Vairo Village

Current Resident 656469

Resident • 2008

sooooooooo inconsiderate!!

It's been a week. Every morning the workers began to work on the roof before 7 am. Yes, every morning they scared you and woke you up with big "bang, bang, bang"! No one cares if you are still sleeping. In this apartment complex, no one cares about their tenants.

Current Resident 162172

Resident • 2007 - 2008

Horrible! Horrible! Horrible!!

The apartment is horrible, noisy, and the management does not care about their tenants at all. I am gonna transfer from one apartment to the other (so regret that I signed one more year's lease with them!!). They set the transfer day a weekday. They force me to move out of the old apartment and in the new apartment ONLY on that ONE day. I have a really important business meeting on that day from 9-3 pm and cannot get away from it. So I talked to them to try to let me do the moving in the evening or during the night. But they do not allow even a bit of flexibility. They said no matter what happens I must pick up the key of the new apartment 8:30 in the morning and return the key of the old apartment by 5 pm the same day. No one minute's delay! They do not care about their tenents at all!! What is the difference to the rental office between returning the key at 5 pm and the first thing the next day morning? They won't work after 5 pm anyway!! But they just don't let me!! Everything has to go by their schedule, even if their schedule is not urgent at all! Even if their tenant indeed has something urgent going on!! I suggest that everyone of us tell our friends, especially those who are new in town, not to rent with vairo village, unless they want to be angry all the time, unless they don't care about their own health. Poor facility is not their fault, but if the management don't care about their tenants at all, then........ This place is hell!!

oneyearrent

Resident • 2007 - 2008

Noisy, old building, and more

Do not rent with VV. Buildings are too old. This causes too much noise. Whenever someone is taking a shower downstairs, water flushes like a airplane is taking off. It is just too loud and every single time it will wake up us. More than that, whenever any of your neighbor turns on fans or AC, the noise coming from the AC machine make you feel you are working at an assembly line. My health is getting worse and the only thing I want to do is to move out as soon as possible. The manager does not care about any complaints about the noise. Yes, they cannot fix it. I guess their strategy is just to make any tenant move out after the first year. By doing so, they can retain all the deposit and charge your with extra fee to clean the carpet. This is their business trap and without this they cannot survive. So, getting away from them is the best choice, if you care about your health and your money.

Current Resident 700539

Resident • 2007 - 2008

horrible management, horrible condition

The building is very old, and there is water leak between the walls. The sound is very annoying whenever person upstairs takes shower. Every time after the person upstairs takes shower, the sound of the water leakage continues for an hour. This happens mostly in early morning when we are in sleep, and we are waken up EVERY SINGLE morning by that sound. Because it lasts for an hour, we are not able to get back in sleep any more. SERIOULY, our health is going bad because of a lack of sleep. The management do not take any action to solve the problem. They just said that they are not able to fix it. They don't even try to help us to solve the problem. THEY DON'T CARE AT ALL, because every year there are so many students coming in to the Penn State, and housing is always a big problem. So even if we move out, there always gonna be people moving in. To those who are considering Vairo Village, PLEASE GIVE A SECOND THOUGHT! Are you willing to deal with old buildings with A LOT OF problems? Most importantly, are you willing to deal with landlore who doesn't even care as long as the problem does not hurt their profit?

Prospective Resident 20986

Prospect • Visited 2008

took my security deposit without signing the lease

I filed a housing application and turned in $25 application fee and $200 security deposit two weeks ago. When I called last Thursday, they told me my application has been approved. But they are preparing paperworks and I need to wait for a couple of weeks to sign the lease. Then I found another apartment which is better. So I decided to withdraw my application from Vairo Village. They said they have to retain both my $25 application fee and $200 security deposit. They also asked me to send an email to confirm my withdrawal. Originally I thought the security deposit is about the compensation for any damage to their apartment. But I haven't moved in. And I haven't signed the housing lease yet. I don't know why they took my security deposit. Very disappointed.

