Sonterra Apartment Homes

Current Resident 218396

Resident • 2013 - 2014

Extreme disappointment. I read reviews warning that the staff is extremely rude and they try and rip off every tenant as much as possible but I chose to give them a shot anyways. All of those negative reviews were unfortunately correct. The main offense was the move out statement. They charged us 1200 dollars for painting the walls. For starters, we repainted the walls according to the procedure we were told. Then for two, adding up the prices for paint it should cost about 250 max. Who has 1200 for painting an old apartment that we already repainted. Then they charged 1000 dollars for new carpet. We got the rug doctor and steamed cleaned it, it looked fine, and I'm sure all complexes clean their own carpet after each tenant anyways. They already charge 1555 deposit, which after looking around at other complexes is outrageous. Then they nickel and dime you to keep the deposit, and charge you MORE on top of it all! Crazy. It seems to be normal protocol for them but I have never experienced this elsewhere. Other reviews: There was a huge ant problem around the windows, didn't enjoy that. The apartment is so cheaply made that things would just break. I would place something down in the fridge, and the door panel broke. The microwave handle broke off. Closing the drawer in the bathroom and the fake wood breaks off. It got a little humorous and ridiculous. Then the noise. No ones fault I guess, but my walls would vibrate at night with the music being played by other tenants. The only positive comment I have is the maintenance staff was extremely friendly. I appreciated that greatly. Overall though, would not recommend Sonterra to a friend.

Current Resident 104411

Resident • 2014

Parking can be a problem. Big issues are dogs on 2nd and 3rd floors. You can't have a dog more than 45 pounds due to noise but you can have kids running all over he'll and dropping stuff on the floor that shakes your own floor! The office staff does nothing about rude and disrespectful neighbors that are above you. Very frustrating.

sAOrenter

Resident • 2013 - 2014

So I'm currently moving out of town and found this website and was using it to find a new place where I'm going. Out of curiosity I look up where I am currently living and see terrible reviews...what? There is just no pleasing some people. Where do I start...The place The facilities are good as well, really I can't even think of anything to complain about besides the fact that the last time I went to the Jacuzzi it wasn't hot and I couldn't find a switch anywhere, boohoo big deal. My apartment is great, much bigger, newer and nicer than any other I saw at this price range. I got all new appliances, and the fixtures and little details around the unit go that little extra step that makes a big difference. Cons....Facilities: the facilities get an A, what sometimes ruins it is the occasional bad egg neighbor but that's everywhere. People below me smoke outside at night so I make sure to close my window. People don't clean their dog mess, what's new? Not much management can do in my opinion except clean it up, and they do. On vacation periods the kids could use some supervision but again, I blame careless parents, its all fun and games till your kid gets run over. Unit: If I had to nitpick I would recommend they repair the wood floors in the kitchen and bathroom, they are pretty worn out and have a couple warps but you really don't notice unless you're barefoot and looking for it. Nothing else I can think of really. Staff: I usually get the same 2 guys at the office, always friendly, greet me by name, ALWAYS going out of their way to figure anything out. Saw another review about a rude lady, maybe I haven't seen her yet but I did speak with a young lady out front on one occasion and even though she wasn't as amicable as the guys, she was still helpful so I can't complain. Maintenance: When I initially moved in there were a couple tiny maintenance issues. Came back from work the next day and it was all fixed, no mess no fuss, haven't had any other issues yet so can't speak to how consistent they are. So in short no complaints about staff/management. Sooo....my current situation is that I have to break my lease and move out (work moving me). I'm worried I won't find a place as good as this especially at these prices. I already gave staff my notice, still friendly (even congratulated me on promotion), all I have to see now is the move out process. If I have any complaints I'll come back write a 2nd review, if you don't see a second review by August, it's because that went well too. Sorry for the length, just figured I'd give an honest detailed review as I can't find many on this entire website.

baseball111

Resident • 2014

Stay away if you don't like rude, disrespectful neighbors. Then noise is horrible. A certain amount can be tolerated but when your upstairs neighbors walk like they are 500 lbs consistently and let things drop, slam cupboards and the front door, and let their kids run around till midnight it SUCKS!!! I have repeatedly told mgmt. about it and they say all they can do is ask them to keep quiet. Big help that is. The garbage truck comes by at around 5:30 am also, so if you aren't up yet for work, you will be woken by it. Not a problem for me since upstairs wakes me around that time every morning and doesn't let me get to sleep until around 1-2 am at night.

