I have lived at Horace Heidt Estates for two years. My experience has been wonderful. My Luxury Apartment is very large: two bedrooms-two baths. The management and maintenance crew are extremely helpful. They have a security guard every night...until the morning. I feel like I am at a resort. Four swimming pools, a tennis court, pickle ball courts and a Professional teacher. Great walking path. A coffee and breakfast room. Entertainment quite often. I love living here. Horace Heidt Jr. and his team have created a bit of magic in the heart of Sherman Oaks. A true gem! read more

Just toured the new "townhouses" where the developer crammed three crappy units (one townhouse plus two ADUs) into each subdivided lot. The garage is detached from the front townhouse, and although there's a fair amount of outdoor space it's currently communal to the three units with no fencing to separate or create privacy. This area of Magnolia is extremely busy with constant and heavy traffic, yet the balconies face this busy street. The back two units only have alley access behind the lot. When I toured, I pulled up for the viewing and parked. Someone leaving their viewing backed up and crashed into my parked car. That's fun! But it's also an indication of how busy this street is, very dangerous. I exchanged information, then headed in for my tour. The manager was hostile and dismissive. Impersonal and rude. I communicated that the prior tour just told me they felt the construction quality was more compensatory with $3,000 for a rental amount of the 2 bedroom since the workmanship was poorly completed. I communicated to Nikki that I agreed, the quality of construction was on the poor side with low quality carpet and poorly installed lower quality fake grass in the exterior areas. Instead of engaging me in conversation, she told me I was wrong. That a nearby apartment complex Orange Commons was renting for more and it was smaller (not the same neighborhood, not the same facility type or age, not the same bedroom/bath mix as the subject property) and made no effort to have a discourse about my concerns. She also dismissed me, and stated that some of the other units had already rented, to which I have no doubt. People will rent ANYTHING if they need an apartment, it doesn't actually mean my concerns are invalid. I own multiple apartment complexes here in Studio City and Beverly Hills, and before talking with Nikki I was very seriously considering renting this townhouse. I'd prefer to live in something I own, but I do not have any vacant 3 bedroom units available to my children and I currently and we've outgrown our two bedroom (that I also own) where we currently live. I am very well versed in property management and ownership, and to say I was equally disappointed and disturbed by Nikki's behavior is putting it lightly. She didn't ask any questions about me, not even my name, my job or how large my family was, or any kind of pleasantries or engagement whatsoever. This is not a nice enough facility to pay $4,400+ per month for anything longer than a 3-6 month temporary lease term. I would caution against anyone considering living here that you will absolutely face a constant battle with this woman and her horrific management style. Impersonal, borderline cruel, experience that I just had here. Red flags everywhere read more

Thank you so much, Nikki, for all your help and for making my move so smooth! This place is beautiful and has everything I need--plenty of space, privacy, a gorgeous interior, and an amazing view right in front of the park. I absolutely love it! read more

Terrible response to my inquiry, very rude and have not heard from the complex in almost 2 years.

What a GEMMM!! This place is amazing - private, thoughtful and well kept. I was looking for a community to join and this is IT by far. Nikki the property manager really did it for me!! Not only is the place BEAUTIFUL but she is truly one of a kind. They don't make them like her or this place anymore. You'd be lucky to live here. read more

I've just been reading the Reviews here and decided that I'd share my experience with you. So, it's late 1999, and I've just returned from living in Japan for about 10 years. Staying at a friend's apt in Studio City and I'm looking for a place for 2...I didn't return alone. Driving around looking at places I'd lived, and discovered HH Estates. As soon as we drove into the property, I recalled when I first saw it as I was whizzing by on a motorcycle enroute to an audition over in Encino. Anyway, parked the car, went to the Office, talked to a gal, Kae, who took us to look at a unit over across the "running stream". We took the apt. Kept it for 10+ years. Only left because the US Economy was in the toilet + Fukushima had just imploded... and I figured there were opportunities for me as non-Japanese were streaming out of Japan by the PlaneLoad. Back to the Review: succinctly, not my forte... this place, HHE, is the BEST! Now, you gotta LIKE the old style 2 story buildings, the mini Golf Course, the Pool + Tennis Court, the 2 Waterfalls and the Stream that ran downhill in front of my Building, the underground Parking, and the Community Bldg centrally located where you can develop a sense of Community if that's to yur liking. BUT, you gotta LOVE the Staff. Some of the nicest folks you're ever gonna hear, mostly, say nice things. Sometimes the news you hear isn't what you wanted, but hey, life isn't "perfect" and neither is a fully functioning antique of a Community. It does require occasional repairs and Horace has been good about "upgrades". The grounds are well kept as are the buildings and the "amenities" mentioned above. There are seasonal "Special Events", some films, some music and other stuff: coffee, donuts, conversation. The way I figure is this: if you like "different", unique, Special, a sense of Community, a piece of the Past preserved and delivered Today, then You should check it out. Is it for You? Visit, go alone if you can, walk around and you'll know. Recommend 5 Stars. read more

