The Arbors is a cozy and quiet nook in Costa Mesa. I recently lived there for a little over two years, and I had a great experience. Baley and Don are the property managers, and they do a fantastic job of keeping the property well-maintained. They are also very friendly and responsive when you need something. As a single woman living alone, I always felt safe living there. I highly recommend The Arbors if you are looking for a new place to rent. Many thanks to Baley and Don again! read more

After 3 years at The Arbors it's time to move. My original post was directed towards our first landlord, since then we've had 2 other sets of landlord, each progressively better. Don and Bailey are the current landlords, and they're doing a great job! They keep the place looking clean, they care about doing the little extra things like building in doggy runs for the pups, decorating the pool area, etc. Other things to add about the apartments would be the great location. Easy to hop on the 55/405, and no need to deal with the annoying Triangle traffic because we're just inland from that. TJ Maxx/Home Depot/Stater Bros all super close! Plus dollar tree/post office a block walks away. Many squirrels call The Arbors home and they're hilarious. In general the neighbors are all super friendly. So yea, I'd recommend this place! read more

Long time resident here guys. So, over time, we had several managers, some great, others on the way to their greatness, you know, you're not born great at anything. Recently, our manager changed and now we have Mr Don. I think Don had been practicing for a long time, because he is, literally great at managing. He is always there and he is a nice guy to talk to. He is very attentive - he does things other managers never touched, everything receives a proper attention and a fix or cleaning if needed. You know how you care for a place if you own it? This is how Don does it. You'd think he is the owner! I had a couple of incidents very recently and in both cases I have received a proper and timely help from Don. One was a wildlife related and the other was where my walking closet got flooded because the accident on the other side of the wall. Of course, this was on Saturday. Once I have noticed a sign of incoming water, I texted Don and he literally knocked on my door about few minutes later. Seriously how often did you get that kind of response? He immediately employed all the necessary measures to stop the water, and in just a few minutes my walk in was already being "shop vacuumed" to remove any water and the moisture removing machine was installed and working (this was super quiet, btw). My weekend was saved even though this could easily turn into a nightmare. Being there when it counts, knowing exactly what to do and actually caring to do it is why Don was able to minimize the damage and inconvenience for me better than anyone else could. Done right, this incident now looks small. But I know it could be very, very different had it been someone else. If you ever had your weekend ruined by an accident like this, then you know how important it is, like they say, to "be in the good hands". Well, here at the Arbors we are in the good hands. Thank you, Don! read more

This complex is a hidden gem in Costa Mesa!!! Everything you're looking for in an apartment is what you find here! They Even have incredible management on site! read more

New management. Don't live here. Maintenance takes 1 - 2 weeks to get acknowledged and then it's half-baked Random Cars parked for months without anyone knowing who it belongs to Management allowed for Two adults living in one 300 Sqft studio apartment with two Large dogs that are not friendly Poorly maintained premises with decaying signs, filthy laundry rooms, overfilled dog waste bins Neighbor's Car was stolen from the carport while I lived there Apartments are not worth what they charge They'll charge you a mandatory cleaning fee There's more, believe it or not, it's so bad that you can find it on Reddit as well. Just google this phrase "In-between Westside & Eastside Costa Mesa Area" with quotes read more

Such a poor living experience. For anyone wondering how my review can be so low compared to almost all the others, please note that Bill is gone. He was fired after working here for about a decade for "poor management". Then, he was replaced by a lady who appeared to be non-stop under the influence of something. She was fired after a few months, replaced by a lady who didn't like to be bothered on weekends. Of course, she's now been fired, with the current manager who is plain rude, to be frank. The changes in management were only announced once, after Bill's firing. The most recent two simply appeared one day. In the last year, Arbors residents have been moving out at a pace that management can't keep up with. There are now multiple empty units, whereas it used to be a very rare occasion to see a unit sit empty for more than a week. The management promised "improvements", which amounted to nothing more than little decorative flowers around the bottom of the trees, and not all trees got them. The property floods during light rains (heavy rains are horrible) and management does nothing. There's one resident that has been forced, on multiple occasions, to have to take a few steps through 6-inch-deep water on his way to work in the mornings. The already thin ceilings are made worse by The Arbors' decision to begin replacing upstairs unit flooring with cheap faux hardwood... IT'S SO LOUD DOWNSTAIRS. They seem to be taking it easy on their vetting, too, as some new incoming residents are proving to be of a character that I'd rather not live next to. After tenants became fed up with the above, the management sent this last autumn - "falsehoods and lies about circumstances at the Arbors have been spread and as a result some tenants have indicated their concerns about safety and other issues. We want to reiterate that our office has not seen or received evidence of any behaviour that would give cause for concerns about safety, or formal complaints of any kind. We want to stress that in the event that someone is spreading falsehoods in order to damage our business for any reason they will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. The police have been contacted about the current set of events and will be investigating in due course." Let's talk about maintenance requests. The Arbors has responded to requests in the cheapest manner possible - they'll submit for bids from multiple contractors on the Thumbtack app and let the tenant suffer with the problem for days at a time, all in the name of penny-pinching. Property-wide, maintenance is just as much of a joke. The laundry rooms have become dirtier and dirtier over time. Broken parking signs, rather than being re-staked, are simply leaned against a tree. If this is how they maintain their outside, imagine how well they maintain apartments between tenants! On the bright side, The Arbors is pet-friendly and cheap (except for the rent hikes many tenants have received this year, forcing them out). I'm sure there's worse out there, so this gets the Arbors that second star. Good job, guys. read more

