I've lived in a decent selection of residences throughout the Phoenix & surrounding areas the past…read more7 years. There is a reason this one gets a better rating. So, bare with me long enough to understand why.
First- I won't lie in saying I could rent anywhere. Divorce can have a MAJOR impact on one's situation. Places I opted to rent prior to this one were hit or miss. Not at the year mark here, I will be in 6 months, & I'm happy about that- asked for LONGER terms.
Jackie in the front office is a gem. The other two ladies who work along side her are also lovely & helpful. I've always felt comfortable & cared for in their presence- going over the lease, touring the unit, signing it all off & the entire procedure was flawless. I was even in a slight panic, out of town, thinking my lease renewal was sooner than anticipated- they were SO helpful & reassuring! I literally got peace of mind while being out of town & unable to personally come in to the office- much gratitude for their efforts in getting me taken care of from a distance!
I love this is more of a "residential" street- the entirety is senior living & apartments. The Dollar Store is at one end, literally a 10 minute or less walk for utter convenience. It's pretty quiet, and lots of trees, which I personally enjoy. The grounds here are well kept. I haven't had an issue with anything annoying or alarming. And, pretty much everyone is kind & friendly wether they live next door, across or passing by. It's a pretty pleasant atmosphere. The pool is a plus, along with the small fitness facility & business center for computer access or printer/fax capabilities (I recently learned the hard way people STILL use fax machines!). Want a snack, drink or gallon of water? Right there for the convenience! BBQ is also possible, and there are some nice areas set up for gatherings, as well as the dog park & basketball court, if you don't want to utilize the pool or spa (both of which are nice to indulge in!).
A studio is literally the size of a prior one-bedroom I rented in Tempe. The only difference is the "bedroom" isn't separated from the rest. Still plentiful in size- go to IKEA and get a divider! Some of the units offer washer/dryer, but the laundry facility isn't bad at all- totally operable off your smart phone! The appliances were nearly brand new, in mine. Or, just extremely well cleaned. I will say- the fridge is what I'd call the SMALL "standard". I stand 5'-3" tall & I can easily see the entire top of the appliance- that is a FIRST! (I've always been too short, so I realized it is smaller than the norm, but still spacious enough for one person who LOVES to cook!) There hasn't been any issues with anything. Aside from landscapers blowing debris onto my patio doing their rounds, because the patio fencing is kinda crappy- it's nice to have that small outside space to enjoy (in the winter) & the storage closet is great. Also- you can have lattice installed for a small fee, for more privacy, and it looks very nice/classy! Many opt for it, as well as the wrought iron security doors they also offer to install for a fee (but the doors you can legit take with you upon moving!). So they do diligent in offering privacy & security.
They also take things more serious than some assume. Yes, there have been "issues" here- just like literally anywhere else! It isn't because of the complex or how it is run. You just literally have some bad apples. But, nothing has ever gone unattended to or ignored. Any complaints/concerns HAVE been taken seriously. And I'll note- one across from me has lived here 6+ years. The ones who just moved in told me they're back for the 2nd time. That's what you want to hear!
I guess my only "complaint" is parking spaces are HARD to come across. I've been on the wait list since I moved in. BUT, upon renewing my lease, it seems I may have one now, hopefully? Because- since I'm street side, I actually find it more convenient to park curb & access my building... BUT, there are times I want to park for more than 24 hours and just have peace of mind my vehicle isn't sitting compromised on the street, but more secure in a designated space/lot. That is the day I will up this to a 5 star. Because I feel like there should be at least ONE designated spot reserved for EVERY unit. The fact the tenant prior to me did not drive or have a vehicle frustrated me that spot was given to another. I feel like I definitely pay enough in rent to be allotted a parking space. ...hopefully soon.
But like I said- I've experienced what most DON'T want to in some prior rentals, and this is really quite a blessing, in my opinion. You'd be hard pressed to find anything as decent for less. I feel entirely welcome here, safe & it wasn't a headache to move in or renew. Granted- you can NOT control who your neighbors are! It isn't fair to blame the complex when some are unpleasant. You'll experience it anywhere. The overall positive here definitely outweighs the negative.