It's funky it looks like it could be a cool place to live I'm giving it one star because nowhere did I read that it does not except any pets. It has a total no pet policy which is a shame because it's a huge park with a real park across the street. I'm posting for pad owners so they don't waste their time like I did.The place itself looks like a fabulous place to live but I would never give up my dog to live anywhere and she's only 4 pounds and still no pets. Just doesn'tFeel very Los Angeles to me. read more

We had a small event in the Aloha Room. Monica went over and above to assure our event was a success!

I used to live there a while ago back in 2006. My apartment was great but I had one neighbor from HELL. Literally! This community is 80% senior citizens and they've been living there for many many years and do not like younger people, kids or young families. I used to complain to the manager about my neighbor and all the disrespectful things she used to say to me and to my children but the management office didn't really care. I'm glad to be out of there!! read more

Over 11 years ago, when I moved to Los Angeles, I remember looking at an apartment in this bizarre enclave. Today, on a whim, I decided to see if it was still there. It is indeed. And nothing has changed. If you have a penchant for all things weird like I do (and, boy, do I) this is a must-see. I highly suggest stopping by and sneaking on to the premises as soon as possible. This place is so kitsch that it's hard to believe it's withstood the test of time. Imagine a miniature golf course, a retirement community, and It's A Small World all rolled into one. There you have it. Nothing I can say can do it justice. Luckily, they have a brand new fancy Flash website so that you can see for yourself. (It's important to note here that the video--which, by the looks of the cars in it, may be from the early 80s--bears little to no resemblance of the actual complex.) http://horaceheidtestates.com/08/index.php Here are a few of my favorite highlights: * Right off the bat, they refer to the place as "Country Club Estate Apartments." (A contradiction in terms, don't cha think?) * A voiceover beckons you to "leave the rest of the world behind when you walk past our bamboo gatehouse into another world." (That's an understatement.) * The Amenities pages welcomes you to "enjoy our breakfast club, which meets every morning in our clubhouse, the Aloha Room." (Confession: That sounds a little bit awesome. I may crash the Aloha Room one of these mornings.) * Last, but certainly not least, do not miss the Media page. Upon scrolling to the bottom, you'll find a yearbook of the celebrities who "have called Horace Heidt Estates their home through the years." (Dick Van Patten. Need I say more?) Think of me when you hear the sweet caw-caw of the parrots and the gently bubbling waterfall. read more

Work in LA but would rather hide in Hawaii? Your wish can come true. After my divorce, I sought a peaceful place for my heart's healing and found it a mile from my office. This Hawaiian hideaway has lurked behind high hedges in the heart of the San Fernando Valley for 60+ years, originally built as a home for the big band leader's band members as an alternative to faraway vacations. Half of the complex is built to resemble a Palm Springs resort, the other half resembles a Hawaiian hotel, complete with tikis and hibiscuseseses [sp!]. The clientele still predominates in retired show biz folks and musicians, which makes for some priceless poolside conversations. Four swimming pools, one tennis court and a miniaturized golf course. Not miniature golf with windmills, but a full 18-hole course scaled down to fit in the greensward, for the devoted putters. Holidays are a treat at this complex; look forward to the Labor Day Luau featuring talented residents whose names you will recognize, as well as the Christmas party and carolling amongst the buildings. If you want to just hide in your cubicle, you won't like the place, but if you want an actual Neighborhood where everyone gives you a cheery greeting every day, check in to the Horace Heidt Estates! read more