Everyone I have met while living here the past year has been nice. The area is a great location to get to a lot of the best outdoor areas Southern California has to offer. The temperature is cooler than it is inland, leaving you a lot less uncomfortable during the summer days. There always seems to be a breeze from the front side of our apartment, so when you open the door up, you'll be able to get the perfect breeze coming in. There's lots of parking in the complex area, and the complex supervisor is always quick to fix something, keep people from getting out of hand, or cause problems, thanks Bill. read more

I lived here for over 2 years and it was a positive experience. Don and Bailey are the new managers and they were very kind and helpful to me. I found them very down to earth people. read more

I enjoyed living here. Excellent location, fair rent price, friendly neighbors, and great service from management. I lived on the first floor in a studio apartment. I've lived in many large apartment complexes with world class amenities, pools, gyms, ten stories high, blah blah blah. This place is not that, but I'll tell you what, this place is special. It has a small community feel where people know your name. It's a nice little apartment with everything you need. And the best part is, you deal with real people, not some huge property management company in Irvine who can care less about you. Tenants are just numbers to these large companies, but not at the Arbors. If you need something, just call the managers (Don and Bailey) directly ad they will take care of you. They are professional, very responsive, and work around the clock to make sure their tenants are happy. I think these two work every day, nonstop, to make sure we are taken care of. Check this place out! read more

I've been here for over a year now, and I LOVE IT! Complex: There is a pool that is NOT heated, which might be refreshing for some but it's just too cold for me. It attracts some ducks (like three or four), which I think is cool. There is a lot of vegetation, tons of trees, grassy areas and plants. There are three laundry facilities I think, so plenty of machines for everyone in this small complex. It is hard to get to the first time, because everyone passes it. I always tell them that it is ON Wilson, at the corner of Newport (going South) and Wilson - if you're on Newport going South and you turn onto Wilson, you will be making the equivalent of a U-Turn. Generally plenty of parking for guests. A few kids, though not that many. I have my cat and my dog (85lbs) and my husband, and they all love living at The Arbors. Apartment: The apartments are not fabulous, but they get the job done and are priced right for the location. No A/C. Heating from a unit in the living room. Gas, water and trash paid for by the complex (we just pay for electricity and cable). Just received notice of the rent increase, which is less than $50 (the average increase at other complexes) Nothing has been updated in the apartments as far as flooring (wood/carpet mix), counter tops (laminate), or walls (wood accent wall and painted exposed beams on the ceiling), BUT none of that matters because it feels pretty cozy. Upstairs units have vaulted ceilings, downstairs units do not. I recommend this place to those who are looking for a cozy, dog friendly, happy community. I do not recommend it if you're looking for creature comforts such as central A/C or heating, or ant-free living. read more

I encourage anyone who is looking for a new place to live to check out the complex first to see if it fits what you want. Luckily for me, the previous tenants were very kind and let me view the studio I was considering before they had moved out. I loved it and it was more spacious than I had thought, including a patio and walk-in closet. The buildings are older though and the beautiful nature does invite occasional critters to my apartment but it's never a big deal. The location is great; everything you need is nearby! Parking is no problem and rent is reasonable (all utilities except electric are included). The neighborhood is very quiet (the only noise I really get is from the surrounding apartment complexes because I'm located right on the edge). The other tenants are great and very friendly. I also really appreciate the efforts of Bill, the manager of The Arbors. He sincerely does his best in making sure everything is running smoothly and that problems are addressed immediately and taken care of. I told him that I wanted to get a kitten after I moved in and he was very supportive. The animal shelter I went to wanted papers to prove pets are allowed where I live - Bill did what he could right away so I could take home my kitten that day. Thank you, Bill! read more

