Rockville Centre apartment complex drawing them in

More than a year after construction began on the apartment complex at 80-100 Banks Ave, AvalonBay officials say they are pleased with the high level of interest in their rental units.

According to Matt Whalen, AvalonBay’s vice president of development on Long Island, the number of tenants is ahead of the pace that the real estate developer had first anticipated. “As we had hoped, there has been an incredibly high level of interest in the community,” Whalen said. “We tour dozens of people through the building every day.”

Most of the new tenants of the apartments can be separated into two general groups, Whalen explained. “One is young professionals, either single or recently married, but without children. The second contingent is the empty nester that wants to get out of the big house and wants to enjoy maintenance-free living.”

Whalen said that the interest in the apartment complex is due in part to the amenity packages provided, citing the granite kitchens and the high level finishes as strong attractions. The two demographics were the exact groups AvalonBay had targeted, said Whalen, adding that there are no signs that interest is letting up.

Toni Greene, whose family recently moved into the apartment complex, considers herself to be a bit of both target demographics. “I would like to consider myself young, but we also have college-aged children,” Greene said. “We didn’t need a big house and we wanted to downsize.”

Greene acknowledged that what initially attracted her family to AvalonBay Rockville Centre was its appearance and ambience when they first entered. “I think initially it was the structure of the building, and the way it looks,” Greene said. “The feel is like a home away from home, almost like a hotel.”

The proximity of Rockville Centre to New York City also played a part in her decision. “We wanted to be close to the city, but not in the city, and Rockville Centre was a perfect place.”

After a month living in their new home, the Greene family is pleased with their decision. “I love it. I don’t have to leave the home for a gym, and the pool is a great convenience,” Greene said. “I love the fact that I don’t have to maintain a house but it feels like a home.”

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