightly more expensive at $391 for month-to-month or $3,141 a year. The pricing for the year is for two semesters. However, residents have the option to pay for all three semesters at a lower month-to-month price. For all three semesters, the six-bedroom suite costs $275 dollars per-month and the four-bedroom suite costs $343 per-month.
“Considering everything that the facility offers,” said Google reviewer Mercedes A, “the price is really good.”
Proximity to Campus
Bengal Creek is relatively close to ISU campus—only three minutes away by car. It is within walking distance if you do not own a car and there is a bus that runs every 15 minutes from Bengal Creek to campus.
Amenities
Bengal Creek also offers free laundry and wifi, with access to a pool, a hot tub, a gaming room and a theater you can reserve.
“The price is pretty FANTASTIC for all the amenities they offer,” said Loralee Bowen in a Google review, “honestly your best option [for] off campus housing.”
Management
Bengal Creek is relatively cheap in comparison to other student housing options, with desirable amenities, but according to numerous residents and former residents, the management at Bengal Creek can be difficult to work with. One resident, Collin Wagstaff, who lived at Bengal Creek for four semesters, discussed his grievances in a Google review about the management. He said that paying rent was often a hassle, and he and roommates were charged unnecessary late fees.
“Bengal Creek Ridge is a nightmare to live at,” he said.
Other Things to Know
Renters at Bengal Creek are subject to rules regarding drugs and alcohol, overnight guests and apartment cleanliness. Former tenants have detailed frequent clean checks and a clause in the lease that gives management rights to enter the premises at will. Bengal Creek does not allow smoking or drinking on the premises or overnight guests of the opposite gender.
