Crest At Pacific Grove

Former Resident 55829

Resident • 2022 - 2026

False advertisement - no functioning pool or tub!

Do not trust the photos. The pool has been closed for 3 months and is used as a storage space by the management. When it was open, it was so cold - the management refuses to keep it warm because it is too expensive. There is constant construction going on - drilling, painting, replacing something with complete disregard for the residents. The laundry machines are old, the gym is falling apart. It doesn't even have a real treadmill.

allison_m4

Resident • 2023 - 2024

Recommended Apartment in Pacific Grove

I have lived at The Crest for a few months now and it is by far the best apartment complex I have lived in. I have lived in several and have had a handful of different landlords. I found the Community Manager to be helpful, kind, considerate, and she always goes the extra mile to help with the leasing process. I was blown away with how quickly the Maintenance guy responded to and contacted me about any maintenance issue I submitted. He was happy to look at things in a timely manner and communicate about how things would be resolved. In my experience the apartment community is friendly, polite, considerate, quiet, safe, and low-key. I have really enjoyed my experience so far. I did not observe any outrageous costs or anything that was a red flag for an apartment. The area itself is about 4 minutes from the ocean and is such a beautiful area in my opinion. I would recommend it to my friends and family.

mkramer831

Resident • 2017 - 2018

Tami, the landlord, is the best, bar far, I have ever had! And the place is gorgeous. Don't believe whatever else you have read. The pool is heated year 'round, unlike almost every other apt. nearby. The kids are the best.

hgregg718

Resident • 2016 - 2017

We are a military family, and we felt very lucky to find this apartment complex when we knew nothing about the Monterey area. The current manager is very friendly and understanding. She will help you with any concerns you have. They have a maintenance crew onsite to fix any emergencies or small issues in your unit. They have people that keep up the landscaping and the courtyard/pool area is clean and beautiful. When we moved in the carpet had been completely replaced and everything was in great condition compared to most places I have seen available for rent. The rent is so high in the Monterey Bay Area, especially in Pacific Grove, but I feel like this place was worth the money. Also, it's a couple blocks from the beach!

thisgurl

Resident • 2015 - 2017

The crest used to be a nice place to live. Unfortunately, in the last year it has declined rapidly. 1. They would not let residents use the yard for over 8 months. 2. Spa and Pool were not as advertised until about 6 Months ago. (not heated and dysfunctional) 3. BBQ area was dysfunctional until recently. 4. Used to be a nice place to have animals. Now the management is slowly forcing pet owners out. 5. Has 3+ maintenance men, but the laundry rooms are constantly dirty, and they blow leafs every day at terrible hours, but the stairs are still filthy, and god forbid they pick a dog/cat/raccoon poop in the yard (best believe all the residents will get an email) 6. Petty emails weekly, litter, dog poop bags on porches (although there is no bin to put them in unless you leave the property), noise complaints, walking on the stairs too loudly, cigarette butts, dirty laundry rooms, mold. Never anything positive. 7. Forces elderly and long time residents to leave the property to allow animals to use the restroom. 8. Does not have a designated area for pets (quiet, calm, and controlled), although children run wild, screaming through the yard, leaving toys, and jumping in the hot tub all hours. 9. Gym has home use type of equipment that is dangerous and not approved for commercial use. Although we were "supposed" to get new stuff (for two years now). 10. Noise through the floor of the apartments is incredible... Side walls are great but between floors it is so loud. I can hear my neighbors constantly, I can hear full words through my floor. 11. Mold is a big problem in all the apartments; but management refuses to fix heaters/ and or install venting systems in the bathrooms - but expect residents to leave doors and windows open to air it out (when its winter and we are freezing to death paying high electricity bills). 12. Your rent will increase EVERY time your lease comes up. So you may move in for 1600 a month then end up paying 2000 before you know it, with limited options to move out. 13. The apartments are tiny, and very old. 14. Termites are a big issue, and they won't fumigate, I find wood shavings on my silverware every week due to their damage. 15. Sometimes we get special notes on our doors about how naughty we've been as well. On a positive note, it used to be pretty nice, it looks good on the outside. The location is decent. I would recommend steering clear of the Crest until they get their management plan together and take into account the actual needs of the residents. Also provide residents the understanding we live in community living we must respect one another. One persons issue shouldn't be the entire complexes punishment.

