I lived at San Marin Phase 2 for a year. Upon move in, the unit was infested with carpenter ants…read more The ants were crawling up the walls, on the ceiling, and in the carpet. It was quite disgusting. Never spotted a roach in sight, but ants yes.
The unit was partially cleaned and the tiles in the bathtub was filled with black grout. I immediately notified the maintenance staff. At that time, they had this guy who spoke primarily Spanish and didn't understand English. So we both used Google translate to communicate with each other. He eventually fixed the issue.
I toured the model unit and was in for a rude awakening when I realized the unit I got. My unit had old outdated white appliances from 1989. The oven didn't have the window to inside. The microwave didn't have a turntable and it was cracked.
I guess enough people complained about the non-English speaking maintenance guy that I stopped seeing him after two weeks. They hired new maintenance guys who would speed down trails like a bat in hell.
In Phase 2, neighbors wasn't friendly and often didn't speak when I saw them. However, in Phase 1, majority of the neighbors are extremely friendly. I've been invited to UT tailgates on Sundays, doggie playdates at the dog park, and overall just greet you. Phase 1 is a great location.
In Phase 2, very late at night around 3am, since there aren't any gates protecting the property, non-residents use the pool. I've seen it a couple of times. Only ever blue moon, residents use the pool for the holidays.
The biggest perks about living at San Marin that I've experienced were the trailheads behind the complex. Those were a lot of fun accessing on the weekends and evenings. The trails take you from Phase 2 behind Phase 1, into Balcones Woods park, and Walnut Creek. Walking and exploring through the tunnels to the train tracks.
Another perk was having the pleasure to interact with Cesar in the office. So helpful, attentive, gets on work orders quickly, and honest. He is one of the best leasing agents. Jodie and the other chick is cool too, but Cesar always is around.
A rare perk that most apartment complexes don't have is that at San Marin, it's open parking including the covered carports. You will never have to walk too far to get home. I could always park very close to my unit. Now, they still tow here if you choose to park on the line.
Another perk is the location. The complex is close to everything. The Sprouts was nearby, the Target across the street from Sprouts, Juiceland up the way, and Dollar Tree, and the Exxon gas station. Everything is at your fingertips.
Now the cons: the management sucks. I never met the manager when I lived here, but I swear he had some vendetta out for me. I know it sounds crazy, but seriously, rent was late one day and yet they gave me an bright pink eviction notice on the door. It wasn't even on the 3rd day. I immediately paid it.
Then, I was falsely accused of noise complaints when I wasn't even home. Cesar would always call me leave a message saying I was making too much noise. How can I cause noise when I'm driving around South Austin, in Jonestown, in East Austin, or even in Pflugerville doing my job. I'm not sure.
Disappointed to be accused of something I didn't do. The office staff reasoning was because all of the neighbors say it wasn't them, but yet since I was too busy working and couldn't answer my personal phone over my work line, then it must be me.
Absolutely wrong. Anyways, I felt targeted and they should go after the ruckus of screaming children. They are annoying especially on the weekends. Constantly knocking on doors then running.
When it came to move out, I was charged for the carpet. The carpet was dirty upon move-in. Here's a secret, don't have heavy furniture on the carpet. I honestly don't understand why carpet is still even a thing in this day and age, should be outlawed. Of course, I paid the fees.
Another thing to mention is you pay all utilities: electric, water, gas, Internet, and for an outdated unit $1,500 a one bedroom/one bath.
Another con is the leasing office doesn't answer the phone. However, I've found that they do answer emails quickly. On weekends, it's only one person working.
Another perk is they don't charge you for valet trash. They don't even have that service. Thankfully! I like being able to take my own trash out. I don't like valet trash services.
I want to add: the walls are well insulated, there was a family of 4 that lived above me. I never heard a peep out of them, no loud footsteps or stomping. Another thing which was great was the complex constantly updating the grounds from painting the rails on the balcony, repainting the lines in the parking lot, pressure washing the sidewalks, painting the stairways and doors, and maintaining the lawn.
Does the pros outweigh the cons for you to live here?