Current Resident 668365

Resident • 2014

lived here for a year..when we moved out, we made sure that the apartment was all clean. We even rented a rug doctor, and made sure that the carpet were clean. After a week, we got a letter from them stating that we owe them $1000 plus won't get our security deposit since they have to change the carpet. So that's $1000 plus $300 security deposit..What a ripoff!!!

Current Resident 541003

Resident • 2013

If you elect to reside here you should know that your communication will only be received well by the male office staff. They are incredibly helpful and always professional. The maintenance team is timely as well. The buildings could use a coat of paint... I have elected to live here for quite an extended time due to the location and really preferred the previous management team. This team specifically the female office workers are condescending and I find it amusing as I recently renewed my contract and when i asked a question the response was as if I should know the leasing lingo. That is what they are paid to interpret. Additionally I asked questions about maintenance for my apartment and had to call back even though she stated in her email "I am sorry, maybe I didn't understand your question? What concerns do you have or additional information may I provide you with in order to help?" yet she did not respond to my email. It is this kind of service you should expect. Disappointed... a great property ruined by the lack of management of the team who is responsible to well do their job...

zpp91

Resident • 2013 - 2014

This apartment complex is a nightmare!!!!!! The manager is rude and very disrespectful. Maintenance is done to the bare minimum and done very sloppy. The most recent thing they have done to the apartments was painting the exterior, the front side looks good but the only painted halfway done the hall ways and stopped. The back side has yet to be painted and probably will never happen. Word of advice to anyone who is think of moving here. DON'T MOVE HERE!!!!

Current Resident 657504

Resident • 2012

I have lived here for 3 years, and its been ok besides the fact that our aparmtent is haunted. Me and my three kids delt with it cause there is nothing the office will do to help me, besides let me move out and get a broken lease on my credit. Anyway, the office people can be ------ and rude! Obviously from other post on here everyone has hit the nail on the head. All the staff lives there so u are always watched! The pool in the summer time gets filthy, like it has a grey tint to the water, the hot tub never gets cleaned, the stairs and seats are green year round. The gates are always broken, irratating. All the aparments are attatched from the ceiling so if your neighbor smokes pot you can smell it. And when the cops get called they dont know which aparmtent to go to, so they just choose the one that smells like pot. My neighbor smokes and we get blammed all the time cause our apartment smells like weed all the time cause of my neighbor. So to wrap this up this is a nice place if u like to be baby sat and told what to do at a place you pay money for! Oh yeah and kids ride their bikes and practically run into your car. So watch out!

Current Resident 137510

Resident • 2011 - 2012

Unfortunately, ----- works in the front office. She is rude and condescending. She was so rude to me in fact, I refuse to speak to her. I will only speak to the manager or one of the leasing guys. Additionally, I have a 4 pound dog. I pay pet rent. OK, that s fair. Kind of. I scoop the poop and make sure my dog does not cause my neighbors any grief. Then I see 50-90 pound dogs taking GYNORMOUS dumps on the grassy areas. The owners NEVER scoop the poop. I complained to -----, and she acts like I m the problem. Plus, she screwed up my lease. I would move, but I m changing jobs and don t have time right now. Avoid --------- like the plague, and you should be ok. On the plus side, the maintenance team is awesome and MOST of the front office staff are nice.

