City Lights at Town Center

Current Resident 447951

Resident • 2003 - 2005

GOING DOWN HILL

City lights was once a nice apartment home complex. In the last 12 months, the complex has gone down hill. It's dirty, there's trash in the parking garage, stairs and walk ways. The construction was not thought through before building. You can hear your neighbors slam their doors, car alarms going off, apartment alarms going off and loud cars driving in the complex.

Current Resident 501519

Resident • 2004 - 2005

Run away fast...

This places looks nice as you arrive, but its the worst place i have ever lived at. They push you to sign longer leases, close to 15 months. We lived in a middle floor and we put above party people and below loud people who walked loudly and threw their doors. When we reported it to the manager they seem not to want to help. Tom Merridit, the manager does not seem to beleive anyone and avoids you with voicemail and email. We had to call the police, which is always there due to the noise and people fighting. A lday was killed there last year and the apartments never informed the residents that everything is ok and not to worry, we had to find out thru the newspaper about what was going on. Their maintenace people are slow, and the evening emissary is a bum who spends more time in the gym than doing his job. When you call him he is afraid to confront the problems with other residents. There are alot of single people there with no kids so they feel they can party all the time. <br><br>THere are too many things to list, so its better to just stay away.....run away is the best thing to do. <br><br>

Current Resident 249487

Resident • 2004 - 2005

Very Nice...If You Dont Have Kids

The complex is very nice, but not too child accesible. It would be a perfect place for a young couple or roomates. The floor plans are awesome, but the rent was REALLY expensive. I only moved out of my place because my husbend's job transfered us, otherwise we might still be living there. I loved walking to the local center with my daughter and playing on the grass across the street! All in all, if you dont mind paying out your --- for a very nice apartment, then go for it!

Current Resident 963076

Resident • 2006 - 2010

At the end of the day, it's a decent place to live.

Just did a 4 years stint there, and all things considered it was a positive experience. I was a little worried about my security deposit because I had read a lot of horror stories on here, but they gave me back most of it except what was necessary for the final cleaning and trash/water bill. The staff was a little better when I first moved in 4 years ago, but not a deal breaker. I can't think of too many negatives that are within the realm of control of the management company except for cleaning the halls and ledges didn't get done toward the end of my tenancy as it did in the beginning. ALL of the desirable complexes in the area (St. Moritz, Barcelona, The Pinnacle) are located directly next to, or above, a major street or the 73fwy. Road noise is unavoidable in Aliso Viejo if you want to live in one of those mega-complexes. The parking structure is a nice bonus, I was fortunate enough to have an excellant parking spot. I would recommend living here, if someone were to ask. Just don't expect perfection and pray you get good neighbors (I was lucky...for most of the time). I'm pretty sure City Lights is the best of the mega-complexes in AV. You could do a lot worse.

RSMmama

Resident • 2005

Just moved in & it is great so far

I have read the reviews & I have to say that we have lived in 4 apartment communities in the area in the past 10 years. City Lights is by far the nicest and the staff is the most professional that we have encountered. I agree that you can hear people in the hallways when they are yelling at someone, but you would hear that anywhere. Get mad at the people doing the yelling! My only complaint is that I wish they would heat the pool by our apartment soon. <br>Great place to live with a family as there is lots to do.

Current Resident 273758

Resident • 2004 - 2005

Great location and amenities

City Lights has been a great place to live as I come up on one year in the community. It cannot be beat for convenience. It's just a two or three minute walk to the grocery story, the drug store, a multitude of places to dine out, movie theatres, a hardware store, a park--the list goes on. With all that I must mention the downside, it can be very noisy. The courtyard apartments echo every conversation on every balcony at all hours of the night. The noise mufflers and car alarms roar and chime at all hours as well. Do sleep with earplugs. Again, it is still a great place to live.

Current Resident 372276

Resident • 2004 - 2005

GREAT Place to Live

I have been at City Lights since October 2004 and I have found it to be a great place to live. Centrally located - walking distance from the Aliso Town Center ... can't beat the location.<br><br>The only quam (sp?) I have is that City Lights seems to turn a blind eye to people parking illegally in the parking structures - generally to get their mail, visit someone, etc. This usually results in blocking others from their parking spots and can be very annoying - especially since there are PLENTY of Guest Spots thoughout the parking structures.<br><br>Other than that, I very much enjoy living at City Lights and would recommend it to anyone.

Current Resident 850389

Resident • 2005

ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE

I AM TRYING TO GET OUT OF MY LEASE AND WOULD NEVER LIVE IN ANY SHEA PROPERTY LIKE CITY LIGHTS EVER AGAIN. PLEASE DONT SCREW YOURSELF AND MOVE HERE!!

Current Resident 197775

Resident • 2004

Noisy

I can echo the noise complaints. The place is built cheap and that allows for noise to be more of a problem than in some other places possibly. Everything else is not bad.