Current Resident 857083

Resident • 2007 - 2008

Can't be worse

Every one (not every apartment) is charged $250 for the non-existing amenity. When you sign the lease, another $200 per person is charged as signed up fee. When you sublease, $200 plus $250 for the new comer even if he/she just stays for the summer. If you use heat in winter, you will see high utility bills given the heat inefficient rooms. If you don't use heat, say, in summer, you will still be charged $10.81 for heating. You need to write two checks (and run two trips) each month to the management: one for heating and one for rent. Can you combine the two? Nope! Because they won't give you the rent bill until after the 27th---the deadline for the heating bill. You have essentially about 2-3 days including weekend and holidays to pay your rent. Some say you can pay until the 7th of next month, but at least it is not stated in the recent flyers. They don't change smoke alarm batteries for you, which is all right. But they don't tell you how to change it. For those who cannot figure out the trick, they sleep with 80dB chirps every one minute, until you figure out yourself or ... go crazy. Laundry is $1.5 washing and $1.5 drying if you are lucky enough to live within 5 mins walk to it. For those live in Phase II, it may take 10 mins to walk there. Overall, this place looks cheap if you share with roomates. However, adding the hidden fees, the hidden utility bills, and other costs, e.g. towing when you are away in vacation. Its price is equivalent to efficiency or one-bed apartment in other properties. Of course, I assume people ever consider here to be ready for rough life.

psu22

Resident • 1995

I get depressed again reading the reviews

This was a terrible place to live. I get depressed reading the reviews. I lived there in the early to mid '80's and things were probably better then. Cleaner, and less mess. i can't speak to today but my heart goes out to all the people that have had to deal with this place. Why did they change the name? I don't remember having roaches (the places closer to campus did have them) and I liked the pool, and little cafe there. I barely remember doing laundry. I must have done it, no?! I hated being so far off campus, and having to deal with a shuttle bus. I remember the laundry, maybe, when we did it on Sundays and had dinner in the cafe. But I do remember the lousy lighting! I was almost attacked one night by guys walking behind me, or it seemed that way, with the lousy lighting. And they turned the heat off on us during Christmas break - swore they didn't - the pipes burst and flooded us. They denied doing that, and we couldn't get any insurance money Why change the name, folks? Oh, and I bet I have pictures from parties! It wasn't in too bad shape then, but they have done nothing I am sure to make it look nice. It's interesting that even the person with a positive review doesn't give it more percentage points than the negative reviews! I couldn't believe that the positive post wasn't any better than the negative - just about 22 %. On the other hand, I guess I can believe that! At the same time, I'd like to lower my response percentage to 10 %. We had a nice layout, but knew the management wouldn't take care of the property. I guess they haven't. And they should have better lighting. Our fridge was a BIG problem, always needing defrosting and chipping. We had some fun times there, but you need to be married or something. Single fun people will want to be closer to campus

ChrisT8365

Resident • 1995

Haha...some things never change

I lived at Heritage Oaks in 1986-87. Glad to see the old homestead is still living up to it's high standards. The appliances were ancient, the buildings smelled and there were enough roaches to sink a ship. Such special memories.

PSUAersp

Resident • 2003 - 2004

Pretty Darn dismal living conditions

I moved into this apartment (then known as Heritage Oaks) with two of my buddies (and one jerk) who already lived there and I immediately regretted it. The carpet was probably about 20 years old and showed it. It seemed as thought there was no padding and the carpet was laid on bare concrete judging from the roughness I could feel through the carpet. The heating and A/C was OK at controlling temperature, but would push out a thick layer of dust. The kitchen was horrible, all of the appliances were inefficient at the best and partially functional for a majority of the time. If your friends parked in the "Visitor" parking area (which was almost always full), their car could be towed by the anti-christ itself, WALKS towing for no reason at all (sorry, personal experience coming through). Also I have to mention the snow issue. Heaven forbid if it snowed more than a few inches because when the plow truck came through your car would be plowed in with not just snow but ICE as well. The front desk people were horrible and created a paperwork nightmare for me because I was moving into the apartment mid-semester as their other room mate left. I have to say though that for the money, it was a roof over my head and a place to study and "relax." Ah, the good times of college, how I miss thee...

emd175

Resident • 2006 - 2007

Jim ripped me off, too.

