I've lived here for three years, and for the first two years this review, had it been written, would have alternated between 1-2 stars depending on what awful manager was here.
But...
We've had a new manager (and new regional manager) for a year now, and things, while not perfect, are much, much better. The new team seems to care about your issues, and they usually make an effort to accommodate your requests.
I'll break down living here pros/cons style:
Pros:
- The Lagoon. The view of the water never gets old. I love it so, so much! And yes, you can swim in it. There are even sand beaches nearby.
- Quiet community. It's pretty low key here - there aren't many kids and there aren't many loud, obnoxious folks either.
- Managers are better. I already mentioned this, but when you've been through 4 managers in 3 years, you appreciate when you get a good one.
- Nice amenities. The workout room isn't huge, but the equipment is quality and is always in working condition. The pool is actually heated for the first time (previous managers lied and said it was heated, but it wasn't), and I've really, really enjoyed it. I'm hoping they keep it warm past Labor Day, since Sept and October are two of our nicest months.
- Boats. This is the only apartment complex that will let you keep an electric boat. I've had one since we moved in and it has been one of the greatest joys of my life. Cruising around the beautiful lagoon never gets old!
- Great weather. OK, this doesn't have to do with the apartment, but the weather is always great here, there's never low fog, and rain is infrequent. It is usually a bit windy, but I don't mind it since it keeps the temperature nice and keeps the fog away.
- Location. We're right off 92 and it's just a few miles to the 101. I like that we're essentially equidistant from San Fran, Oakland, and San Jose.
Cons:
- Management roulette. While the new manager is great, we've had to deal with a lot of jerks the last few years. A lot of those managers blamed our issues on the regional manager, who has changed, or the owner of the complex, who hasn't changed. Our current manager has never used either as a scapegoat. I'm hopeful things stay good, but I'll always be a little scared.
- Some Pet Owners. This is a very animal-friendly place, and while most of the dogs are nice enough, we've had many nights of sleep interrupted by barking dogs at all hours. With single-paned windows, a yapping dog left unattended on the porch, can be pretty awful. They also let their pets pee on my back steps, and even my front doormat. Lame!
- Thin walls and ceilings. I've always had quiet neighbors on the sides, but some of the folks above us have been heavy walkers, and the noise is unbearable. Our current neighbors have made an effort to be quieter, and we're very thankful for it. It has made a huge difference. Just be aware that it could be a problem if you get a first-floor place.
- Smokers. I'd love for this place to be non-smoking. With the way the wind works around here, if someone near you goes on their porch or patio to smoke and they close their door, and you have yours open, the smoke goes right in your place. It's disgusting that someone is smoking outside because they don't want their apartment to stink, but it's my apartment that reeks because of it.
- Parking. It's not ideal, but it's not like you have to park a mile away or circle the block for an hour to get a spot. It is annoying that the visitors spots are taken up by cars that are there for weeks on end. It's supposed to be 24-hour parking, and while I don't think they need to be out there marking tires with chalk, if a car is there for a week or longer it seems reasonable to have it towed.
Yet-to-be-determined:
- Rent. Previous managers seemed to pull a (higher) number out of the air every year when it came time for a new lease. Our new manager seemed fair last year, and we're hoping for the same.
- Sense of community. So many people have been burned by this place in the past that there has been a lot of turnover. We've had two different neighbors on one side, three on the other, and three above us, in just three years. As a result, everyone seems to mind their own business and there's not a "community" vibe here. Hopefully that'll get better. read more