Current Resident 618216

Resident • 2010 - 2015

Since I have lived here there have been 4 different managers. The only one worth anything was the last one Tracy. For the first time in years The Crest really started to be a place i was happy to live. She was a pleasant smiling face who did things for the people that live here that nobody ever did before. She was fair and really took time to listen to us rather than treat us like dollar signs. Since the minute she left this place has gone to crap. The new women in the office are the rudest most condescending people I have ever met, when they are even there. I have complained numerous times about a balance on my account that just appeared and nobody ever called me back. I dont have the extra money just to pay it and figure out later or be charged a ridiculous late fee which is what they told me when i finally caught them in the office. They also said loud enough for people to hear that Tracy was fired for not being able to rent apartments which is the biggest lie. the company typed a letter they put on all of our doors wishing Tracy well on her future and had a goodbye breakfast and then has the nerve to sits in the office lying and saying things against her not realizing anyone ive talked to agree she was the best thing to ever sit in that chair. I cannot wait for my son and I to move out of here.

Current Resident 713299

Resident • 2010 - 2014

The Crest has gone through many changes, some good and some bad. The pool area was renovated when the a new company took over and with that came BIG rent increases. If you want a "newer" look to your apartment you have to pay for it as part of their "upgrades packages" Brandon was the property manager for a long while, more than many others before him, people seemed to leave every 3 months, he was excellent at customer service, then came Tracie, she is good too. The regional managers are something to be afraid of, especially the new one, she has a reputation that she definitely lives up to which should be nothing to be proud of. The location of the building is nice but that is about it. We lived here for many years and that last few months of last year made us look somewhere else, their office and records were a complete mess and tenants were being put through hell. This is a family owned business and the family runs it, as opposed to trained professionals, so that is the type of service you will get.

Current Resident 580125

Resident • 2012 - 2014

I consider myself lucky to have left the Crest. Although the grounds are beautiful, the management is unprofessional and rude. Furthermore, as the current property manager does not reside in site, other residents permit their children to scream and run around the courtyard until after 11 o'clock each evening. The washers and dryers, as well as both elevators are often broken. Good luck trying to get maintenance to fix anything. I wasn't able to use my kitchen faucet for over a month, then I fixed it myself with duct tape.