My husband and I were about to get married almost 2 years ago and frantically searching for an affordable apartment to live in. I found a listing on craigslist offering a studio apartment at the best price I had seen for the Orange County area and called the apartment manager Bill right away. I was afraid, like other apartments, that two people in a studio was too much but Bill assured me that it was fine. It was another plus to find that they also accepted pets at a very reasonable deposit fee. When my now husband and I met Bill, we found him and his wife to be very nice and extremely accommodating. We looked at the apartment and knew it was the perfect starter place for us. Bill responds promptly when there are issues that need fixing in the apartment and even let us know when a bigger apartment opened up. After living here for almost two years, my husband and I can truly say how blessed we are to have found the listing. It's a small complex that reminds us of the mountains with squirrels and ducks hanging around. It's quiet, quant, and homey with a laid back environment. Close to freeways, shops, the beach, Vanguard University and Orange Coast College, and so much more. Reasonable rent prices, all utilities included except for electricity, quarter laundry onsite, doggie bag stations, guest parking, and total security (Bill makes sure only residents and their guests hang around the complex) make this place a truly awesome place to live. read more

I use to live in this community for 3 yrs but it was a great experience. Close to the beach and mall, nice neighbors too!! The manager Bill is great and he replies to you fast if something happens! Thanks Bill! read more

Living at the Arbors has been my best housing experience yet. I have to agree that it is the best place that you could live in Orange County. The property is beautiful and well kept. All tenants are incredibly friendly and the property remains relatively quiet. I am a student and have no problem studying. I always feel very safe on the property, even if alone or at night. There is plenty of guest parking, which is a major plus compared to other apartment complexes in the area. What makes living at the Arbors most enjoyable is Bill, the landlord. He keeps a watchful eye on the property, which is hard to find nowadays with landlords! Anytime I have a problem, Bill always takes care of it immediately. The Arbors has become my home and I would highly recommend living here! read more

A great place to live for the price and included utilities. Even though it is a bit of an older building, it is still beautiful and cozy and the value overshadows that easily. The complex is pet friendly, trash, gas, and water included; a quiet and peaceful environment overall. It is right on the corner of Newport and Wilson, so if you're coming up Newport and about to turn right on Wilson, you will be making the quickest right (pretty much a U-Turn) you've ever made in your life when you pull into the one and only driveway of The Arbors. Afterwards, you find yourself in a whole different world... let me explain... it stands out from all the other typical apartment complexes because of the lush greenery, tall trees, wood cabin like exterior, and cute little furry animals running around. It is literally a hidden forest gem right smack in the middle of Costa Mesa. If it weren't for the two other ghetto apartment complexes (where ALL the noise comes from) surrounding The Arbors, then it could actually look like you were in Big Bear, a bit like Mammoth, or any other mountain scheme. Bill, the landlord is above satisfactory and get things done promptly and out of the 3 years I've been here, I've never had a problem at all. He does everything he can do and more for the tenants and really knows how a complex should be run. The very few times I've called him for maintenance and whatnot, everything has gotten resolved within the next hour, unlike many other complexes that seem to neglect on these issues I would recommend this complex to anybody I know because you'd feel comfortable and be glad to call your home (for now.) read more

The Arbors - Tall trees and lush greenery between the E and O buildings - Apartments Near Me - Costa Mesa, California

See all

Some funny business going on here! I had a previous review for the Arbors from a couple of years ago that was 5 stars and it seems to have been deleted after I've had a less than average experience with them. My previous comments that Bill and his wife were amazing still stand, but unfortunately they no longer manage the Arbors. For about the last year or so they haven't seemed to be able to keep a steady on-site manager. Ever since Bill left things just went downhill. Maintenance requests were unanswered. General maintenance on the grounds was lacking to say the least. I had to get ahold of whoever the on-site manager was at one point just to get the general use trash can by the mailboxes emptied because it had been neglected for weeks. A pipe or something broke in one of the units causing the parking lot to flood and instead of pumping the extremely dirty water out and disposing of it properly, they just flooded the grass and sidewalks with it. Water pressure in the shower became a big issue and it was extremely hard to get it fixed. It ended up being due to the ancient shower head that came with the unit, that I had to replace myself. I lived at the Arbors for 3 years, 2 of which were fantastic when Bill was managing. I can't say as much for the last year. The move-out process with horrible and extremely unprofessional. If you do decide to live here, document EVERYTHING. And be ready to fight for your security deposit refund. read more