Current Resident 43363

Resident • 2007 - 2012

apts great-staff willing and able-mgr(Diane) fantistic-grounds beautiful-highly recommend-lived here for 51/2 yrs.-loved it!

winniford

Resident • 2009 - 2012

I have lived in Sonterra for over 3 years. The staff is OUTSTANDING!. They always smile, eager to help, and always make you feel welcomed. The General ,Diane, actually manager sets the stage with her incredible personality which streams down to her staff. She is always positive and will find solutions to your needs. The maintenance staff is second to none. Most work orders are fixed the SAME DAY. I have lived in places where the orders get lost and never get fixed. When the maintenance staff fixes something it stays fixed (we have Macgyver). They even folow up next day to get your opinion on the quality of the repair and how quick did they respond. You will always feel apart of a family when you move to Sonterra. HOME SWEET HOME!! Thank you all for always being there when we need you guys/gals!! I wouldnt live anywhere else..

morgtay01

Resident • 2011 - 2012

Another positive review because I followed my sister who lived in Phase II for 4 years before she moved into a home and she raved about it here. So of course I did my homework and checked others out too, finding the price was right here anyway and so I'm going for another year even though rent is going up only $50. I love my spot and maintenance is so fast & efficient, even when it rained inside, they fixed all of that real quik. My friends comment that "it sure is tranquil here", which I agree and my grandchildren love the amenities, including the cookies n' lemonade. Of course the pool is really really kool. The parking is extremely plentiful in that it never gets full. And I love them in the leasing office. Probably, if I ever move, it'll be to a bigger unit with another view.

Current Resident 90685

Resident • 2012

So, you know Austin: apartment staff pretty much suck no matter where you go. There's always high turnover and the staff treat you like less than human. One month when they had all new staff (or so it seemed), they lost our rent, and instead of trying to contact us, they left a 72-hour eviction notice on our door. Luckily the matter was resolved, but it took several phone calls and the staff always seemed dubious--like we were criminals. Given some of the unsavory characters (and tons of college students) in the complex, though, I guess they have to treat everyone like they're out to get them. Oh yeah--here's a super-annoyance: they didn't plan for more than two people to have a mail package delivered at once, so all packages that won't fit in your personal mailbox go to the office, and you have to wait around forever for them to personally go to the back to get it for you. They refuse to help you if they have a potential customer at their desk, which should have been a red flag to me when I was sitting at that desk last year. To let you know you have a package, the office leaves you a little slip of paper. Now, here's where it gets even more irritating. Sonterra has to "Phases," so there are TWO of each apartment number. So, if you live in #1234, you have to also tell them what phase, so like Phase 1 #1234 or Phase 2 #1234. The boxes aren't always labeled well, and we have actually lost packages before that have gone to the other phase's apartment. And, when you call them out on this, the office staff gets really defensive. We've been given others' packages several times (sometimes, it's not even close--so we've gotten #1246), so now whenever we have a package to pick up, we get scrutinized by the staff when we double-check the name on the package. I've never seen anything like this in the 10 years I've been renting--it baffles the mind! Onto the look of the apartment. I've said it once and I'll say it again: "Crown Molding does not a Luxury Apartment make." I once had to laugh out loud (again, while waiting to be helped to find a package that mysteriously disappeared) when one of the managers told a client, "Well, I can't show you the exact apartment you will have, but I can let you inside our model so that you can see the quality of our workmanship." Dear friends, let me tell you the "quality" of workmanship: every three months the caulking around my master tub flakes off. Maintenance has put something on it each time, but I think that either they don't know what they are doing or they have cheap products or they don't care, b/c it always flakes off pretty quickly. None of the caulking on the floor (from laminate to baseboard) is even, and it looks like child labourors installed it. Out of the, let's say, 20 electrical outlets we have, one doesn't work (not attached to a switch--I checked all of the damn house for that one). Several only have one out of the two outlets that are functional. Oh, and maybe 1/20 is LEVEL--meaning the quality of workmanship leaves everything on the walls slightly askew. Also, and this makes me laugh, b/c it totally seems like they wanted to trick people into thinking the apartments were fancier than they are: the bedrooms have two-switch light switches (meaning one for the fan and one for the light) BUT there is only one set of wiring in the ceiling. That means that, even after living here for a year, we still will inevitably flick one switch and NOTHING WILL HAPPEN. It's such a farce! We have some of the newer cabinets--they're white birch inspired instead of that awful white with oak trim--but they have gigantic chunks taken out of the tops of them (like where you'd go to open them). Oh yeah, and when we moved in, the craftmanship in which the cabinets were hung was so superb that half of them had pulled out of the wall and were hanging on by a couple of screws! But, I mean, you get what you pay for. I just don't think that these apartments should be called Luxury, because it cheapens all of the apartments around that have taken care in craftmanship and truly deserve the title. Parking is fantastic, and the grounds are generally well kept. We've only had difficulty finding parking once, and it was when they were "repaving" (i.e., spray-painting the lot black), so that's really nice. Oh, and they don't have any of those annoying "small car parking" spaces, so your car only gets dinged when people are just being purposely insensitive (it's an apartment--a**holes are everywhere). In sum, it's not a terrible place to live. It is pretty far on 620, and it takes forever to get to a major highway. But, I think that if you work somewhat close (say, 15 minutes tops), it's not a bad apartment complex. We had some problems with noise earlier in the year due to a snotty kid and an underage mother, but I think that lower-class individuals typically flock to lower rent apartments, so saving money sometimes leads to some additional annoyances. And remember, no apartment has fantastic insulation, so noise is always going to be an issue sometimes. Most of our noise actually comes from the locusts and coyotes, as we face the nature preserve. That part is nice, because it is a fairly pretty "hill country" type of view--no hills, but the plant life and such. I like the berber carpet, and our utility room makes our homeowner friends jealous because it is MASSIVE. In the end for us, though, it's just too far away from work and fun to continue living here. It's not the best apartment we've ever lived at, but it's far from the worse. So, if you don't mind 620 traffic and work close by, and especially if you like the lake and have a jetski (I don't think they have a policy about storage--I see them out in the lot all the time), this might be the place for you. However, take the word "luxury" with a caution. If you want a true luxury apartment, there are tons of gorgeous complexes within a 2 mile radius. But, for the price, it's really not that bad. Hope this helps!

