The Encore

The Encore is Greystar and operates like a Greystar property. The building is clean, the team is professional, and when something breaks they fix it. The issue is the renewal — 12% after year one with a corporate form letter. I asked to negotiate and was told "we can offer you a 6-month renewal at this rate while you decide." That's not a negotiation. I left.

The Kenilworth Ave location is the hidden gem of Plaza Midwood — walking distance to Central Ave restaurants and bars, quieter than the South End density, and the building is well-maintained. Greystar runs it with their usual corporate efficiency. If you want the Plaza Midwood neighborhood feel without the full corporate apartment machine, look at smaller buildings first. But Encore is a solid fallback.