I really enjoyed my time living at the arbors. The landlord Bill is great! He is very accommodating and easy to get ahold of. This community is extremely pet friendly and I always felt safe living here. This is important for me since I was living alone in a studio. If you are looking for a studio or 1 bedroom I would recommend moving here. read more

I've been living here now for almost 2 years and so far really enjoy this little piece of Costa Mesa. Bill is the manager and he's awesome anything you need and he'll get right on it. I feel safe here and pets are welcome which is a plus. Rent is also reasonable. Its hard to finds decent rentals with good managers. So if there's an opening take it! read more

I have been living at the Arbors for about a year. The apartments are well kept and affordable for the area. As a female who lives alone I have always felt very safe here and all of the neighbors are friendly and helpful. The apartment manager Bill is very responsive, super helpful. Anytime there has been a minor issue it has been fixed same day! I would highly recommend these apartments to anyone looking in the area, can't beat the location, the quality, the price and the management! read more

I have never lived in such a lovely place, reminiscent of Yosemite. BIll, the manager is great, he makes sure to respond in a timely manner to anything that may arise at the complex. He is very sweet and understanding, he did everything possible to get me out of my lease due to unexpected circumstances; and worked fast. If I ever moved back to Costa Mesa, I would definitely try and get back in here. Great place to live, and everyone minds their business. read more

I had lived at The Arbors for 5 years! and I really liked it and enjoyed living in Costa Mesa. This place is very quiet and safe, but very close to anywhere you would like to go. So much green and dog friendly. The manager is very nice, helping you to live comfortable. This is one of the best apartment in OC! Enjoy your life in Costa Mesa! read more

Bill (the manager) and his wife are Amazing!!! I really feel at home here! I'm lucky to have found this place.

I absolutely loved living here and hope to live here again when I eventually relocate back to Orange County. Nice quiet, safe, and peaceful community. read more

I have lived here for over 5 years and I love it. It's a quiet well kept community with friendly neighbors . Really close to everything you could ever need or want. Nice cool ocean breeze, lots of sunshine, trees and lawns in this dog friendly community with squirrels, ducks and the occasional raccoon ! Bill the property manager is very receptive and prompt we really appreciate having such a good manager ! The units are very well kept and updated. read more

I have lived at The Arbors for a year, and it has been very enjoyable. Bill and Anna are excellent property managers. Always responsive to questions and they keep the place looking great throughout the year. The Arbors is a quiet and convenient place to live with access to the highway right around the corner as well as several places to shop and run errands. The neighbors are nice and respectful of everyone. Highly recommend The Arbors! read more

I lived in the Arbor Apartments for about two years and had a great experience! It is a really quiet and friendly community. I never had any problems with the management, whenever I had an issue in my apartment (which were few) it was always fixed very quickly. I will miss it! read more

I lived here for almost 2 years and very much enjoyed it. The location is a wonderful blend of being close enough to everything you want, without being too crazy. The landlord Bill is great at responding to your issues, and is just a friendly easy to get along with guy in general. The whole complex has a good vibe, with many of the neighbors are working professional or graduate students, with a couple small families sprinkled in. It's always a nice, mellow, and quiet environment. There's a good amount of greenery and wildlife, with a few pet cats, squirrels, and even ducks (!!) wandering around the property. You can sometimes feel for a moment like you're actually in nature and not in the middle of Costa Mesa! I very much enjoyed living here, and would definitely recommend it to anyone else looking. Did I mention it was extremely reasonably priced too? And what's not to love about that. read more

The Arbors is a quaint community for renters in the Costa Mesa area. The property is clean and quiet all the time. Neighbors are never an issue, and everyone minds their own business. It is very pet friendly. If you want to feel like you are staying at a cozy cabin in Big Bear, this is the place for you. Vaulted ceilings! Living here was great, thanks to the wonderful manager Bill, who made the entire experience here very easy and comfortable, hassle-free. read more

Loved living in the Arbors! The manager Bill is great and any time I had a issue it was addressed within minutes. The complex is quiet with lots of squirrels and trees, also loved how pet friendly it was. Very convenient near the freeway yet very quiet. If my circumstances were different I would have stayed longer than a year. read more

I wanted to give a shout out to bill the manager, he has been fabulous. He responds to all my messages in a timely manner is polite and considerate. I've never had an apartment manager that has been so professional and gotten the job done in such an efficient manner thanks Bill! read more