Lived here for two years, loved it! Very clean and the management and staff are so kind and always quick to help with any issues. If anything went wrong in my apartment there was always someone there to fix it within 24 hours. Felt secure since there is a nightly security officer. My only issue is that I am young and it's all mainly senior citizens, so plan on being extremely quiet or else you will get noise complaints. Everyone is very friendly though and being young moving to a new state I felt like there was help and support all around me! read more

I just joined yelp and I'm reviewing all of my favorite places in LA first.... This is the best hidden gem in LA....Amazing location for creative people to get work done for an affordable price....Lots of history here too....Great management as well... Very thankful to live here :) read more

I will not go back to live in that temporary studio apartment no matter what. Also, HH must buy me a new Nova foam mattress, a new down comforter, 2 new down queen pillows and 2 new down king size pillows, 2 new dog beds, and a cat bed. They had a week before I moved into the temporary studio to clean and debug that unit. The unit was filthy. I further want a free months rent credit, all boarding bills for pets and myself paid and a different place to live during the construction of my damaged 2 bedroom apartment. The studio should have been deloused and cleaned. I am not taking any chances bring those insects into my home. I've never had such insanity in my life. Please advise all. This is not what a LONG TIME paying tenant of 30 plus years deserves. Especially after due to their cheap, shoddy service caused a water heater to burst and flood my 2 plus 2 apartment with scalding water for 1 hour. Moving me to filthy, bug infested studio apartment. Shame on you read more

Horace Heidt Estates is truly one of a kind. The history and authenticity is something no property in Los Angeles offers. Coming home I feel as if I'm driving into Hawaii or Palm Springs. The 4 pools, golf course, gym, and full spa are a huge benefit. I have been living here for a while now and have had nothing but GREAT interactions with all of the staff who truly cares about your enjoyment of the community. Kae, Doreen, Curtis, Nick, Frank and all his guys are just fantastic at what they do. The maintenance workers always have a smile on their face and work hard everyday making sure the grounds are kept up and well maintained. The tenants are friendly and kind. This is an incredibly safe and quiet community. read more

OKAY- I was SOOOO excited when I drove past the little bamboo hut into the tropical oasis that is this place! Definately stands out among all the cookie-cutter, run of the mill apartment complexes that speckle the valley. Being a sucker for anything different, creative, and interesting, I was knocked off my feet when I saw this place... - The grounds are gorgeous, green, and well maintained - The very kitchy theming of the place might be too cute for the more serious crowd, but personally I couldn't help smiling at the whimsical Hawaiian street names and totum poles. I absolutely love it. - The apartments are beautiful, generously sized, and very well maintained. Don't let the fact that the buildings have a few years on 'em fool you...the owners have done very well in updating, renovating and keeping tenants happy inside! - The staff is friendly, helpful, and down to earth. Everyone I spoke with had alot of character and seemed very genuine - The amenities are great! Especially for such an affordable place! Four swimming pools with great landscaping (one is heated year round), fitness center, breakfast club, tennis and golf?!?! Sounds like a good time to me. Plus, they have entertainment for tenants, occasionally putting on shows or inviting guest speakers, and holding events for the community to enjoy. Great community atmosphere! If you're put off by standard apartment living, like me, check out this place, it's a total breath of fresh tropical air. read more

I have been looking for a 1 bedroom apartment in sherman oaks for a while. I checked some new ones (amli & grand), and a few older ones, until I came across this very different complex! my god apartmets are spacious? who gets 900~1000 sq.ft for 1 bedroom?? & the rent was lower than the 660sq.ft i saw in other places... they have studios too & many of them are like a small one bedroom.. THEY HAVE A SEPARATE SLEEPING AREA!! where in new buildings you see that? They have a full time maintenance crew of 7,8 people who are constantly here taking care of different matters.. there are 4 pools, one heated, tennis/basketball court & a mini golf course. it's very quite & away from street noise. it has a feel of community & is Hawaiian themed. VERY UNIQUE place. certainly worth checking out. read more