rex_frodge

Resident • 2011 - 2012

Poor management

Good things : Ample parking, I never had to struggle hard to find parking Bad things : Rude Management, Inefficient staff, Long response time, poorly lit community, Not so good appliance, Pedernal Electric company, No washer dryer in community, far from city, no restaurants nearby There are quite a few things about this community. I have been living in this community for a year now and I am just waiting to get out of this place as soon as my lease end. 1. Management is rude, they are inconsiderate about the resident needs and take their own sweet time to respond for any service calls. On multiple occasions when I called them to service my microwave or Hot water etc the service guy will come only after 2 days on top of that there is no onsite service guy for any emergencies in night. 2. The community is far from downtown, I dont find any good place to eat out, movie theaters or good place hang around close by. 2a . Not to forget, there is no washer dryer in community so add that extra $35.00 in your rent also they dont offer an apt with washer dryer as well. 3. The electric company : There is just one option for electricity Pedernal electric company, these people charge fixed $22.00 plus tax (close to $23) no matter what your electric consumption is. Sometimes in spring I had to pay $50.00 rent in which half of it was just fixed charge. Be ready to pay $50 extra during peak winters and summer as electric bills are usually higher here can touch upto $200 in summer and $300 in peak winters 4. The community is poorly lit, its very scary to roam around or outside community in night. 5. Air conditioning is inefficient, rooms were not getting cool properly again the response was : that's the way it is. They seems to be clueless about the solution except closing some vents which didn't helped either. 6. I saw multiple scratches on my car after moving to this community, seems people here dont have sense to park.