Current Resident 554426

Resident • 2012 - 2014

UGH! We just escaped this "Salinas By The Sea" square 4 building compound around a pool and courtyard. Beautiful neighborhood, but the people inside this 100 apartment complex makes a person lose faith that humanity will get along and survive. The pool is heated and kept clean as it can in spite of people leaving their trash within the gated area and allowing their big dogs to roam free within the pool area while they move the chairs all around and never place them where they found them. Pool "towel service" is a nice idea if the towels weren't hard as bricks for whatever reason that is? The poor parenting and unattended children were THE WORST to deal with. The Crest has created a lush landscaped courtyard that the roaming bands of 7 to 14 yr olds have made into an every day after school baseball field! Yep, tenants have to duck kickballs as they walk to get their mail. The laundry rooms are nice and so are the maintenance men. I've seen maintenance men kick the scooters left on the sidewalks onto the grass with all their might in anger of the destruction of their all day attention to landscaping. We couldn't say anything to the management or the children themselves because bad, unattended children are ALWAYS attached to a belligerent, lazy parent ready to jump down your throat. Just because it's gated doesn't mean it is a giant playpen where children shouldn't be watched by at least ONE of the parents of this band of sometimes 8 to 10 ball field yelling children. OH IT IS HEAVEN now that we've moved away from The Crest and we can take a late afternoons, or on a Saturday or Sunday in quiet. When the children start using the wooden stairs for their hide and seek games it is the loudest stomping on wood up and down stairs, running by windows when you are trying to relax after work or unwind on a weekend. This is not the complex for fans of quiet. Don't be fooled by the beautiful old growth forest that surrounds the complex. Don't EVEN get me started on the dogs or the smoking. Half the tenants SMOKE near the pool and on their balconies. God forbid you do not smoke because the smell wafts right into the next balcony sliding doors. These tenants inconsiderately leave their butts and soda cups by the small jacuzzi - and a trash can is RIGHT next to it. Tenants smoke in their units and at their doorways, so you can get a good lung full as you pass their unit on the way to yours. If I wanted that I would have rented in another neighborhood. I assume management allows this because it is rampant and popular. Our unit obviously had smokers inside before us, paint coated over a brown layer of smoke stain that showed through and even after carpet shampoo and deodorizer it smelled like an old highway motel room. BLecch. The dogs are many and large - barking incessantly and management does NOTHING. The dog dumps are left for someone else to pick up in the fountain area of the courtyard. Strolling through the grass is a bad idea, the kids and dogs have destroyed the 'lush grass' into bald patches of mud. Seems the tenants are most at home near the trash containers and have no clue as how to break down a cardboard box, separate recyclables or even lift the trash bag to make it into the container. Naturally they leave the trash room door open and just walk away leaving the task for the next poor sucker. BEHIND the trash room is a huge dump that The Crest management allows to grow. Mattresses, chairs, you name it. It would fill a big trash container but will management do anything about this? Not in the years we survived there. The caring tenants need to make demands on the management or just move like we did. Remember, in a corporate owned apartment complex you are just a quick rent check. Human behavior isn't part of the plan here. If you are a hoarder, rent a downstairs gated yard unit - seems you can pile all the crap up in it that you wish!! Some of these 'yards' are filled with dog feces and children's toys and trash the tenant can't part with and prefers to have it rained on for years instead of marching it 100 feet to the trash container. Management needs to care about how people treat the property since those renting don't give a hoot. Past tenants have given their keys and pass codes to strangers to enter the pool whenever they wish. I imagine they've never changed a passcode in the history of having them. Lastly, if you wish to be treated like a college kid in a dorm you'll be happy here. Personal and financial papers and notices are left TAPED to your front door. It was so embarrassing to my neighbor whose tape came loose and I handed him his personal balance for rent and utilities. I felt so bad that management used this cheap and lazy method of communication and I felt worse for my neighbors when I saw anything taped to their door. It sent a bad message all around and made for an uncomfortable airing of others private matters. They should have US mailed these or put them in an envelope and slid them under the doors, or even called or emailed. Laziness seems to be the standard operation at The Crest. No one watches any behaviors, tenants run wild, and management treats those who make great mature tenants like irresponsible children. The maintenance men are friendly and do a nice job. That Brandon character who manages is a bitter, snippy thing. If you don't like your job MOVE ON. We have now.

Golf110

Resident • 2013 - 2014

I lived at the Crest at Pacific Grove for a year and absolutely loved it. It is very conveniently located and moderately priced. The apartments have been updated over the past year and the pool/BBQ area was also renovated. The BBQ area is very nice and all of the pool amenities are top notch (replaced a couple of months ago). The gym is small but has the basics to get a decent workout in (still had a gym membership in town, but used the on-site gym for quick workouts). The lobby was also renovated recently and is very aesthetically pleasing. Brandon is the Manager at the Crest and in my opinion, he did an outstanding job throughout my time there. The maintenance men worked very diligently to get all issues remedied in a timely fashion. Before I moved into the Crest, I had looked at five other properties. I am very happy I chose the Crest. I could go for runs on the ocean (only a couple of blocks away) and walk downtown Pacific Grove(15 minute walk... approximately 1 mile). The facility has gated parking and is on a quiet street that is very safe. The Crest is by far the best deal around. My recommendation is to check it out yourself.