Okay, here's the straight truth about "Horace Heidt's Magnolia Estates": you sacrifice perfection for eccentricity. We toured the place about 8 months ago when we knew we were selling our condo and getting back into the renting game. I was intrigued by the amenities, but a bit underwhelmed by the conditions. So we looked around for months and months. After all that searching and viewing and deliberating... we now live at Horace Heidt's and are as happy as we've ever been with any living situation. We got a large two bedroom townhouse for a steal, and are so grateful every day that we did. As some of the reviews mentioned (rather nastily I might add), there are some drawbacks. The complex is a step back into the 1940's, and some of the residents are straight from that era. A few can be cross, but most that we've met have been delightful, even to our two young (loud) boys. But with any large community, you are bound to encounter a mix of attitudes and characters. All the neighbors in our particular area have been exceedingly welcoming, generous and kind. Now it's true that not everything is brand new and in perfect working order. But with all the amenities, I don't see how any place could keep up with all the maintenance and still charge what Horace Heidt's does. There are four pools (one heated year round), a spa with sauna, steam room, weight room and large jacuzzi, a tennis court with a basketball hoop, and tons of green grass and palm trees lining the 18 hole "golf course" (a bit of a laugh, but beautiful and charming nonetheless). My sons love walking the grounds, looking at the waterfalls (it's true), and playing in the grass. Not to mention that there is a gigantic, sprawling park directly across the street. And the staff, particularly Ruby, has been swift, friendly and accommodating ever since we moved in. (She was essential in our decision to move here.) We have found the entire staff to be attentive, responsive, friendly and professional. Much like the complex, they're not perfect, but charm goes a long way. So if you're looking for a living situation like none other, Horace Heidt's Estates is a rare find in an otherwise frustrating metropolis. read more

Horace Heidt Estates - The Duke enjoys the grounds at Horace Heidt's Estates. - Apartments Near Me - Sherman Oaks, California

Might have been a good place back in the day. Horrible management, horrible upkeep of the property. Unsafe. Thefts to personal property. Nickel and dime you for everything. Notice all positive reviews are from years ago. read more

I don't want to give this a great review because I want to keep it a secret! Love. Moved away for a job, can't wait to come back! Staff awesome, neighbors awesome. This is home. read more

This place is AMAZING! The apartments are big and well maintained, the grounds are always kept watered and trimmed, and the staff is magnificent. Big props to Ruby, Doreen, and Kae! We have had nothing but a fabulous experience since we moved in here a little less than a year ago. We are slowly getting all of our friends to move in here so we can have a sense of community, and I really do feel like I'm on a vacation when I come home from work to this little hidden treasure. Come check it out when ya can! You won't be sorry! read more

Terrible place to live. The staff is much to old to deal with needs of an apartment complex as big as this one. The owner is always there which you would think would be a good thing, except nothing still gets done. It's almost as if he just turns a blind eye on the goings on at the estates. The grounds are kept up to a minimal standard, the apartments are old and are in desperate need of remodeling. Rumor has it that several tenants are suing the complex which doesn't surprise me. I heard one of the tenants was attacked by an employee. All and all i would stay away. The apartments are overpriced and i only hear bad things about the grounds and employees. read more

Horace Height Magnolia Estate apartments are run down, faded and much in need of repairs. Management sucks every last time out of the tenants, adding on all kinds of assessments and fees that other apartment complexes include in the monthly rent. It takes forever to get anything fixed, and the front office is rude, unfriendly and downright hostile when anything is asked of them. Avoid this place. It is shabby, poorly maintained and run down and the management is nasty. read more

We have lived here since last year and we LOVE it! If you are going to live in California, you should live in a place like this. There is so much great outdoor space (pools, grass, beautiful trees) for our daughter to run around. I think all the apartments are pretty different but ours is very, very large for a two-bedroom and a lot of them have their own washer and dryer. Everyone who visits comments on how fantastic and yes, bizarre this place is. When we have family in town we just hang out by the pools and they get a good California experience. Yes, some things are a bit run down and the walk from parking can be far for some tenants, but that is a small price to pay to live in such a unique place! What I really love about living here is the sense of community. We know all of our neighbors (they brought our daughter Christmas gifts! How sweet!) and all of the office staff by name. It's great to be able to pop in and talk to the office staff and not feel like you are dealing with a huge corporation who couldn't care less about you. When we drive by the office my daughter yells, "I want to see Ruby!" This place really feels like a home to us. read more