Hi there. I personally have always felt very, very safe living here. The complex is quiet, and I have not had problems with hearing loud bass thumping, yelling, or after-market car alarms going off all night long like I have in previous apartment I've lived in. The gates really do help to keep people out, but sometimes people will still "piggy-back" behind you to get in when they open. The gates to the pool all have an access code and you have to use your gate clicker to get into the fitness room. Security is not an issue here, at least it hasn't been with me. As for the nickel and diming, I've lived here since 12/08 and I haven't been charged for anything extraneous. The one and only problem I had here was with the office staff. I had an issue that they handled so poorly that I had to call their corporate offices in Missouri to get it resolved. I just try to stay away from the office at all costs, but other than that, I'm happy here. I hope you have a nice, smooth move-in experience! Make sure to fill out the apartment condition checklist they give you and go over everything very carefully - I did find some hardware issues and carpet stains when I moved in!!!