Halston Citrus Ridge

BellaDancer

Resident • 2013

Love being close to work but do not love the people who live there. I constantly get dirty looks from the "in crowd" at the pool. One of the in crowds meanest women is also the social director. Jealousy obviously. Maybe they should watch their weight instead of complaining about it while they gorge on chips and salsa poolside. My friends and I are leaving after lease up in January. Waste of money moving here.

JoshuaR

Resident • 2012 - 2013

Lived with friends there for 6 months. The first weekend I was there a rave party was going on until 3 AM and most of the attendees were not from Bella and underage. The party was thrown by a -------- Bella resident. At an authorized childrens party one of the local Bella female drunks started stealing booze and food from the party, attacked the host, attacked a Bella employee and the police had to intervene. What happened to her? Bella did nothing because she was one of the chosen ones who hang out constantly at the pool and office. Glad I was able to save up money for my own apartment at a different place. My rating BAD.

Current Resident 951727

Resident • 2013

Overall, I'd say this complex is on par with others in the area, a mix of good and bad. I would agree with the other posters that the office oversells the activities and community big time, so I would be wary of that. The gym is decent, but it seems like there is always at least 1 machine broken. The new pool hours are really disappointing. On that note, it would be nice if the clubhouse had more hours, but that's not a deal breaker. I have not seen any of these drugs/crimes the other reviews mention, so I can't speak for any of that. Parking isn't an issue for me personally, but I can see areas in the complex where it would be. I will note that there are plenty of spots, they just might be a little further away. I've had mixed experiences with the office staff, some good, some bad. Maintenance has been pretty good and things get fixed quickly. I do think that some of the common areas/stairwells could use some work- mostly touch up paint and some mold clean up. The water bill is very high, even though the water pressure is lousy. I was quoted a way lower 'average bill' by the office staff, so I was shocked. I think the biggest downer is the $100 rent increase. I probably would have stuck around after my current lease if everything stayed status quo, but there is no way I would be able to afford that big of an increase. I have yet to see or hear of any amenities they are adding to justify that cost. I just can t see how they feel like that is fair. It seems they would be pricing themselves out of the Disney crowd, but maybe that is their goal? The intersection turning into the complex is absolutely awful. There are a ton of really impatient and aggressive drivers that make an already bad situation way worse. I know there is nothing the apartment staff can do about this and I don't hold it against them, but it is a reality of living here so it is worth mentioning. I have mixed feelings about Bella. I think it s decent enough, but my recommendation would be to proceed with caution, especially for the premium price tag.

helloitsnotme

Resident • 2011 - 2013

Unbelievably a few days ago a Bella employee the activities person had the gall to go around and was requesting that people sign onto apartmentratings.com and leave a good and only good review of Bella. I believe that this action is lower than low. I usually never succumb 2 things like this but if they want a rating I will give them a true and honest rating: Positives first: the landscaping is nice although it occasionally goes too long between trimmings. The pool area is very nice But a lot of families let their very young children into the pool and hot tub without even wearing swim diapers. The fitness equipment is state-of-the-art in the dance room is very nice although the only fitness class nowadays is somebody once a week. The inside club house is very nice but it closes at 5 p.m. when the office closes. The location is perfect for a Disney employee. Now all the negatives: parking is terrible if you live on Meer or .Titkos Streets although there are garages vailable for rent for $125 a month The office staff is very friendly until you are under a lease then they are the most ignorant individuals and are not helpful and are more worried about charming the next prospective renter than attending to problems that exist in the complex. Management refuses to install speed bumps which really don't cost all that much even though some people fly around here over 50 miles an hour where the speed limit is 20 miles per hour. The few social activities that are offered are geared toward senior citizens only. The security gate is Always broken and the tenants of the next door low income apartments are always using the Bella facilities. Speaking of low-income Rumor has it the Bella has applied for HUD status.

Current Resident 50555

Resident • 2011 - 2013

myself and my husband just moved from Bella it was nice when we moved in we could not wait to depart there are just so many things went downhill always trouble with the pool drug dealers speeding our dog poisoned by the pet friendly bug spray they used on the grass Bella was beautiful Bella is terrible now I am so sorry to say that it is the truth