Prospective Resident 585899

Prospect • Visited 2014

I am interested in renting a unit here so I contacted the manager and set up a walk thru appointment. When I arrived I met Brandon, the resident manager. He was very helpful in answering all my questions and very eager to show me around. The facility itself is gated and seems very secure. The apartments are beautifully remodeled with updated kitchens and baths as well as hardwood floors. The grounds are well groomed and very clean. There are many ammenities, such as, a heated pool, work out room, on site laundry rooms and free coffee in the mornings in the main office and I believe they are pet friendly. This complex is only a couple blocks from the beach making it very appealing. I will be looking at other rentals in the area to compare before making a final choice but I will definitely keep this on the top of my list of possibilities. Looks like a fantastic place to live.

little21o

Resident • 2013 - 2014

Moved in about 6 months ago and at first we thought it was a little too pricey, but we were determined to stay in Pacific Grove. After some comparative shopping in and around Pacific Grove we realized that you get what you pay for. The grounds are immaculate, free starbucks coffee in the main lobby, free yoga, massage therapist. Need I say more. The staff here is extremely helpful and seem to genuinely care when you voice concerns. Maintenance guy has even offered to take my garbage down for me. Don't plan on moving anytime soon.

Current Resident 551055

Resident • 2013 - 2014

The complex is well kept, and the fences and gates are password locked so its relatively safe inside. Management is also continuously improving the complex and grounds. The building is old though, the floors creak when you walk and if you have someone above you then you can hear them walking around. Also insulation is poor so its fairly easy to hear your neighbors beside, below, and above you. Given the rent price plus water/sewage (typically ~$45/month), I wouldn't recommend the complex given the average quality of the apartments. Also maintenance is hit or miss, sometimes they respond quick and sometimes you may have to put in a second request, depends if they are engaged in several projects.

Prospective Resident 280735

Prospect • Visited 2014

The following is stated out of personal experience with The Crest at Pacific Grove. After reading about how wonderful the customer service was and speaking with anonymous leasing agent, the Crest seemed like the right choice. It was a little more expensive than where I'm at now, but it had all those amenities that seemed so enticing. The leasing agent instructed me to apply online and informed me that it was not a legally binding lease and that the $200 was simply going to be returned to me at a later date. "He was in a hurry because it was 5:15pm and he had to go to the bank." So I hurriedly went through the online form to lock in an apartment. Yes...my mistake for not reading what I was doing because I was trying to hurry and get done so he could go to the bank. However, you'd think that the leasing agent would know that it's not legally binding for you to sign off your $200 for the apartment and instead of telling you that there was nothing to worry about, he would let you know the consequences. Either way, it didn't seem like it mattered. So far I was happy with them. We were looking at other places and deciding if the Crest was the best idea and we were still ok with it. I decided to call back for more information and to take another walk through. (The first time we went, they didn't have the apartment we were looking for so we saw a different one and we wanted a better idea of the size, etc). I called about 8 times throughout 2 weeks. Left 4 messages. Nothing. For "taking pride in customer service" I was starting to get worried. We finally decide that if this is what the first two weeks are like, then we really don't want to deal with it. Finally got a hold of him (not because they called back, but because I called about 10 more times in ONE day) and not only did they forget the entire situation, who I was, what we wanted, etc...but they informed me that it was silly of me to not read what I was signing and that they would not refund the money. They offered a discount on the first month if we stayed with them, but that's all after rudely (not even professionally) mocking my decision to be nice and let him go to the bank early. Anyway, live and learn, right? Take what you will from this post -- but at the very least, don't let their "wonderful customer service" rush you through any online forms. However, I feel like if they're that shady about something like that, then I wouldn't want to experience any more potential "shady" later on.

MezzoM

Resident • 2011 - 2012

One thing that suprises me is how drastic the rental price has risen since we left, $1550 for a 1 bd?? My husband and I called on an $1100/mo unit and were told it had gone but we could take a similar unit for $1250. We really needed a place so we took it, though we wanted something closer to the advertised $1100. I like the complex, it's pretty and well maintained, in a nice area. PG is fog central, so beware, it is cold. We since moved to Seaside and find it less foggy but still...monterey is a foggy area. The management changed at least 3 times in the time that we were there. We went in on a 6 month lease and when we tried to renew the same lease they said they no longer did them. We had a choice of signing a 9 mo lease or paying $100 more per month as a "fee" for month to month. That is how they avoid adhering to rental increase laws. We felt fairly bullied by these kind of tactics, decided to move and wound up paying them a lot more than we should have. It was worth it to get out of the complex. It's too bad because it is a cute place in a safe location, but I wouldn't reccomend these guys to anybody. They are money hungry. I also see that the management has commented on all the reviews so I'm expecting them to come back with something like "Sorry that we took your money and time...here's $1,000 and a gold watch" .... Hah.