Current Resident 242601

Resident • 2004

Overall great place to live

City Lights couldn't be more convenient, with everything walking distance away--a grocery store, a drug store, a book store, a microbrewery, a movie theatre, lots of eateries and other conveniences. The bike routes and hiking/walking are exceptional in and around the community. The beach is a short commute away. There's lots of work in the area so the commute to work can be short too. The only drawback I would mention is the noise, with courtyards that echo sound horribly for all interior-facing apartments, and the parking garage has constant noise from loud mufflers and car alarms that go off all hours of the day and night.

Current Resident 248522

Resident • 2004

So So...

This place really is yes and no. On one hand the property is more attractive than most, offers many amenities and has a good location. On the other hand, Shea was cheap in the construction and there are a lot of really inconsiderate people living here. Shea also did not engineer the garage space very well. This means that every apartment no matter the size ONLY has ONE assigned space. The other spaces are considered "guest" and is a free for all. What a joke considering that this is freakin' SoCal where just about everyone has more than one vehicle.<br><br>I guess I can't blame Shea for the rudeness of others but I can blame them for not being more proactive to help mitigate possible issues that can arise due to these circumstances. Too many management companies cop out with the "we can't control other people" routine though.<br><br>So how are some of these people so rude you ask? Well, loud tailpipes on cars racing through garages with loud thumping bass is one way. Stomping around on the floor and running the washing machine constantly is another. Slamming doors is another. Parking in a parking space that you know damn well is not yours is another.<br><br>I guess part of it has to do with SoCal culture. There is such a high ratio of people here who only think of themselves.<br><br>Considering the bucks you gotta shell out to live here, Shea could have done a better job but they missed the mark and that is why City Lights will go down as just another apartment complex with the same problems the rest of them have. Nothing special, move here if you must but be prepared for noise issues.<br><br>Thankfully Apartment Ratings is here to help us all find what we are looking for!

Current Resident 786620

Resident • 2004

I just moved in a month ago...

and I have had two maintenance requests (minor) both of which were completed within 24 hours. I didn't even have to call and check, they just took care of it. I love the apartment, and yes, you can hear people around you some, but I have never lived in a silent apartment complex. We'll see how the year goes, but so far, I have been very pleased. One tip, try and get an apartment away from the parking structure, to cut down on noise.

nm156

Resident • 2003 - 2004

yes and no

I have lived here for a year, and i am going to try and be fair about this review.<br><br>First off, I love my apartment. It has everything I wanted and needed; everythign functions fine, etc. The landscaping, the facilities, the gym, pool and all the other stuff is great too. The rent is not all that bad, when you compare it to Irvine or newport beach. Ok, those were the pros, now onto the Con(s).<br><br>One major complaint I have, is that this is the noisiest place I have ever lived. The parking structure is connected to the apartments, so you are going to hear that..but that's not even what I am talking about. My problem is that I have the most inconsiderate neighbors on the planet, and from what i can see, it's everywhere in the complex (I have heard people complain as well, in passing). There really isnt a moment of peace from 630am all the way to around 11pm-12am, and that is NO exaggeration. There is constant doors slamming, people talking VERY loudly in the halls, and loud --- Tv's.<br><br>Now, all that being said, I am not sure i want to move. The reason is because I REALLY like my apartment..and dont want to go through moving again, only after a year. Just hope this review helps the reader out, if you are looking for a quiet neighborhood, this is NOT the place. But it is very nice, just very large with lots of residents. Consider a small place, privately owned if you can. <br><br>That's my 2 cents.<br><br>

Current Resident 332840

Resident • 2004

LIES LIES LIES

YOUR BETTER OFF MOVING UNDER THE 5N OVERPASS AT LEAST THEY WILL DO MAINTNENCE ONCE IN A WHILE. FAKE IS THE SHEA WAY.

Current Resident 599967

Resident • 2002 - 2004

Management posts fake notes here about themselves!

City Lights fails to live up to the extremely high rent and bold claims. Look at the 6/25/04 review its own management obviously posted here! We are on our way out, looking for another home after two years here, and rest assured, you will not find a single resident who would say what was said in the fake 6/25/04 review. Management is slooow, that is, if they respond at all. Frequently they do not. Ask for maintenance two weeks in advance and they still will not get the day right and will enter in your absense, against your specific instructions. The office staff must have a non-friendliness policy once you move in. There are some nice fixtures inside. Yet corners were inexplicably cut elsewhere to the point that some things are laughably cheap. For the money they want, you'd like some peace now and then, but noise is constant. Looks like a nice place, but we just can't take it anymore.

Current Resident 864304

Resident • 2004

Great Place to Live! Highly Recommended!

I just moved to City Lights in February and could not say enough about the staff and property! It is such a great place! They have resident events some weekends and free yoga and pilates classes! I couldn't find another community that offered as much! It truly feels like living in a first class resort! I highly recommend living here, it is so convenient to walk to all of the shops and movies, etc. too! <br>They have so many great things on site like the fitness center and a movie theatre you can rent out with some friends...I could go on and on, its great!!

Current Resident 902527

Resident • 2004

Apartment is Great . . . The Management is NOT!

