So, you’re looking at apartments in Bordentown, and Southgate and Rydal Apartments keep popping up. On paper, it looks like a slam dunk—super close to Route 130, decent-sized floor plans, and prices that don't make your bank account want to cry. But if you've spent any time reading the local forums or digging into the reviews, you know the story isn't always that simple. Honestly, picking a place to live here is about weighing what you can live with versus what you absolutely can't.
Located right at 272 Ward Avenue in Bordentown, NJ, this complex is basically a massive 315-unit community that’s been around since the early 1960s. That age is important. It’s the reason for the gorgeous hardwood floors in some units and the reason why your neighbor’s midnight snack run might sound like they’re walking through your own living room.
The Reality of Living at Southgate and Rydal Apartments
Let's talk about the space. One thing most people agree on is that the actual square footage at Southgate and Rydal Apartments is better than most modern "luxury" builds. You aren't squeezed into a shoebox. A typical one-bedroom is roughly 875 square feet, which is honestly huge for the price point. If you jump up to a two-bedroom, you're looking at nearly 1,000 square feet.
The layout feels traditional. You get a real dining area, separate from the kitchen, which is kind of a rarity these days. Many of the units have been "renovated," but keep in mind that "renovated" in a 1962 building usually means new LVP flooring, maybe some granite-style counters, and a fresh coat of paint. It doesn't necessarily mean the bones of the building—the pipes and the wiring—got a total overhaul.
What the Management Won't Tell You
KGP Management runs the show here, and the reviews are... polarizing. Some residents swear by the maintenance guys, saying they’re quick to jump on a leaky sink. Others? Well, they’ve had a different experience.
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There are persistent mentions of "surface mold" in bathrooms and around window frames. Now, the management often tells tenants to just "keep the window open" during showers because the older units weren't built with exhaust fans. That's a bit of a workaround for a legitimate ventilation issue. If you’re sensitive to allergens, this is something you’ve gotta check during your tour. Look at the corners of the ceiling and behind the blinds. Don't be shy about it.
Then there's the laundry situation. It's on-site, but it’s not in-unit. For some people, that’s a dealbreaker. For others, the $2.50 per cycle (which can add up fast) is just an annoying part of life.
Location: The True Selling Point
If you work in Trenton, Princeton, or even Philadelphia, you basically can't beat this spot. You are literally right off Route 130 and minutes from the NJ Turnpike and I-295.
- Commuting: It’s a 12-minute drive to the Trenton Transit Center.
- Groceries: You’re less than half a mile from School Plaza.
- Vibe: Bordentown is actually a really cool town. It’s got that historic, small-town feel with places like Farnsworth Avenue just a short drive away.
But being close to the highway has a downside: noise. The "Sound Score" for this area is pretty high. If you’re a light sleeper, you’re going to want a unit deeper into the complex, away from the main road traffic.
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The Budget Factor
Let's get real about the money. In early 2026, the rent for a one-bedroom at Southgate and Rydal Apartments is hovering around $1,450 to $1,650. Compared to the Bordentown average of nearly $1,900 for a 1BR, you're saving a significant chunk of change every month.
That "affordability" is why the complex stays full despite the mixed reviews. It's a trade-off. You’re getting a roof over your head in a safe, low-crime area for several hundred dollars less than the "luxury" complex down the street.
Things to Look For Before You Sign
Don't just sign the lease because the model unit looks pretty.
- Check the Grout: In older buildings, look at the bathroom tiling. If it looks "mushy" or discolored, there might be moisture trapped behind it.
- Ask About the Attic: There have been historical complaints about squirrels or raccoons getting into the crawl spaces of the older buildings. Ask specifically if the roof and eaves have been reinforced recently.
- The "Rug Rule": Most second-floor units require you to cover a certain percentage of the floor with rugs to dampen noise. If your upstairs neighbor hasn't done this, you're going to hear every footstep. Ask management how they enforce this.
- Utility Inclusions: Check what’s included. Often, heat is included in these older complexes because it’s a centralized boiler system, which can save you a fortune in the winter.
Southgate and Rydal Apartments isn't a five-star resort, but it isn't the horror story some disgruntled ex-tenants make it out to be either. It’s a middle-of-the-road, older apartment complex that offers a lot of space for people who are willing to deal with the quirks of a 60-year-old building.
If you're moving in, document everything. Take photos of the windows, the plumbing under the sinks, and the floors the day you get your keys. Being proactive is the only way to ensure you get that security deposit back when you eventually move on.
Actionable Next Steps
If you're serious about this place, don't just call the office. Drive through the complex on a Tuesday night around 7:00 PM. That’s when you’ll see the real parking situation and hear how much noise actually travels between the units. If you see a resident walking their dog, ask them the honest truth. Most people are happy to tell you exactly what’s wrong (and right) with their building. Once you have that "boots on the ground" info, you can decide if the lower rent is worth the quirks of the 08505 lifestyle.