It's unfortunate many reviews on here are so biased one way or the other so I will try to provide an objective view as I am currently shopping for a new apartment.
Location: excellent location near old town as mentioned in other reviews. Its easy to get rides from golf carts or uber to get to the bars on weekends. Albertsons and Frys are within a mile for grocery shopping and it's quick 15 min to the airport.
Payment system: Average. You can set your payments to be automatic but if you don't do this, you have 24 hour window on the 1st of each month to make your payment. You must pay online. Would prefer to have the tool open for more days to pay.
Monthly cost: Fair. I've been here for 3 years and each year they increase monthly rent by about $70-100. You can and should attempt to negotiate this down. However, you are paying for the location so you've got to deal with it.
Maintenance: Good. Getting things fixed has been pretty quick and easy. Some appliances weren't working properly and we had replacements in a couple days. Pest Control guy came within the time range I expected. Maintenance portal online never seems to work, so I just call in my request instead.
Quality of apartment: Tired. As I said, I've been here for almost 3 years so they may be renovating other rooms but my place is lacking. Counter tops in bathroom and kitchen are the same builder grade wood composite material - most likely original to the apartment. Probably time for a refresh. Microwave and dishwasher were falling apart...literally pieces breaking off - haven't requested microwave fix yet, but I'm sure they will fix this quickly when I do. Carpet is the traditional, low quality pile used in most apartment that wears pretty rough. Shows its age even though I vacuum regularly, don't wear shoes, and have had it cleaned multiple times. While I only have negative things to say, the place gets the job done...it suffices for my current needs.
Management: hit or miss. They seem helpful and friendly but I've been in there multiple times to pick up packages and they tell me they didn't have them...but they did. Minor annoyance...
Pool: Good. There are hardly any kids in this complex and when it's warm the pool is usually full - not crowded, but well-attended with young adults. Plus someone usually has their music playing and peeps are drinking beers so it's good for the outgoing crowd.
Gym: I like to lift regularly but apartment gyms never have enough equipment for me so I don't use them. I usually only see women using the 1-2 treadmills in there but they also have some dumbells. If you need more, I use Youfit which is down the street and memberships are only $15-$20 per month.
External maintenance: good. Parking lot was re-sealed last year. Buildings were just repainted a few months ago. Lawn care companies come regularly to take care of the grass and shrubs. They seem to start at 7am, which can be a touch loud for that early, but they do a good job.
Parking: Good. Each apartment gets 1 covered parking spot which you don't have to pay extra for like other complexes. I live with my gf so I usually park in uncovered lots which are a free-for-all. There is generally plenty of available spots except on weekends I've had to park on the street a few times which was annoying.
Neighbors: Neighbors are friendly and say hello. Have the ubiquitous loud motorcycle guy, but that seems to be at every complex.
Overall, Colonial Grand is very average. The benefit of living here is the location and the rest of the amenities serve their purpose. I would recommend checking the place out. Btw, I do not know anything about the colonial grand north complex down the street but it appears to have better reviews.
Hope this helps!