Hartford 21

We have been here for almost 2 years. We are counting down the days until our lease expires.

At first, the building and community seemed inviting and welcoming. We are empty-nesters and wanted to live in Hartford near our adult children. The units are nice and well-maintained. We were aware of ongoing elevator problems but were assured they were being repaired. When we have needed repairs in our unit, they are addressed promptly. The cleaning crew is excellent, and the concierge staff is also... very nice and professional.

Almost 2 years later, things have gone from okay to terrible. Now only 2 of the 4 elevators work. (There are over 300 apartments in the building.) It is not pleasant having to wait up to 10 minutes to get an elevator. And, if the elevators break on the weekends, which has happened twice in the last month, management will not pay for weekend repairs.

For almost 2 months, we had to carry trash down the elevators and into dumpsters because tenants were throwing furniture down the chute. Recently, we were forced again to carry our trash down the elevators when the trash chute was again down for week-long service.

When it rains, 2 of the 3 treadmills in the gym do not work. Rain pours in from the windows above these machines. Often the parking gates do not work. Sometimes the gates do not recognize transponders. Oftentimes the gates are just left open. This means our cars are not safe, and tenants have reported damage to their cars. The parking garage is also regularly littered with trash and no one seems responsible for cleaning this up.

Then there is the pot smell. Sometimes it comes in our windows when we open them for fresh air. Most elevator rides, however, come with a very strong stench of pot smoke. Then there are the nightly fire alarms. There have been 10-15 in the last 1.5 years. They always occur at dinnertime or, even worse, between 10 and midnight.

Management is aware of these issues, but things have only gotten worse in our time here and not better.
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I was very familiar with Downtown Hartford before moving here, but this is my first time permanently living in a city of any size. After a month, I see Hartford as a great starter city for wannabe urban dwellers, and Hartford 21 checks most boxes.

I moved here for semi-retirement and, after years of traveling to international cities for photography, wanted to take a more seasoned look at Downtown, where I started my photography career in 2002. My priorities are location, views and services... .

Views: Stunning, especially at sunset and night, and a huge benefit to my photography. I'm in a north/east-facing corner unit about halfway up, with wide windows and great street views. The windows open, which is a big plus. Some dirt buildup on the inner glass is the only downside, though I'm probably more sensitive to it because of photography. Street noise is typical city living and not excessive.

Location: Across from Pratt Street, with frequent music, social events, markets, outdoor dining and more. Downtown is compact and very walkable, while outer neighborhoods are accessible if you're willing to walk. Hartford has far more parks, tree-lined streets and culture than people realize if they get out of their cars.

Excellent staff. Feel like I'm in a highly rated hotel. Concierge service is friendly and helpful, especially with packages, and 24/7 staffing adds security. Leasing and move-in were seamless. Stephanie is excellent with questions/requests, knows the area well. A minor maintenance issue was also resolved quickly.

Bathrooms and some finishes show their age. Everything is functional with excellent water pressure, fast hot water. The kitchen has modern stainless appliances and granite counters. Flooring and paint aren't to my taste, but neither is a deal breaker. I occasionally hear footsteps from above but no noise from next door. Thermostats in every room, wish they were programmable.

I've seen three elevators working, or two, and as few as one. It can make timing difficult, but I'm in no rush. Trash/recycling are located on my floor. Parking is plentiful and secure, fitness room appears well equipped, and the key-fob works well.

H21 suits my needs, Thoroughly enjoying my experience. Staff and residents have been welcoming, friendly or simply quiet when that's the vibe. It feels neighborly without being forced. Needs aesthetic and mechanical updating, but the premium location, incredible views and amenities make it a great choice for me. Read More

Overall this has been a safe community, and I really appreciate the maintenance and concierge staff, they've consistently been helpful and responsive. A few other issues though, are worth mentioning.
The smell of smoke/weed from a neighboring unit has drifted into my unit for a while now, and it hasn't gotten better even after flagging it a few times. Elevators are also often slow, and it's common to have at least 1-2 out of service at a time, which gets frustrating during busy morning hours.
In... the past, the trash chute was out of service for several months, and we had to carry trash down and leave it outside, even in winter, despite still paying the trash collection fee monthly.
I am also surprised that, as a resident here for over two years now, renewal rates came in higher than what's offered to new residents every year.
Sharing this feedback in hopes these things get addressed, since the good parts of living here really are good. Read More

Living at Hartford 21 has been a great experience so far! The building itself is in a prime downtown location, and the floor plans are genuinely spacious and modern, making it feel more like a home than a typical apartment. The 24-hour concierge and secure garage parking are huge perks that make life here very convenient and stress-free!

I want to give a special shout-out to Stephanie, the Resident Relations Consultant. She has been incredibly helpful and responsive, always going out of her way... to make sure any questions or concerns are handled quickly. It’s rare to find management that is this attentive, and she truly makes you feel like a valued part of the community!

If you’re looking for a safe, well-maintained, and professional environment in Hartford, I highly recommend checking this place out! Read More

I have really enjoyed living in Hartford 21! The building is clean, well-maintained, and feels safe. Obviously the location cannot be better being right in the heart of downtown.

One of the best parts is the concierge team. They are consistently helpful, attentive, and I am impressed by how well they know the residents on an individual personal basis.

The only reason I would take off a star is because sometimes the elevators can be finicky and or the dog park could be cleaned on a more... frequent basis :-)

It’s a great place to be, and I would definitely suggest living here! Read More