Chexal

Resident • 2013

I love my apartment. It is spacious, well appointed, parking available with wide spaces, the amenities are attractive and well maintained. There are 3 children under the age of 4 next door and rarely do I hear them. Whenever I submit a work order maintence is here within an hour and a repair is made expertly by courteous staff. I have not encountered any disrespect whenever I have spoken to office staff. The constant barrage of complaints, name calling and disrespect toward management, staff, and residents is uncalled for. It is inappropriate to use a public forum such as a rating site to continuously make emotionally based accusations that are not based on fact by the majority of the residents in this complex. Consider the fact that complaints are created by the residents and not staff. Staff do not walk their dogs and fail to clean up after their pet, residents seem to think it is their right to do just that. Staff do not toss their cigarette butts off their balconies, but residents do. Staff do not get out of their cars and throw their trash on the parking lot, residents do. Staff do not name call, residents do. Staff do not let their children who are non toilet trained into the poo, residents do. Staff do not allow their children to use the spa as a private wading pool, residents do. Staff do not take their trash, unwanted furniture to the dumpster and just leave it lying around the dumpster instead of properly disposing of their items, residents do. Staff are not speeding through the streets, residents do. Every morning maintence staff make rounds of the property and pick up trash. There is no way they could begin to pick up all the dog waste or cigarette butts. Everyday maintence staff straighten and clean up the pool area. Public restrooms are clean and well stocked. My lease clearly states that upon termination I am responsible to have carpets professionally cleaned and to turn the receipt into the rental office. I am to remove any nails, screws or anything I have added to make my apartment personalized and to patch and to touch up paint which is available from the office. I expect to leave Bella Apartments as clean as It was when I moved in. I enjoy sitting on my balcony to watch the fireworks at Magic Kingdom and occasionally Epcots fireworks. Is it the same view as I would have at the parks, no, but still fun to see fireworks every night without the inconvience of being away from home. I am disappointed that the activities are scarce and not what was sold to me at the time of signing my lease but if I really depended on activities I would make an effort to explore the possibility of starting my interest groups. It is my responsibility to create an environment that meets my recreational needs. The pest issue has been discussed also. No where that I have lived has been without pesky wildlife. We live in Florida next to an open space where snakes, toads, armadillos, and birds and waterfowl know no boundaries. There is also construction behind us disrupting wildlife habitat. We do not live in a bubble. Management cannot train wildlife to stay out of our neighborhood. However, management does provide monthly pest control. Residents may also take advantage of having pest control in their individual apartment by requesting the service. Traffic concerns due to the opening of the flea market are beyond the control of Bella management. Osceola County approved the development of the corner of 192 and Secret Lake. The county failed to anticipate the traffic problems associated with their decision. County residents may petition the county for traffic concerns and it is the responsible civic duty of residents to do so. The rental agent has no jurisdiction to be involved in county decisions. If someone is so dissatisfied in their residence and feels the atmosphere is so toxic they need to look at their options. Making a financial decision to leave certainly does not outweigh peace of mind. Would you continue to patronize a restaurant that served rotten food each visit? Then why continue living somewhere that is so distasteful that you feel obliged to demean staff and residents daily? If the part of the problem with services that are dependent on having full occupancy is that there is not full occupancy, why make a concerted effort to ensure that people will not rent here. Seems counterproductive just to feel revenge. We have a responsibility as residents to create a positive, safe, healthy atmosphere. It is also the staffs' responsibility. However when one of the parties constantly abuse the rules, regulations and to be demeaning then the system will never work. Legitimate complaints can only be addressed if the concerns are presented in a respectful, non threatening manner. If they are not satisfied then the appropriate agency should be contacted. But be sure the complaints are legitimate and not part of a campaign to get revenge. For the record, I am not a friend nor do I even know anyone but my direct neighbor, of anyone in the office. I am not related, nor do I have a relationship to anyone in management. I have no reason not to be objective other than I am a resident of Bella and really do not like seeing my home being drug through the dirt because a few are so dissatisfied and have a personal problem with management. There are more appropriate methods to solving a dispute of this magnitude. Please do not respect my home or my neighborhood to conduct a personal vendetta. Since you do not know me, please do not disrespect my right to express my opinion.

