Apartment Review for Arbor Pointe Apartments - San Antonio, TX

I love it here, and I think the aesthetic changes going on are all for the better. The new iron railings look chic. Plus, the darker paint job looks classier and hides dirt. Now that most of the exterior changes have been completed, it's quieter around here. I recently toured one of the remodeled units - they added crown molding, put in new white appliances, replaced all flat doors and cheap plywood cabinets with more solid-looking white "country"-style doors, and replaced all faucets with brushed nickel/steel. The ceiling fans were also updated, and the venetian blinds are 2" wood ones. But all in all, the changes are merely cosmetic. We are very happy in our un-remodeled unit. The only thing I don't like are the cheap wooden cabinets. We are paying $495/month for a top floor unit with a fireplace that overlooks a quiet, wooded area. We see deer and racoons every night. The view is the best part! We love the wood-burning fireplace and use it all the time. Our downstairs neighbors are sometimes noisy, but we've only been annoyed enough to pay them a visit once or twice. We've called management twice to report dogs left barking on patios or loud music, and they responded quickly and effectively. The office staff is hit or miss. One woman is quite spacey, and not very effective, but Christina, the property manager, has been wonderful. We would stay here for the next 3.5 years happily if we could keep our same apartment at this rent. But in about a year we've been told they'll ask us to move (either out or to a remodeled unit) so they can remodel our place. At that time, the rent on our unit will go up to $650/month! To me, that seems pricey for the surface changes they've made. We might move elsewhere at that time if we can find the peace and quiet we've enjoyed here at a lower price. Bottom line: It's lovely living quietly in the back of the complex with a beautiful view. Will the remodeling be worth a $150 rent raise?