I had the same problem as the below comment. Before I moved out of my apartment, my roommate and I spent two days cleaning it from top to bottom...shampooing the carpet, scrubbing the bathroom, scrubbing the kitchen...and similarly, ours was cleaner when we left than when we moved in. Four weeks later, however, we both received bills that showed our security deposits were taken, and we both owed an additional $415/piece. I was absolutely floored, and went to speak to the manager, who said that there was nothing he could do about it. He claimed they had to replace the carpets (though they had just been replaced before we moved in) because they were a mess. IMPOSSIBLE. However, we had no way to prove it because the carpets were already gone. We were completely ripped off and had to pay the extra money. I never recommend this place to anyone I know.

Current Resident 433454

Resident • 2007

Hell on Earth

To anyone who is considering life at Vairo Village. TURN BACK NOW! This has been my worst living experience of all my experiences. I first knew that I was in for a delectably horrible time when I was moving in on day 1 and I realized that I am basically living in the woods. To get to my apartment, I have to treck down a 45 degree angle gravel driveway which is actually a driveway for the maintenance trucks. There is no sidewalk to my apartment and my "front door" is in the woods. You would think that we would have lighting to find our way through the dark forest but our outdoor light has been out for all 6 months we have been here with no response when we tell them we are going to fall down the 25 steps of the deck. Now that I am on the topic of the steps, they are icy and slippery and 70% of the time when it's wet, raining, or snowing you WILL fall down them. I could go on for hours but finally I would just like to say that going in to talk to people in the office is like entering a battlefield. Dont try to ask questions about your bill because there is absolutely no system to what/ how they charge you. They will literally take your money and they cant tell you why you owe $645.13 when your rent is about $300 less than that. Interesting..... So, unless you want a constant headache..stay away from Vairo Village. P.S. They frequently dig up our cable to our internet goes out often...sweet. Oh yeah, and we have cockroaches. HAHA and wait till you see the "laundry facility". It's located in a half built shed. enough said.

Current Resident 810722

Resident • 2006 - 2007

stay away from this place

I am really curious about who posted all the positive reviews below. I lived here for one year (2006-2007) and was ripped off at the end. The manager agreed to give me back the deposit when I moved out, but one month later, I received a letter from him saying that he used my deposit to do the turnover cleaning of the apartment. First, I am very disappointed and disturbed by the fact that as a business man, he does not keep his words. Second, it is sad that somebody wants to take advantage of the poor students and tries to make a fortune over their deposit. My advice is that if you are desperate and could not find a place other than here, you must take photos of everything when you move in, and take photos of everything when you are done with final cleaning when you move out. Ask him for a written promise that he will give back the deposit. DO NOT believe it when he says, "Oh, yes, we will return you the deposit as long as you clean the carpet, and show me the receipt." Don't believe this!!! This is how I lost all my deposit. If there is no written promise, you must tape record his words when he says he will give you back the deposit!!

Current Resident 194190

Resident • 2006 - 2007

Nothing but great

I have lived here for two years and I have never had any complaints. It is inexpensive considering all that is included in the rent as compaired to the area. The manager is very understanding and easy to work with if things arise. The maintance is very friendly and professional. It facility is quiet and there are never any problems. Parking is great and if you need to grab a bus the bus stop is only a few hundred feet away. If you want peace of mind in a college town without paying too much... Pennwood North is the place to leave.

muleof1999

Resident • 2005 - 2007

ABSOLUTELY TERRIBLE!