KRoser1020

Resident • 2013

We moved into Bella on May 4th 2012. Sight unseen because my husband was retireing from the military. I met some really nice people and some not so nice. I'm an adult, so I just steered clear of those I didn't want to associate with You will find that in ANY neighborhood though. However, ----- was always good to us and was always helpful to us in any way we needed. My husband was ill and every staff member was wonderful to us. They weren't intrusive or nosey, just genuinely kind and thoughtful. The maintenance crew was also great. Any time I had an issue they were on top of it and quick to respond. In reading some of these reviews, I am wondering what expectations they have?!?! Yes, there should be speed bumps. People do speed. But, they cannot control everything irresponsible renters do. When you have a great deal of different people of all ages living in the same community, what do you expect? You're paying for the location and certain ammenities. Yes, there are people who do not clean up after their pets. But, do you expect that the management of Bella should hire someone to police the dog pooh?? Seriously?!?! I lived right across from the poll on the 4th floor, so I saw and heard just about everything. And when something was wrong I called them or I called 911 if I had too. That's being a responsible tenant! Yes, Bella has problems.....just like any other community would but to say that it is horrible would be a lie! I paid my rent on time and they treated me and my family with respect. That's all I can ask for. Not many apartments even allow pets, so if you do, then clean up after them.....it's NOT someone else's job! People living in a mixed bag community don't get to choose their neighbors, so don't act like Bella should be responsible for anything you are not bringing to the table yourself! Be a responsible pet owner and if you see something wrong, report it! If you don't wanna hear a lot of noise, live in the back buildings and not by the pool! If you take part in keeping your neighborhood safe and clean then that's what you will have! Don't blame everyone else.....Do something about it!!! I personally had no problems here and would recommend Bella to anyone looking for an apartment! My only suggestions would be for them to add the speed bumps and screen in the balconys. Mosquitos and deer flies suck......literally! Oh.....and I could see the fireworks every night from Epcot and the Magic Kingdom right from my balcony!!

Current Resident 93552

Resident • 2013

I was very impressed with Bella when i came to look at the complex! The apartments are beautiful dark wood cabinets, tile floors, etc, all very nice. The grounds are kept nice by the crew but not by all the residents. I find dog poop on the grounds all the time, and cigarette butts as well. I think speed humps need to be put in cause i cant tell you how many times ive almost gotten hit pulling out of my spot, if i had children i would not let them ride there bikes in the complex cause no one abides by the speed limit or the stop signs. Since living here, the view is great but am starting to feel that the price is not worth it anymore. At the end of the block a new flea market just went in but a rumor i heard was that it was not allowed to open until a traffic light at the corner, the traffic is RIDICULOUS!!!!! I

betsyluv

Resident • 2011 - 2012

I lived at Bella Apartments for 2 years. My apartment was immaculate when I moved out. A week later I recieved a letter stating they were not returning my $600 security deposit. Reason 1-carpet cleaning. Do they not automaticslly clean a carpet between tenants? Reason 2-oven cleaning. I NEVER used my stove or oven. Not once. I managed a restaurant! Reason 3-disinfect waher and dryer. Really? Reason 4-$60 to patch and paint 6 small nail holes. Come on. Reason 4-general cleaning. Speaking with friends who have left Bella each and every one of them got ripped off by Bella and did not get their deposits back. While I lived there our elevator was broken for 3 weeks and Bella kept saying they were waiting for parts. I called State and Bella got fined and elevator was fixed 2 days later. The manager who ran Bella when I moved in almost died from some disease he got while using the Bella hot tub. There were police arresting someone about once a week. The week we left a 20 year old kid on Titkos was arrested for running an underage prostitution business. His mother still lives there. I vote NO to Bella.

Current Resident 106944

Resident • 2011 - 2012

When the manager from Bella came around, asking us to write favorable review is when I lost it. My family and I moved to FL, to live the dream, and what we found was a hell. Like others have mentioned the hot tub and pool are gross, and often out of order. I don't know if there are drug dealers/users in the complex but seeing some of the people, that come and go all hours of the night it wouldn't surprise me. The one thing that I don't think has been mentioned is the number of snakes in the complex. We moved to FL from up north, and I knew there would be some snakes, but it's not uncommon to hear stories about them getting into peoples apartments. I talked to a friend who has an apartment at a diffrent complex, and apparently this isn't the norm. Be careful, and if you're thinking about renting from Bella, I suggest you drive through the parking lot around midnight, it'll open your eyes.

bellachanged

Resident • 2013

it would take too long to write all the negative things about Bella

bellabellanono

Resident • 2013

Are you looking at Bella because of the television commercial the show? well seeing is believing, when you are taking your tour ask them to show you the inside of the private dog park and ask yourself if you would sit down in that grass like the girl does in the commercial, ask your tour guide to take you to buildings that are not on the tour and look at the hallways import is nc the trash can still see for yourself that they try to hide, look around at all the dog crap that's lying around in the grass that they don't clean up except on the tour route. look at all the broken blinds in all of the windows, ask him about the broken gates about the ear infections people got from the pool ask them how many apartments can really see the fireworks at night only about 4 ask them about the drug bust you can go to the Osceola County Sheriff's Office website look up Meer Titkos Hemlig Street and see for yourself. again seeing is believing in what you see what's not on the tour you will not rent at Bella we can't wait to leave have a great day that whatever apartment you decide on

IWannaMoveOuttaBella

Resident • 2013

A Bella employee named ----- who gets free rent for services rendered has done the following: First she has illegally posted a review on this site which you have to verify you are NOT affiliated with the apartment. Secondly she is UNETHICAL. She has posted on the Bella Facebook page the apartmentratings.com link and stated only positive comments allowed. Her and other employees have admonished residents who have posted negative comments She also has been going around with her iPad solicity favorable reviews.

