Saratoga Ridge

Current Resident 560607

Resident • 2010 - 2012

Horrible Place AVOID at ALL COSTS

Management has changed so many times in two years there is NO standard. Exercise room equipment fails to work and no repair. Parking is the absolute worst. The aparment walls are literally falling apart, expect mold on ALL your windows growing increasingly everyday without stopping.

Prospective Resident 560328

Prospect • Visited

LOUSY MANAGEMENT- DOGS- SAFETY

To Begin it is not safe, there are a lot of dark places around the area. Also there are always helicopters circling around the apartment complex, when i moved in a dead body was discovered in the complex. Another thing they lack to enforce is their pets. I kept getting complaints about the breed of my dog pitbull-mix, (yes not allowed) but there are at least 6 real pit-bulls around the facility. It is annoying receiving letters that i will get evicted if they don't even enforce it all around. One of the rooms didnt have a ceiling fan, when i asked they said to buy it and they would install it. When i was moving out i asked what was going to happen with my fan. At first they said that when they install fans its with the understanding that they will stay in the complex but since no one let me know they would credit my account. Funny how nobody mentioned that at the beginning, NOW they say that there are no notes, so they are staying with the fan.

Current Resident 363540

Resident • 2010 - 2012

Horrible Management

The managment here is horrible, and always changing. I think its the 3rd one in a year, but the current manager, and staff in general is horrible. One time I had an issue with my rent, and I called 4 times and left messages and sent emails, when someone finally does call me back, they hang up as soon as I answer. So I just bypass and try to get straight to the manager. She won't return my calls either. I try to contact corporate and I get an email with my local contact, but everytime I try to call I don't get an answer and their mailbox is full so I can't leave a voicemail. Everyone in the office is terribly rude, my car has gotten broken into while living here, the parking sucks and I've seen many people get towed. I was told when I signed my lease that they appreciate and reward long term residents, but when I came up for renewal the rent was almost $100 more a month. The buildings and apartments are numbered really strangly as well, which always makes it difficult when I have food delievered. This place is absolutly horrible, I wouldn't recommend this place to my worst enemy.

jija28

Resident • 2011

!!!!!!CAUTION!!!!!!!

A NEIGHBOR NEXT TO ME WAS ROBBED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT WHILE ALSEEP AND THE APARTMENT MANGER SAID IT WASNT SERIOUS AND DIDNT FEEL THE NEED TO LET THE PEOPLE AROUND HER KNOW ABOUT THE INCIDENT! I FOUND OUT A WEEK AND A HALF LATER FROM ANOTHER NEIGHBOR. When we first moved in everything was GREAT the people in the office including the Manager. Now we have a new Manager who doesn't seem to care. I've only been here for 7 months and will not be renewing my lease. DON"T work-out in the gym at night, there are no blinds or curtains, so basically you can't see out at night but people can see in when lights are on, and one night when leaving a creep was outside sitting on the bench looking in! (Management did nothing). Plus the small parking spaces suck...if you can even find a spot after 5pm. Also my dog has gotten fleas that won't go away we've tired everything, including telling the office to spray our apartment and grass outside (which is part of what we pay in the rent) they still haven't done. Other then that the apartments are quite and has been nice to live in, but who wants to feel unsafe in their own home?

Current Resident 487862

Resident • 2010 - 2011

Parking is a nightmare

Parking is the worst, I've never had an issue with noise or bad neighbors. Maintenance is average, you see them everywhere, but they are somewhat delayed in responses to your emergencies, sometimes right there, sometimes wait and wait. Previous staff in 2010 was the worst, now with present manager and main leasing agent new, they are soo much better.

Current Resident 148850

Resident • 2010 - 2011

Great apartment, awesome staff

I've been living here for a year now and, so far, my experience was really good. I love my apartment! Having the washer and dryer included is huge! And the price was great, too. Everytime I had a probelm, maintenance was there within hours to fix it. And even though the people in the office have changed since I leased here, management was always nice, friendly and responsive. The neighborhood is not the nicest, but overall this complex is very nice and we are very satisfied.

alexanderm07

Resident • 2010

Best apartment experience ever!! Seriously......