We moved in January 2004 and have been there for six months now. In the beginning the staff was fantastic, always willing to help. As soon as we moved in we loved the place and after three months we decided to upgrade to a larger apartment. They said that it would be no problem, they accepted our deposit. The night before our move (when all our stuff was packed) they called us (at 6:00pm) to tell us that there would be an additional $500.00 cost for the upgrade. We questioned why and where it was stated in the lease agreement. They gave us the run around for almost a MONTH! It wasn't until we threatened to take it to Shea Properties Corporate, that they said Ok Ok you're right. We love the apertment, just not the management.

Current Resident 65928

Resident • 2004

Look elsewhere

Management staff is difficult to deal with and won't return phone calls. The counter tops and Pergo floors are nice, but they used the whole budget on that. Everything else is really cheap. Doors and locks are terrible. There isn't even a 2nd lock on the front door that cannot be unlocked from the outside. You only get one assigned space, so you will have parking problems with a 2nd car on the 1st and 2nd floors. There is always room on the top floor. Noise is a problem. The only advantage is walking distance to A.V. Town Center.

Current Resident 433371

Resident • 2002 - 2004

Former Resident Review

Lived there for two years. Never had an issue with anything. If you enjoy the easy walk to shopping, food, bars, entertainment, you should like it here. For those not used to higher density living, it may be difficult to get used to people constantly walking by your windows. Trust me, they all look in. If you don't like this, get an apt that faces out and not toward the interior. The bedroom walls allow you to sometimes hear you neighbors above and below. If you open your windows, you can also hear quite easily. All in all, it isn't anything that became an annoyance. Police and Fire are a block away, so any disturbance is responded to very quickly. <br> <br>Moving hints. 1st floor is easy to move into. Buy furniture dollys (they are cheap) Large furniture means stairs, not elevator. Move in during the week or away from the end of the month to avoid crowds and difficulty in finding truck parking. <br> <br>Other tips. Apartments with windows facing the courtyards tend to be less private. The higher floor you live on, means you'll have to deal with sometimes busy parking structure traffic. Avoid apartments directly adjacent to parking structure (noise). Apts facing Pacific Park tend to get more noise. <br>Hang out at the main pool on the weekend!! There is a lot of good looking people that live there. Use the gym in the early am if you want uncrowded conditions. Take advantage of the free fitness classes. <br> <br>

sarasb

Resident • 2003 - 2004

Nice place to live!

It´s a nice and quite place in the heart of aliso viejo.compared to other comunities in orange county,you can not find such a deal plus convinience anywhere else.It´s almost new and office staffs make it wonderful place to live. <br>I´ve found lots of friend in comunity´s monthly breakfast party :-)

Current Resident 594943

Resident • 2003 - 2004

CLASSIEST ACT IN TOWN

I have lived at City Lights for the last 6 months. Having just found this site, I am sure that the reviews I have read are not about this place. <br> <br>After enduring tours of drab and boring apartments in this area City Lights is like a breath of fresh air. I have an apartment that is made with FAR BETTER materials than the others locally, I pay the same rate a 15 year old community wanted to charge me, and don´t have to pay extra for the services and amenities offered here! <br> <br>Everyone I have dealt with in the office is friendly and seems to genuinely care. And while if a neighbors kid runs in the hall you can hear it - my neighbors have the same expectations as me and arent´t so self centered as to subject me to their noice issues. If you are adult enough to have some personal responsibility -- this is a great community.

rronzio

Resident • 2004

Not bad so far...

I just moved into a 1 Bedroom JR apartment and so far I love it! I do agree that it can be noisey at times but it´s pretty quite on the weeknights. The living space is kept up really nice and practicly looks brand new... nothing but positive feedback so far. <br> <br>

Current Resident 819197

Resident • 2003 - 2004

Not what it seems...

My fiance and I were very excited to move into City Lights with their granite countertops, 3 pools, full health facility, etc. but we have since learned that these features are merely a front. While City Lights IS beautiful, there is a large noise problem including thin walls that reveal ALL of your neighbors´ activities and inconsiderate individuals with exceptionally loud cars racing through the parking garages all night. Also, if you qualify with a cosigner, be prepared to have the leasing company "check up" on your apartment! Water pressure/temp (on the weekends especially) is mediocre as well.

gman1962

Resident • 2002 - 2003

Live in your car before you live here!!!!

I moved in back in Feb 2002 when it was brand new. There was no one in my bldg. <br>Cost was very high for what you get and the management did not care once you had moved in, before they were more than nice. <br>The constant racing through the elevated parking was unbareable, all hours of the night young drivers in their Honda´s with the huge mufflers would rage through the levels. Th apartment was small and no view at all, walls are like paper and the carpet is not worth having on the floor. <br>Police wer there each and every weekend with party after party and drunk teenagers. Check the police blooter for alisoe viejo, its all city lights calls <br>DO NOT MOVE HERE AT ALL COST!!! <br>DRIVE THE DISTANCE AND LIVE AT AN IAC COMMUNITY IN IRVINE THEY ARE MUCH NICER

Current Resident 2996

Resident • 2004

Should I move here ??? Help please !!!!!

My wife and I are considering moving here....please give me some advise on the pros and cons....