This place is an absolute DUMP! The worst place I've ever lived. It is true that it's under new ownership, but they hide behind that fact for all their shortcomings. I moved from a 1 bedroom to a 2 bedroom facility and the quality went down TREMENDOUSLY. The carpet was ratty and stained. EVERY SINGLE WALL, CEILING, DOOR AND ANY OTHER STRUCTURE was full of scratches, gouges, dents and even BASKETBALL SIZED HOLES. There was a large black sticky stain on the back wall. And this was how it appeared AFTER the cleaning/maintenance people made it "fit to live". They told us to just fill out any work order and they would replace it. They ended up having to complete gut the bathroom and replace it back from bare concrete walls and floor, due to the fact that the sewer pipe WITHIN THE WALL was busted and leaking raw sewage through the walls of the bathroom. A different maintenance guy was in our apartment every day and each had the workmanship of a 9 year old. They would paint AROUND light switches instead of taking them off. They would paint OVER chipped/cracked existing paint, instead of sanding/plaster first. The kitchen floor was peeling/rolling up from both ends. The cabinets would wander open at their own will. All of that aside, the office staff are mean women that apparently have lost their zest for life and take it out on anyone that walks in the door. Someone (obviously a neighbor) vomited on my car in the middle of the night. When they weren't logging a collection of trees in the front yard, it was a complete wet-smelling mud pit. In the winter the rain runs through the deck upstairs and creates an impenetrable 4 inch layer of ice, which maintenance never salted or chipped off. When it snows 2 feet, the "Vairo Plow" runs through and literally BURIES everyone's car, and you have to dig it out yourself. This is just the stuff that comes off the top of my head. If anyone even THINKS of renting from this crap hole, feel free to contact me and I'll go into more detail. Otherwise, you are a fool, or you can't read, if you choose to live here.

Rachel02_1977

Resident • 2005 - 2007

postive experience

I have heard of a few negative opinions (like the one below) but overall I am very happy (and I know my friends are as well) living here They are doing a lot of work to the grounds (cutting the trees brings in a lot more sun and looks much better). The apartments are very large and are the best value in State College.

Current Resident 222324

Resident • 2006 - 2007

it get worse

it is now worse than formerly heritage oaks. They inspect your house conditions frequently and charge you hundreds of bucks for dirty in kitchen. Besides, Vairo Village recently cuts down many rees, reduces office hours (they used to work until at least 6pm M-F and half day on Sat), excludes heating gas from rent. Just keep away from Vairo Village. BTW, adequate parking is due to low apt occupancy and they charge guest parking after 10pm even on weekends.

Current Resident 350912

Resident • 2005 - 2007

shame on the cheater below

Are you sure there is no gym in state college??? Shame on you. Do not misguide people here. There are many in Penn State campus and also a lot in the community. Sure enough, Vairo Village is different from Heritage Oaks, but in my opinion, it is getting worse and worse. If you really live there for a few years like me, answer the following question. When will the construction finish? Do not you know they cut a lot of trees there this year? Cannot you see the grassland are all destroyed? How many times the landlord enter your apartments per month? I cannot tolerate these people enter your apartments anytime they want. The apartment is terrible. My neighbour's ceiling fell down!