Sadly I had to relocate for a job and no longer live here but this complex has been by far our favorite place to live. We got a spacious 2b2b for a truly affordable rate. Some people are turned off by the older appearance of things but we loved all the trees and landscaping. It is truly in the hills and parking can be difficult sometimes but no problem if you don't mind walking a few feet. Maintenance was always prompt whenever we had a problem, it's a generally quiet complex, and again, we really loved the floorplan for the price. However, the reason I am taking the time to write this review is the extraordinary way in which they handled our move out. I had to leave months before our lease was up and the front office has been nothing but helpful. If you check this place out just talk to Lauren, she really understands the importance of customer service. She has saved us over $800 and you just don't find that anywhere else, at least no where I have rented....Overall a nice quiet apartment with diverse tenants, good maintenance, a great front office, and a bit of an island of peace in the area.

no_sleep2010

Resident • 2009 - 2010

ITS A TRAP!!! STAY AWAY!!!

I've been living at Canyon Hills Apt for 10 months now, and the headaches just dont stop. I wonder everyday,"Whats Next". I moved in june of 2009. I quickly found Canyon Hills and was impressed with how close to my new job it was and the great deal I got. Well, That impression dyed quickly upon just entering the apt and looking around. They put new carpet down but it sparked my curiousity on the past tenents that lived there. It looks as though it might have been a matador and a bull practicing before they went to the arena. The repair was aweful. They plugged the holes and painted over it. To me, that job was like putting a band-aid on an amputation. Not to mention the forrest of mold growing all around the windows. Yeah, not healthy!! not the way I wanted to "Go Green". Well, Theres nothing I can do since i signed the lease agreement. So, i figured i have to try to stick it through. I went to the pool to try to relax after a few day of moving and settling in. It was quiet and warm, sun was great. 30min later a flock of kids and young adults jump in the pool making all kinds of noise and screaming. So much for my relaxation, then Austin Police come in and take some of the young adults out. Come to find out, everyone in the neighborhood (not the residents)use it as a public pool. That was the last time I went. Parking never posed a problem to me because i took the bus to work and back. but soon got sick of this. So I decided to buy a new car. Nothing beats having a new car and keeping it look new and shiney. But in just a few short months, this once shiney new vehicle has turned into something out of a demolition derby. Not only did someone run into the car while it was parked, its been dinged, scratched, and even broken into. Yes, Broken into. Which brings me to the next problem....... Crime. They took everything they thought would be of any value, including my wallet. So they treated themselves to a shopping spree with my credit card spending $750.00. Some of the things purchased was $150.00 worth of KFC, $120.00 at 7-11, and $110.00 at texaco. So not only do the perpetrators have a full tank of gas, they have to be morbidly obese to eat all that KFC, chili dogs, and beer. I guess thats giving back to my community. So be careful, theres many shady characters who live there. Unfortunatly, the Apt complex is old. It was built sometime in the 90's. So, the Canyon hills Apartment complex decided to send a letter out stating that we need to clean after our pets and that they were going to do renovations such as paint railings. I work nights. So I didnt see it as a problem. Until I came home in the morning, got nice and warm and comfortable. started dosing off. then...... BANG, BANG,BANG,BANG. The workers were adding a plate under the window for the rain. needless to say i didnt get any sleep. Out of the whole apt complex, mine was getting worked on the most. These workers were under my windows for a week and a half. I was tired and needed to get sleep. so I stayed at the Best Western down the road. When I contacted the apt complex about my situation they told me they couldnt do anything nor could they compensate me for the hotel stay. Well, all in all, stay away from any of the complexes on bluff springs road, including this one. Feel free to comment or ask any questions. I'll let you know the truth on this apt. Its April 13th,2010 and we've just recieved a notice about a body being found in the complex. It's pretty vague but states if we have any information to call APD. It also states that we need to make sure to lock all doors and windows if we're home or not. So now I feel as though I am a prisioner in my own place. Definitly check out http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/local/police-investigate-suspi Its the link to the news article. Once again, no matter how cheap it is stay away from this apartment complex as well as any of the apartment complexes here in the area.