LimeLyfe

Resident • 2012

Management is Awful

I lived here for 3 years, when i moved in a nice lady named Gretchen Jones was Property Manager, When Julie Sanders came in i HAD to move out, She is UNBEARABLE, she is deceptive, lying, and overall just an unpleasant person. The water is constantly being shut off, Lots of Noise, The pool was advertised as "heated" but they continue to lower the temperature. Lots of Mold Problems. Very cloudy area too. I dont want to go into details how when i moved out they esentially swindled my security deposit and then said i owed them additional money. DO NOT LIVE HERE> Oh, in all fairness i thought i had to add one thing, the Maintenance guy, James...well he's a good guy.

Current Resident 448847

Resident • 2010 - 2011

Inconsistent Management

DUring our 14 months at the Crest, we had a total of 4 different managers, ranging from incompetent to unreachable. As far as the grounds go, we had few complaints. The complex is well maintained, and looks lovely. Our apartment wasn't bad, though small for the price, even for the area, and had a few small issues, such as a lack of any lighting in the living room, and one of our outlet covers was screwed on upside down at the time of move-in (We corrected this ourselves). Our issues ranging on the more important end included water leaks in the bathroom ceiling, our balcony screen didn't open originally, and was still shoddy after maintenance 'fixed' it, and our sliding closet doors were impossible to keep in the tracks. In addition to this, during our time at the Crest, I would estimate about 75% of the time there was construction ongoing all day, and the hot tub, which was lovely when working, would be down for repair for months at a time. However, the largest issues arose after we left the complex. We had to wait 3 months to receive our final itemized bill, and after looking it over, have found hundreds of dollars of work that were unnecessary, misquoted, or that we were told during our walk through would not be necessary. Upon finding these errors, I've been trying to reach management at the Crest for a week, and have not reached anything but the answering machine, regardless of if I call at the open, close, or in the middle of the business day, and have yet to receive a return call after leaving messages.

Melbo105

Resident • 2010 - 2011

Great apartments 2 blocks from the beach!

We moved in a year ago, and new management recently took over the complex. They have been constantly improving the complex and facilities, and it is a nicer place to live now, than when we moved in a year ago. Yes this has caused increased construction occasionally, but it's not excessive or unbearable and it's to make improvements. Managers have switched several times, and all of them have been friendly and helpful to our needs. The maintanence staff has been prompt and timely with satisfying our needs, even with more complicated matters. We have lived in previous apartments and there are things you have to compromise to live in an apartment community, and this complex has been quieter and friendlier than any place we have lived before. We are saddened to leave, and are only doing so for job relocation, otherwise we would be renewing for another year without question! We have heard that the management is very strict and can be difficult upon moving out, but that was not out experience at all! We put in the time and effort to clean well and replace a few minimal items that management suggested to save money, and it was one of the easiest move out experiences we've had. Parking was safe, gated and well lit, and one parking spot was provided. You do have to park any other vehicles on the street but in the year we lived here my husband's truck was always close by and extremely safe. We definitely recommend this complex to any of our friends and family and are sad to leave. Antoher perk of this complex is the Guest Suites they offer and have had multiple family members stay there and it was a much better option than any hotels nearby. It allowed us to visit more and save money!

Current Resident 155961

Resident • 2010 - 2011

living at the crest

I have been living here for about a year its a great place. the maintenance man James is the greatest that man is here at all hours checking on things, yes things get broken here but he fixes them right away.you will never find an apartment building as nice and kept up as this one.so for those of you that are complaining all the time go look at other apartment homes and see we are lucky to have such a nice place to call home.the new manager Julie is ok shes not real personable like James is she seems to be kinda lost but she is new.the pool and spa are wonderful they are kept nice and warm.the parking is gated and the spaces assignment is not the best but it beats trying to find parking on the street.I love it here and plan on living here many years.so thank you Crest staff Julie & James for making my home a wonderful place to live

Current Resident 63364

Resident • 2009 - 2011

WHAT AN AMAZING PLACE!