Alexstraza

Resident • 2011 - 2012

Nice place to live IMHO

We've been relocating out of state and management worked it out for us pretty well. Office staff seemed nice and polite every time I go there and address my requests right away. We haven't had a chance to test maintenance people yet, never had a problem with appliances for past 2 month living here. The area looks safe during the daylight as well as at night. Noise is not bothering us either, though coyotes are pretty loud during the dusk. I've seen children playing outside quite a few times, didn't seem like they were messing with people's cars or other property. Parking is not a problem for us even though we have two cars in possession, we are able to find spots right in front of our windows most of the time. Though I felt uncomfortable walking to the office through the whole complex when a group of male teenagers at the picnic table were staring at me. Overall nice impression.

taylorguy74

Resident • 2012

Eh, decent place, front office management is terrible - not recommended.

I lived in PHASE 1 for 3 years and finally moved. Front office management's competence is terrible. Slow to respond, and follow up was nonexistent to requests or service - had to on numerous occassions stop in office in person to get anything accomplished or ensure service requests were processed. I contacted corporate ownership by phone and mailed letters on management and service issues as well - no response or acknowledgement my complaint was even reviewed - zero response! Had carpet and hardwood floors replaced once near the end of my 3 years there - took several follow ups with front office again to get job done. Uber subpar job performed - carpet poorly laid and flooring not square or even cut flush with floor boards. Nice scenic area, however traffic is terrible with Concordia and numerous large churches in area. Morning and afternoon traffic absolutely horrific, and god forbid you were in a hurry on a weekend - 620 is a parking lot miles in each direction near Anderson Mills. Wouldn't really recommend these apartments due to front office service issues and poor maintenance response. New manager and staff would be a welcomed addition and would make a world of difference.

0426son

Resident • 2012

Rude Management

The management here is VERY RUDE and immature. I have asked them to fax me paperwork, as a guarantor on my daughter's lease. I have waited almost 45 minutes and they have not faxed the paperwork yet. They keep telling me that I will have to get my own copy. I have explained that I am at work and the paperwork is at home. They have hung up on me three times and are now not answering the phone. Michael has said it brought him joy that he "could not fax the paperwork to me because of privacy laws." I have remained reasonable. They have been rude and short with me. Do NOT LEASE FROM THEM. They are nice when you are obtaining your lease, but rude after that.

happy654195861985

Resident • 2012

GREAT place to live!

I've lived in Sonterra for a year now, and for the first time ever, I renewed for a second year! The staff is very helpful and if for some reason something goes wrong, maintenance is there to fix it! My air condition went out this summer, when it was so HOT, and I didn't realize it until I got home about 830 at night and all I had to do is call the front and leave a message and it was fixed 30 minutes later!!!! Rent did go up for the next year, but only about $60 and they said they would come shampoo the carpets, touch-up paint, and replace the drip pans in the stove anytime it needed to be done with in my next year to keep it looking fresh and feeling new! On top of it, I was offered $300 off my first month of my 2nd year! There is always plenty of parking and the amenities are kept up nicely. my only complaint would be that phase 2's weight room could be updated! But, it really has been a wonderful place to live!!

Current Resident 697872

Resident • 2011

Meh...

I have lived here for a few months now. I got an awesomely cheap deal and I mostly like it. Large floor plan, fireplace, lots of storage. The person before me trashed the apartment and let a dog eat away at everything. The management replaced most everything, but there are still chew marks on the bottoms of the cabinets and inside of the cabinet doors in the kitchen and bathrooms. The carpet is pretty crappy even though it's new and I have had to put in several maintenance requests for various things. So the cheapo rent I guess is par for the course*. The staff is 50/50. I think that half of them are super nice and the other half are completely incompetent and rude. The maintenance guys are super nice, but the nothing ever gets fixed on time or right the first time. They consistently close out the work order without being finished or you have to wait for a part to be ordered that never actually got ordered. The office is great at reassuring you that they will be over right away to take care of it, but they must forget to pass the message along. They seriously need some help in the maintenance department. Parking has been awful lately. I have no assigned space and cannot get one or a garage so I am out of luck and have to park two buildings away. Cheap, yes. But far from nice. I will be making a step up and out when my lease is up. *(Also, my cheap is only good until my lease is up and then it goes up by $300. Which makes for a very much not worth it kind of deal.)

mm1199

Resident • 2006 - 2011

This place has gone down the tubes!