Current Resident 801087

Resident • 2008 - 2009

Colonial Properties UNtrust

Management acted nice at first, but when I told her that the parking spots were too small and a car had scratched the side of mine while pulling out, she got nasty with me and said that this was a "non-issue." The size of the parking spots are slightly smaller than the Austin city minimum standard, and when I called 311, an inspector came out here and fudged the measurements!! (I watched him measure from the BEGINNING of one white line to the END of the next, rather than middle to middle). I suspect that there was some kind of payoff. When I finally contacted someone named Angela in the corporate office, she said there was nothing she could do about the parking problem and that she was "the top of the top" in terms of people I could speak with. I later found out that she was only a secretary. I don't trust this corporation one bit. They are very sneaky and no one has returned my phonecalls for months. Also, the rent that appeared on my lease was different than what we had agreed to over the phone, and since I drove from out of state with all my stuff, I was stuck paying the amount I was cheated into.

Current Resident 750840

Resident • 2008 - 2009

apartment sux....

Well first of all the day i move in a neighbor of mine (bottom floor) come up and knock on my door and ask if im stomping or something...and im like how rude no im just moving in...so she proceeds to look her head all up in my apt to see if true then i get a move in check list and i have tons of work orders to be done...and they come and fix them like months later at like 5 pm....yeah it sux and parking is horrible neighbors are loud and rude...i caant wait til my lease is up...im leaving this place and not looking back and dont think im going to reccomend it to anyone.

Current Resident 750664

Resident • 2008

Bad Management

In the last two years there have been about 5-6 different managers. Each time one comes there are great ideas, but no follow through. The gate had been broken for about 4 months. There are raccoons taking over the dumpster areas and from what I have heard even inside apartment roofs and walls. The staff they usually have in the office are often rude - as mentioned in other reviews. People leave trash everywhere, the pool is usually filled with people who don't even live here. Not too long ago I was awoken by a rush of about 6 cop cars who arrested someone by the pool. This place used to be great - with great staff and a real community feeling, but its really gone downhill.

SPECTRA457

Resident • 2006 - 2007

be careful upon move out

I have recently moved out of my apartment at Canyon Hills and was charged $60 because I left the apartment "dirty". The place was dirty when I moved in! I left it in better shape than I found it. They are crazy, and the place isn't worth the rent. Their rates have only gone up since the management changed, and the place hasn't gotten any better. Lots of crime goes on in the Bluff Springs area and especially in the feral vacant lot adjacent to the property. BE CAREFUL AND RENT SOMEWHERE ELSE!

RobotRampage

Resident • 2007

Avoid Canyon Hills like the plague

I know it looks nice on the outside, but... just keep driving. We made the mistake of renting here for a short period of time... it was a terrible experience. Things seemed great at first. They bent over backwards to get us to sign the lease. Then they seemed not to care about us at all and everything went downhill from there.<br><br>Numerous maintenance problems insued. We noticed after a few weeks that our door didn't seem to quite fit the frame very well and asked that they come try to adjust the hinges or weatherstripping or something, because it was letting out the air conditioning and letting the insects in. The maintenance guy told us that there was nothing he could do about it because the entire building was actually slowly shifting because it is on a big hill. Wow, that sure made me feel safe.<br><br>The dumpsters are constantly overflowing and full of raccoons. The parking is absolutely unforgivable. Not to mention they only have those "compact car" parking spaces so unless you have a Geo or a motorcycle, you usually will not be able to fit in between two parked cars. There is a tremendous overabundance of covered spaces which you have to pay a ridiculous fee for, but not nearly enough regular parking. Sometimes you have to park two or three buildings away from your apartment. <br><br>The walls are paper thin so you can hear everything going on in the apartments around you. Also, this is the worst part, the vents are attached to other apartments! So if your neighbor is a smoker and you're not, sometimes your apartment will smell like cigarette smoke. Disgusting. Not to mention sound travels through those vents pretty well too.<br><br>The area is disgusting, with all manner of drug dealers and transients hanging out on the street. They are also located directly behind a Target... yeah... nice view.<br><br>