Be aware of discrimination in their application process. They denied my application after keeping it in pending for more than two weeks. My attempts to reach out and provide more info to fix any possible issues in that time period was ignored. I demanded a reason for denial but they kept saying my work numbers "don't add up"! When I reconfirmed the numbers and even provided more numbers (like Company's CEO, manager, HR, ...) in addition to my paystubs, they said they no longer have any units available. I have a PhD and working full-time at a high-tech Company with a great credit score. There is no plausible reason for denial based on my credit. The Arbors Apartment treatment in my case is an obvious case of housing discrimination according to the Fair Housing Act (Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968). If you have experienced similar treatment, you can file a complaint with HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO). read more

quite and safe place to live, parking provide. management is quick to reply if any issues

I have lived here for 10 months now and it has honestly been the best place i have ever lived. The entire community, from its cozy feeling to friendly neighbors and wonderful management have been such a blessing. The price for the location and size of the unit was unbeatable and i felt nothing but safe and welcomed by the community. It is so quiet and peaceful and feels so much like a true home. When i had one plumbing issue, Bill had someone out there within the hour and it was fixed within the day. I have never had this kind of service before! Parking is great and i never had any problems with noise or disrespectful neighbors. I would recommend this wonderful community to anyone looking for a place to truly call home! read more

It is an older complex and might not have all the trimmings, but it is surrounded by trees, with ducks and squirrels running around, quiet, peaceful, with nice neighbors. Bill the manager makes sure to only have good people living here, and fixes any problems pronto. I feel very safe. The apartments are big, and for the price and location it is impossible to beat. Also pet friendly, and almost all the bills are included. read more

The manager, Bill, is so helpful and friendly. The location is great and the neighbors are very nice.

BIll and his sweet wife are some of the nicest people you will ever meet. One of the things that impressed me the most about living here was how well the grounds are maintained. Every time I had friends visit they were blown away by the landscape and beautiful trees. Huge shoutout to Roy for taking care of anything that needed to be repaired. That guy can fix anything! Eddie was also a rockstar maintenance guy. This place deserves every one of its 5 stars and you should consider yourself very lucky if you find an open spot! Bill screens his tenants thoroughly and makes sure that we all live in a safe, friendly environment. I will definitely be missing this place! Thanks Bill and Anna! read more

Enjoyed my two year stay at The Arbors. As others have pointed out, this is an older, but well-maintained apartment complex. The location is wonderful, close to highways, shopping, Triangle Square and the beach, but still a quiet and very safe neighborhood. Neighbors are friendly and respectful, parking is easy, and the trees and plants give it a relaxing vibe. Loved my walk-in closet and the wood-paneled wall and beamed ceiling. No place is perfect, but Bill, the manager, lives on site and is both friendly and very responsive. His truck license plate says "Arbors" on it, and it reflects that he genuinely cares about the place. Thanks, Bill! Apartments rent very quickly, so grab one while you can. read more

Absolutely the best place to live in Costa Mesa! The Arbors Apartments is a hidden gem within this community and I feel truly blessed to have found such a wonderful place to reside. It is totally pet friendly which is a rare find in Orange County and incredibly important to pet owners. The property manager Bill is the kindest and most responsive property manager that I have ever been with. If something breaks or needs fixing one phone call and it's taken care of. I have recommended The Arbor Apartments to friends and one of my closest friends moved in next door to me as he was immediately taken away by this great location. The Arbors is located between Harbor Blvd and the 55 Freeway which makes getting to and from work and shopping extremely convenient. The landscaping and tall pine trees are always a joy to see after a long day at work. I would highly recommend the Arbors to anyone who is currently looking for a new place to call home. read more

My Girlfriend and I have lived here for 3 1/2 years and when looking for apartments initially we wanted a place that allowed dogs and that was close to the fairgrounds where my girlfriend boards her horse and the arbors is a mile away which works out great. When we both went to look at the apartment we were amazed how close to Newport blvd it was yet how quiet it was as well as how you feel like your in nature with all the trees and squirrels. When I met with Bill the manager he was very informative and accommodating even allowing us to move our belongings in a couple days early and only charging for the 1st of the month. I would have to say over the years with the apartments I have lived at this is by far overall the best with the ocean being so close and we also have one the the best sushi,Thai, and cheese steak restaurants located walking distance away. The last thing is the neighbors most of which have lived here for a long time which tells you something about how great this place is and everyone I have got to know here has been pleasure geeting aquanted with. P.s. Bill thanks for all your hard work and all you have done! read more