WilliamsXev

Resident • 2007

Quiet, inexpensive

So far I don't have any real complaints about Pennwood North. I've enjoyed living here. I wish a bus pass were included in the rent, but then again, the rent is so low that it more than makes up for buying a bus pass. It is quiet and beautiful here, nice and peaceful right next to the woods (although that means that bugs are plentiful as well). The landlord so far has been very responsive to my questions, although he is not always in the office, and can be hard to get ahold of (but leaves his cell number on the door so you can call him). I haven't needed maintenance yet (I've only lived here a month), but I will soon, as one of my outlets isn't working. The pet policy is great, and I have two wonderful kitties who really enrich my life. The pet deposit is 200 hundred dollars, and the rent is an extra 20 dollars a month, but it is worth it. Utilities are included, including cable (but not Internet). I'm in a deluxe efficiency (425 square feet), so my apartment is small, but cozy. I wouldn't mind if it were bigger, but it's worth it not to be paying 200 dollars additional (or more) to be living in another complex. The apartment was pretty clean when I moved in, although it smelled like cigarette smoke and one cabinet down near the floor was pretty filthy (clearly the person ahead of me hadn't used it- I don't think I will either- ick!). The caulk outside my windows is in bad shape (I plan to fix it up), and the windows aren't really sealed, so I do get some bugs inside, although it hasn't been too bad. The bottom lock on my door also sticks a bit, but other than that, no complaints. Also, cell reception in the apartments is terrible, so you can frequently see people outside on the lawn talking on cell phones. Ample cabinet and closet space was a real plus, as was the price. I would definitely recommend Pennwood North if you are looking for a very inexpensive apartment, and don't mind having a little bit less space than some other places (although larger Pennwood North apartments are available as well). So far my experience has been positive, and I plan on staying here for the rest of my time in grad school, although I might move into a junior one bedroom to have more space. Almost forgot to mention- free and ample parking, and cheap laundry ($0.75 per load). Living here definitely has some great perks. What I like the best though is how different it looks from all the other complexes- these apartments don't look like cookie-cutter condos. They are much more woodsy, and the surroundings are beautiful. Check it out!

Current Resident 750608

Resident • 2007

Do Not Agree

It seems to me that the last few negative posts were all in caps and came from the same person. They all sound very similar...I completely disagree with everything the last person said.<br><br>The staff here is very friendly! I have lived here for 3 years and have loved it. I am leaving in August as I am graduating from PSU but I had a very good experience.<br><br>Every year since I have lived here the place has gotten a little nicer. Now that I am leaving... they are buildng a fitness center, resident lounge, and a new laundry facilties. The laundry did need to me remodeled as some of the machines were a little old.<br><br>You get free wireless internet now and a bus pass. The price is right here. <br><br>I encourage you to come out and take a look for yourself. You will not find friendier staff.

Current Resident 997988

Resident • 2006 - 2007

HORRIBLE

the employees are extremely rude. They never clean the area, garbage disposal is always full. They never plow the snow. They never clean the leaves that are piling up up to your door. Employees are very unprofessional.<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>

bluegreen91

Resident • 2004

Great value!

Lived here one semester, Fall '04, in an efficiency. Rent included all utilities (even cable!). Free parking that was always available. Never had a problem finding an open washer or dryer. Manager was very nice and helpful, especially when I had to move halfway through my lease... he found a new tenant for my apartment. No problems with heat, A/C, water, plumbing or appliances. Apartment was very clean when I moved in, too. On Vairo bus line, walking distance to shops, quiet wooded area with quiet, considerate neighbors. Got my deposit back in full, minus the mandatory $40 carpet cleaning fee. Highly recommended, especially for those who'd like to live alone!

Current Resident 981618

Resident • 2007

recommend

I would recommend the complex to other grads. I guess it depends on the apartment you get but my apartment was very nice when I moved in. It does appear that many of the apartments are being renoved. I did request a few changes for my apartment and they were corrected very quickly.<br><br>They are also building a fitness center and new laundry facility which will be nice. A lot of my friends live here and also have enjoyed it.

Current Resident 698679

Resident • 2004 - 2006

DO NOT LIVE HERE

My apartment was filthy when I moved in (Heritage Oaks), the bathroom was so disgusting I could not improve it. The other tenants were nice for my first year but Summer 2005 they began renting to extremely shady people. Once got my parked car nearly totaled in the middle of the night, probably by one of my neighbors. Nobody ever owned up to it. If you're a grad student look somewhere else, this isn't a good place to rent anymore. <br><br>To be fair, maintenance would respond to requests. The apartment was badly in need of a renovation, however.

Current Resident 905943

Resident • 2006 - 2007

not a good choice

Apartments are very old and most carpets are dark. Even worse, the price is going up starting summer 2007. Also, heating is no longer included for Phase I.

Current Resident 238108

Resident • 2006 - 2007

Much improved

The place had a bad rep under previous management but the new people really care. Best value in area