dnh1

Resident • 2006 - 2007

Not as bad as the complex next door or across the street...

...but not as good as other places.<br>I've been here almost a year, and I'm not renewing my lease for another year.<br>The staff is so-so. If possible, try to avoid dealing with Chris, he's just not the nicest guy. <br>Maintenance: things usually get fixed within 24 hours, but it's usually a lackluster job.<br>Parking: It is BAD! If you get home after 7 0r 8 PM, good luck finding parking near your building.<br>Location: The neighborhood is relatively quiet and close to a shopping center, HEB and I-35, but the major transit stop at the corner of Bluff Springs and William Cannon is annoying if you're trying to go through that area.<br>The apartments themselves: This place was built in 1997, and hasn't been kept up as well as it could have been. The cabinetry is dated and the appliances are appalling.<br><br>If you're looking for some apartments that are "middle of the road," then this place would probably be okay.<br>Happy apartment hunting!

Current Resident 541914

Resident • 2005 - 2007

Bad part of town- If you have anything of value, don't live here!!

We have had numerous things stolen form both our apartment porch our cars, and even our boat!! I set the vaccum outside one day so I could change the dusty bag out, and when i returned to get it---gone (pretty scary that someone came on my porch when i was home and stole my vaccum), our truck got its windshield broken out and radio stolen ( a factory radio at that????), and recently, someone even stole the gas tank out of our boat (they cut the pump wires and stole it so they could ciphen gas out of cars--watch out for lowering gas tanks if you live around here)! I would not recommend this place to an enemy. We've paid more for stolen damaged item that rent practically-- i know why we got a deal on the place now :(

Current Resident 120345

Resident • 2006 - 2007

It's not the best...

I lived at the Sorrento for 3 years before I moved over here a year ago. Yes, the new management listens to the residents, but there is only so much they can do. All changes have to be approved through property management and that is the hard part. I still have an ongoing ant problem. They have had 3 people come in and spray and they still are here. I think they are in the walls, but I guess that won't be possible to tell! The parking really is an issue. If you park within your complex, your car gets dinged because the spaces are too close together. So you have to walk quite a ways to get decent parking... which isn't bad b/c the excerise is good for you. The workout room equipment is always broke. The type of people that live in this area, have a history of sitting on their balconies and tailgates drinking beer, listening to Tejano music, yelling derogatory comments as you walk to your building. This is not the worse complex, but I would definitely recommend Sorrento over these!

Current Resident 513305

Resident • 2006 - 2007

New Manager...Yeah!!!

We just got a new manager on property by the name of Candace and she is wonderful. All the problems I have had in the past were fixed as soon as I brought them to her attention. I have noticed new maintenance on property and it sure shows. I thought about moving out when my lease is up in June but the new staff has now changed my mind. I will refer all my friends and co-workers here.