This place used to be everything they say on their website: beautiful, quiet, tranquil, luxurious, etc..... But I have lived here for 5 years and none of that applys now. They have cut down about half of the trees on the property, and they refuse to say why. I thought it was to build the dog park that they promised when I first moved in, but no. So when you read that this place is "nestled in the trees," that's a flat out lie. It's also loud with all of the unsupervised children running all over the place; playing/loitering in the parking lots, vandalizing property, and burning boxes in the areas between buildings! I complained to management and they said they couldn't do anything about it and that I should call the police if it bothered me. And luxurious?! What luxury?? My AC has broken 3 times in the last 5 years and every time it takes at least 2 days to fix. August in Austin is unbearable in an apartment with no AC! It has become an ugly place with broken down cars in the parking lot. To top it all off, they just sent me a letter asking me if I would like to re-sign my lease with a rent increase of $70 a month. Are you kidding me?! For that price I could live in a much nicer place, or I could get this same type of community on the scary side of town for half of what these guys are asking!!

trilestry

Resident • 2009 - 2012

i miss it

i lived here for 2 1/2 years and i loved it. quiet, roomy, awesome views. no community is perfect. there was a girl who lived next to me who was obnoxiously loud, but sometimes that happens. luckily i couldnt hear her in my apartment, just when i was outside. never had to deal with the staff, i never had any problems. definitely my favorite apartment ever! wish i could have it here in houston, but oh well. i got most of my deposit back. my dog did destroy the carpet, so getting 400 bucks back was a surprise. other than the carpet though, i left the place as clean as when i moved in. the balcony was HUGE, i had a love seat on it so i could enjoy the nights or the storms or just read a book on a nice day. i truly loved this apartment.

cindi2011

Resident • 2009 - 2011

Cindi - July 2011

I have lived at Sontera for 3 years and never had a problem with Management or Maintenance. Maintenance has always responded to work orders within a reasonable amount of time and the issued resolved. As for Management, when I moved apartments within the complex I had a make ready issue and the Manager listened to what I had to say and walked the apartment and addressed the concerns immediately and now I am happy. Parking has never been an issue here and the complex is very quite. I would recommend these apartments to anyone.

iam_sunshine3

Resident • 2009 - 2011

Good neighbors, quiet location, & considerate office staff... Just signed for another year!

I have lived here for a year and a half. I enjoy the location, being surrounded by the nature preserve. My neighbors are all wonderful and the office staff are always welcoming and promptly assisting with my requests. I absolutely recommend Sonterra!

Current Resident 15667

Resident • 2011

Some reviews...seriously?

Does anyone realize that no apartment is going to have everyone that thinks and acts exactly like you do? Its an apartment...remember that. Take the good with the bad and weigh your options, you might find that just about every apartment has a lot of the same problems. Yes there are some true sad statements, but i personally love the place and some people need to realize if you want complete piece and quite, go buy a house in the country. You have close neighbors, find a solution and go about fixing it and remember..your not the only tenant.

Current Resident 608265

Resident • 2008 - 2011

Horrible Service, Horrible Environment

The landscaping and the apartments themselves are quite nice. However, these are the only positive comments that can be said for this establishment. The manager and staff are rude. If you are a current resident expect to wait several minutes to an hour if you need to speak to someone. Prospective residents are more important than existing residents. The maintenance crew is inefficient and it takes them several tries to fix one item. There are no services for your pets and you have to constantly walk over fecal matter from neglectful owners. There are not enough parking spaces for the amount of persons living in the buildings. Consider living somewhere else.