Bellaisbad

Resident • 2013

We just moved here a few months ago and are thinking of breaking our lease. Once we moved in everything changed. Amenities were removed, activities were removed, staff I now ignores complaints. Can hear neighbors screwing through the paper thin walls. Dog ---- everywhere. Dangerous roads with no security hates operational. Intersection at 192 has a big wreck every few hours since flea market opened. Bella is bad.

Madbellaresident

Resident • 2012 - 2013

Bella was great when we moved in but no longer. Since the old manager Corey contracted Legionnaires disease from the Bella spa things have rapidly deteriorated. DO NOT believe everything in their commercial. Dog crap everywhere, only social events are bingo and lame movies once a month, dangerous pitbull dogs, cocky staff, maintenance people no speaky english, fitness equipment always broken, front gates always broken, speeding cars cuz they wont install speed bumps, snake and roach problem, low water pressure, dirty hallways and lots more but I'll stop here. Any questions? Just leave comment and we will answef.

newmom45

Resident • 2010 - 2013

I'm pretty torn about these apartments, but all-in-all, I cannot recommend them, despite having been here more than 3 years and having good friends here. Bella asks a luxury price for their apartments, but does not provide luxury housing. I've been here since the beginning and was the first tenant ever in my apartment. Since then, I've seen and often documented the following: dirty breezeways and exteriors, green and moldy deck planking, garbage piled as high as the retaining wall of the dumpster, full and overflowing dumpsters, broken gates at least 30% of my entire time here, unsupervised children on the streets and in the pool, and multiple streetlights out. The after hours number either doesn't get answered or the message is not delivered to the courtesy officer if there is a problem. To add insult to injury, when I asked about upgrading to a 2-bedroom (I'm a new mom, and a single one at that), it was made clear that despite being a good tenant with perfect payment record and a nearly-new looking apartment, I would be given the same rates as someone new coming in, even in light of numerous 2-bedrooms obviously sitting empty and tenants moving out on a monthly if not weekly basis. The turnover here seems high, with a small core group that has been here the longest. There are some great people here, and the community is nice. But I cannot and will not pay extra for a luxury apartment complex that is not luxury. Sorry.

Cheyannelent

Resident • 2010 - 2011

Ever since the moment I first moved to Bella, I knew I had found home: the staff always made you feel so at home and were always very helpful with whatever you needed. My parents and I love working out at the gym and exercising with our fellow neighbors at the free fitness classes 😉 after work, it was always so nice to come home and feel at ease- j could trust my neighbors and knew I could relax at Bella...especially around the pool or my favorite...the walking trail!

Current Resident 140796

Resident • 2011 - 2013

I've lived at bella for a while now and have no complaints. I never hear any of my neighbors making noise and all of my neighbors are friendly and nice. the new property manager seems to want to turn things around and I agree with everyone when I say the activities director is awesome and does her best with what management allows her too. I've recommended this apartment comes to my family and friends and will continue to do so.

happymom22

Resident • 2011 - 2013

I have been a resident for Bella for awhile now and I like it here.. its quiet at night. I enjoy seeing the fireworks at night from all the Disney Parks. Its a plus to be living so close to the Disney Parks. I'm so excited they have a Zumba Class here now. I enjoy laying out at their very nice pool when I have a day off its so relaxing. My neighbors are very friendly and I met the new Property Manager and she seems very nice. The lady that does the activities for Bella is awesome. Bingo is my favorite activity. I have no problems renewing my lease for another year.

Current Resident 146903

Resident • 2011 - 2013

I have lived at Bella for 2 years now. I am happy to call it my home. I love the big spacious workout room that is here for all the residents to use. The property is nice. Real close to the Disney Parks. I am happy living here and would gladly extend my lease.