You can not ask for a better place to live in PG! I have a 2 bedroom and its spacious, light, and has an amazing view. I have found that the staff are very accomodating and everything here is done first class. My friends came for the weekend and stayed in the guest studio and they are amazed at how reasonable the prices are here for everything you get. No wonder there is a waiting list for apartments.

Current Resident 457498

Resident • 2007 - 2011

BAD MANAGEMENT!!

My family lived at The Crest for 4 years and loved it. That is until our last year there. James the maintenance guy is awesome. He is personable and he knows what he's doing. As for the apartment manager, can I just say WOW!!! What a piece of work she is. She is rude, and very unprofessional. WATCH OUT she doesn't know any rental laws and is trying to take advantage of people. I've heard her tell potential tenants that you never hear any noise in any of the apartments. LIE!!! You might never hear your neighbor that are to the left or right of you, but you will ALWAYS hear your neighbors up and downstairs. WATCH OUT for the apartment manager! Also when you move out WATCH OUT, she charges you for the most obscene things. The apartment building itself is probably the best you'll get in P.G. except for 17 mile drive (which is overpriced), but there is a constant mold problem in all of the apartments. There is also a termite problem that we brought to management's attention at least 3 to 4 times and nothing was ever done. The pool is large, but it CAN be a tad bit cold at times as well as the hot tub. There are lots of grass, but whats the point when there is dog feces everywhere that children can't play on it. Parking is okay, but there was no thought to it, you parking space is usually FAR away from your apartment.

Current Resident 946928

Resident • 2010 - 2011

worst EVER!!!

Walls are paper thin. Management is HORRIFIC! Read between the lines on lease agreement! This is BY FAR the worst place I have ever lived! The place looks good but is horribly maintained. There is a pool and a hot tub.. both ice cold year round. There is a gym, all the equiptment looks nice, but is broken! Water and electricity is turned off at least twice a month, yet nothing is ever fixed!!! Construction noise begins at 8 am. Office managment has changed 4 times in the 6 months ive lived here! Managment is never in office durring posted hours.

Current Resident 566434

Resident • 2011

LOVE IT HERE

I just moved in and I am amazed at what I I got for this price. Usually, apartments will cut corners because its by the water and they can get away with it. Not this place though. The only thing I am disappointed with is that the spa is too cold or not working right...other than that, its GREAT!

kagomepeach

Resident • 2009 - 2010

It was a nice place to live in 2010

I lived here a little over a year in 2010 and it was a nice safe place to live in PG. Gretchen and Steve the maintenance man were real hard workers and they made the Crest a nice place to live by keeping it clean and cat friendly. The pool was always clean and heated, the hot tub broke down many times but I didn't really mind. Steve did a great job trying to do all the service orders and paint the stairs. When I first arrived at the Crest it was like paradise, many cats were outside in the forest like setting. The interiors of the apartments are OK, they are old and there is asbestos in the walls the mold was a big problem which made me sick and the walls were slightly thin~ but for PG and being over 30 years old they were maintained OK. Residents are mostly retired so it is quiet. There was a plumbing issue here regularly with people putting stuff they shouldn't down the toilets (and these are old pipes!) so regularly they would shut the water off for hours at a time to fix the issue. Parking was always an issue at the crest for 2 cars, my husband would have walk a block or two away to park his car, luckily its PG so its a nice pretty walk. Right before we left at the end of 2010, things slightly were starting to go downhill. We lost both our manager and maintenance man and two younger adults took over. The maintenance guy walked around all day and never came to fix our door and the washer and dryer room had broken washer and dryers for weeks which never were fixed. Also, someone poisoned a cat on premises so everyone began keeping their pets indoors. Then there was a issue with bike parking. It just didn't feel that friendly anymore when we left.

Current Resident 321073

Resident • 2011

Do not live here it's a nightmare!!!

Management is awful. Power and water are shut off at least 2 full days out of a month. Laundry facilities are often broken or just unclean. Parking is terrible. If you have a guest to visit they park blocks away! And assigned parking has nothing to do with where your apt actually is! It's a gated community, but doors and gates are often left open for maintenance. Maintenance is ALWAYS in progress....And starts early morning( trees being cut down, lawn mowers,electrical drilling.....) Although nothing gets fixed!