Current Resident 59620

Resident • 2006 - 2007

PLEASE READ: very poor property management

My air conditioning went out on a regular basis, and they just did a quick fix each time. Conveniently, they never kept a record of it. Finally I smarted up and requested the repairs in writing. My concerns were never addressed until I sent a copy of my complaint to corporate, and then I just got a phone call saying, "Sorry, but I wasn't aware of the issue, and I am leaving the property and will make sure the new manager takes care of it." Sure enough, it went out again on my move-out day. I feel bad for the people renting my unit after me.<br><br>Also, parking can be a problem. The sprinkler system often spouts up huge fountains of water, and the gate almost never works. <br><br>I was told that I owed one thing for move out, and then they asked for more when I turned in my keys, and now they are saying I owe a little more, but it is unclear for what. They also have not returned my deposit or sent an itemized list of what they are keeping of it within the 30 days required by law. <br><br>I do not recommend this property to anyone.<br>

Current Resident 351766

Resident • 2005 - 2007

Stay Away-- Stay Far Far Away

I absolutely hate it here and cannot wait for my lease to be up. After Colonial Village took over, the place went down. We've had three different managers in a year and a half and no of them know what the heck's going on. Parking is ridiculous if you get home anytime after 4:00, expect to walk from across the street at the target (not kidding); maintenance is low to complete jobs (have had countless problems with this apartment, complained numerous times, and i am simply ignored). The staff is ok, and is nice to my face, but dont do a damn thing to fix the problems i have complained about. These people are crooks and don't care about your stay at canyon hills- there's no way with how they treat people. I would NEVER rec. this property to anyone, and will try to keep the unknowings that haven't had the "pleasure" of living here to stay far away. I agree, i would rather live under a bridge and i cant wait until my lease is up

Current Resident 713139

Resident • 2006

I like it

I use to live here before and i loved it, thats why i am coming back.. I just met the new staff and they seem pretty nice to me. When i needed something fixs it took them a day and it was done, so i can say anything bad.. -ash- its a great place to me.

Current Resident 532318

Resident • 2006

NIGHTMARE

This complex is a nightmare. The management is unhelpful and rude, parking sucks, and crime is out of control. I have to dodge the beer bottles and trash strewn all over the pavement every morning on my way to work. I can't wait to get out. I would rather live under a bridge.

Lizdar

Resident • 2006

Okay so far..

Only lived here a month, and honestly the biggest problem seems to be the wildlife. There are at least 10 raccoons that live on the property and are not afraid of humans whatsoever (rabies?). They are constantly in the dumpster which is not cool if you throw your trash out at night. Also the ants are out of control. Exterminators help, for about 3-4 days, after that, right back to normal. The staff was great, until after I signed my lease, now I am usually ignored. Everything else is great, definitely worth the price, a couple of small changes and I would recommend this place to anyone.

austintexashoney

Resident • 2004 - 2006

Since Colonial Properties took over its went down hill.

My first year at Canyon Hills was wonderful. Staff was very nice and always helpful. This past year however, since they changed property owners has been TERRIBLE. The Staff is rude and does not care about the residents. I have had multiple problems with them and basically they show no concern to fix the problems. Parking has gotten out of control. The other night I had to park in the front of the complex which is rediculous since I live in the back. So a 1/2 mile walk in the dark at 2AM. My main issue has been with management. It's HORRIBLE. Wish we had the old team back. I can not wait until my lease is up in November. I will be out of here and do not plan on returning nor recommending anyone else.

austexrenter

Resident • 2006

Frustrating experience

It's just been a couple of months here and<br>it has been an unpleasant experience so far.<br>we have had maintenance problems every other week.<br>Lacks management skills. Managers are not<br>efficient and they do not seem to care.<br>Many times maintenance request take longer than 24hr. to get atteneded.<br>There was water outage during the daytime<br>for 2 days and there<br>was no notice for the outage nor there was<br>any planning in the work for which the water was turned off.<br>No one monitors the swimming pool hours and there are loud people at the pool until after midnight or as late as 2 AM.<br>The emergency line for after hours didn't even get to voicemail when we called one night.<br>This has been our worst apartment experience so far in Austin and for that matter even in US.<br>We're counting days and waiting for the lease to be over.

Current Resident 453276

Resident • 2004 - 2005

I disagree, it is great here!!!!!!!

It is nice. It is apartments. Everything has its positives and negatives. Thanks, and bless whoever reads this.