Current Resident 181344

Resident • 2011 - 2013

we just received a letter from Bella telling us that our lease renewal is going to be increased by over $100 a month. in the past year the amenities have disappeared and the services have fallen off dramatically. as of today pool closes at dusk in addition the access to the outdoor living room outdoor televisions and most importantly the grills are no more. also check that the HUD website www.hud.com and yes what is preparing to allow section 8 low income people into this complex and they will be getting rent subsidy from the government, . while back there was a break in in the fitness / weight room and it's been a long time and I still have it repaired the door, the only social activities that Bella provides right now is a once a month bingo game the lasts about 45 minutes and a once a month movie which consists of a dollar rental DVD they get for Redbox they supply some popcorn and Walmart soda. the private dog park they advertise is a disgusting mess. And speaking of dogs pitbulls are not allowed by our lease but there are at leadt 11 here that we know of. Do yourself a favor and do your due diligence when choosing an apartment choose wisely and carefully,

kellybradyf

Resident • 2013

Starting next week HUD is starting inspections of Bella as part of the process to approve Bella's application for SECTION 8 LOW INCOME HOUSING. The US Dept. off Housing and Urban Development does NOT perform routine inspections only those as stated. Go to their website and see for yourself. Bella will deny this but reading is believing. Bella will be collecting subsidies from the Government while raising our rental rates. It might be too late but complain and voice your concerns to the office.

sexyricanboricua

Resident • 2013

No good here. Drugs sellers around first building at night. Cars always going wrong way in circle and almost hitting head on. Front gate always broken. If you ask office people about something its jajajajaja. Bad amenities. Show same movies all the time. No more beer wine and cheese social just bingo and popcorn and soda. Zumba class 1 day a week is all that is offered. Lots of fitness equipment broke. Drunks people on patio and pool. Nasty ladies showing tetas with little ones at pool. Saw men make love each other in spa at night. Doggy park full of doodoo and garbage. Have lease until next March so can not leave dont make same mistake we did. Move in on a Saturday and we have cucarachas same day see them at least 1 a day. Also many pigeons on porches dirty birds. Walls thin hear neigbors all time. Low water and highest water and electricity I have paid at anywhere I lived. I have fotos email me and I will give them to you.

happyhomeownerkc

Resident • 2012 - 2013

Bella is a decent place to live, but it is NOT worth the money they charge. With small children, you must be VERY careful, as residents do NOT obey any sort of traffic rules, speeding through the parking area, refusing to stop at stop signs and going the wrong way through the roundabout. There is unfortunately dog poop all over the place, though this is the residents fault, not the facility. There are unruly youth wreaking havoc all over, being loud, obnoxious, and destructive. They also lied to us about the activities there. They sold us on the fact they had tons of fitness classes and lots of resident activities and get-togethers. This is simply not the case. Other than Zumba (a very recent addition to the line-up) there was only ONE evening of fitness classes, and they were mediocre, and no one ever showed up! Similarly, the promised activities never really surfaced. The new social director is amazing, but she can only do what the head office gives her permission to do, which doesn't seem to be much. The best advice I can give is to read your contract carefully. Many of the things we were TOLD were simply untrue when we read the contract. All in all, the apartments are fairly nice, the maintenance staff are the BEST around, and the amenities are okay. But the rental prices are way too high for what you actually get, and our experience with the office staff is that they lie and don't do much to help their residents. They have no loyalty to those who are loyal to them. I feel lucky to have met some of the residents, but I'm not sad about leaving Bella.

kmr10111

Resident • 2012 - 2013

Because of a new job, we are having to leave Bella after a WONDERFUL year. To be honest, I'm losing sleep over leasing somewhere else, as living at Bella has been an absolute dream. We moved to Orlando a year ago and had to 'blindly' pick out an apartment since we couldn't make it down here to view our options. We couldn't have been more fortunate. The apartments are beautiful, airy, and spacious. The maintenance staff is absolutely fantastic and always attends to our svery quickly. We haven't dealt with the management often, but when we have they have been very helpful and friendly. We never have an issue with noise and live near the front of the complex (by the pool with a lakeview). We love the walking track and so does our pup! The one negative is that we have been paying $30 extra a month for a lakeview when the lake isn't very well maintained. When it's full and the fountains are on, it's absolutely beautiful, but lately it's been practically empty and our fountain won't work because of it. I worked at Disney for most of my time at Bella and it literally took me 15 minutes to get to the Magic Kingdom--very convenient for castmembers. Parking is fine. On the occasion, late at night, you may have to park a little further than you'd like, but it's really not a big deal as I feel very safe walking to my apartment. There are SO many police officers that live in this complex--an added bonus! I always feel safe.