The Vista on Brodie

Prospective Resident 219724

Prospect • Visited 2010

Safety

Was thinking about moving to Bella Vista but did some research and was scared to find out that 19, yes 19, registered sex offenders live within a 1 mile radius of the complex. That plus others have posted that the gates are never closed and the few times I have gone by to see the complex I was able to get on the grounds because the gates were wide open! I think I will try another place that seems more secure.

steveskeyless

Resident • 2010

Great Apartment, Super Friendly Staff, Gorgeous Pool(s), Waterfall

Great Apartment, Super Friendly Staff, Gorgeous Pool(s), Waterfall Great community, great part of town, close to many shopping centers & other new businesses, great pools, sauna, fitness center with 2 flat screens & wifi, computer lounge with printers, nice essprosso machine, gas grills, pool table, 2 story apartment homes with attached garages.

Current Resident 860345

Resident • 2007 - 2010

My several year stay at Bella Vista

I've been at Bella Vista for a few years. For the most part, I've enjoyed my stay and the apartments themselves provide a lot of space. The location is great although there is some road construction going on currently. The current management has been hard working but there is not a smooth system with maintance or their requests. There is a "800" to put in requests but I'm often disconnected and the requests are typed in incorrectly. So I usually have to call the front office, and call the front office, and call the front office to get something complete. I have a request in now that's been over 2 wks old. The complex is older so twice I've had leaks from the bed room ceiling onto my bed. Had the replace one bed already. Also, they've only just recently been about to stop my ceiling from leaking in the bathroom. I waited well over a week for them to come do a simple defrost on my fridge when it stopped cooling. I lost all my food through that ordeal. I just received a one day notice that they are switching companies for the w/d and they are taking my current one today and not replacing it for over a week. This is just bad customer service. Also, something to note is that the cell phone reception is poor & since the company is running a $99 move in special, there has been a lot more disruptions and disruptive individuals around the complex.

Current Resident 609867

Resident • 2008 - 2010

Many pros...a few cons...Great Complex Overall

There are some pros and cons with living at the Villages of Bella Vista. For me the pros far outway the cons. The Good: Superior customer service. Office staff is very friendly and accomodating. Maintenance requests are handled the same day in most cases. Property and grounds are very well kept. Beautiful resort style pool. Good value for the rental rates. Stylish interiors. Great location close to shopping and restaurants. The Bad: Parking spaces are too small even for my "compact" car and it can be diffuclt to find one at times. Pool can be crowded during summer (however, they recently started requiring tenants to wear a braclet to prove you a resident...this has reduced use by those who don't live here). My third floor unit is not insulated very well and I have to keep my A/C on 70 degrees 24/7 to keep it cool in the summer. I have lived here two years and just renewed for another year. While not completely perfect, I know no place in town will be. I live on the third floor and don't have any noise issues....not sure what it would be like on a lower level unit.

Current Resident 609836

Resident • 2009 - 2010

great

These are slightly overpriced, but in the end- great for what you are paying for. Yes it is an apartment complex thus you can hear neighbors nearby often (thats always going to be a disadvantage of ANY apartment). The staff was always great. Our air conditioning was the only part of the apartment that malfunctioned during our lease and they did take longer than promised to come out. My previous apartment experiences have been horrible especially with the final charges- I found this apartment very reasonable, I definatly owed them a new carpet (with having my boxer pup there), but only had to pay a fraction since the carpeting had been in that unit for 2 years. (if youre honest you will find they try to work with you) I would recommend this to the responsible renter who knows what is entailed by leasing apartment.

lylabean

Resident • 2009 - 2010

Great complex and management, but neighbors can be a pain

I have nothing but good things to say about the management here. The ladies at the office have been nothing but extremely helpful and courteous. They remember names, offer cookies and juice, and have gone above and beyond. Maintenance is always carting around the complex and all our issues have been fixed in less than 24 hours. The complex is landscaped beautifully, and most residents keep their balconies neat and presentable. Our utilities are pretty low compared to previous apartments; heating is natural gas, everything else is electric. There are some cons, such as the lack of parking around certain buildings, overflowing trash containers, and the fact that I can hear the people upstairs brushing their teeth or the microwave from the people below. But most apartments will have these kinds of issues and things have never gotten incredibly bad (ex. maintenance will move excess trash, parking "far" is really only an extra 30 sec to walk) Lately, the office has been leaving notes on the doors in our building. This is because a few neighbors do not care for those around them and leave dog poop lying around, blast their base at 2am on a Wednesday morning, and come home drunk and loud stomping up the stairwell. Doesn't seem like the notices are helping at all.

Current Resident 451306

Resident • 2008 - 2010

Staff here is worthless!

The staff here turns over regularly and they don't know which way is up. They are so unorganized and uncompassionate. Don't both renting here - go across the street and find a better deal with nicer staff.

matt579

Resident • 2009 - 2010

This place has been awesome!!

I first want to say that any of the reviews that are negative are obviously for a reason... irresponsible tenants!! If you read the fine print then you will know what your getting yourself into with anything. I have had nothing but an awesome experience during my stay here at The Villages of Bella Vista. The girls that work in the office really go out of there way to show all of the people that come here that they are welcome. From the moment I first looked here to paying rent to having an AC that shut off I have been take care of. The complex is professionally landscaped and looks amazing! THe maintenance staff have all been competent and have taken care of any problems right away. As long as you pay your bills and take care of your apartment you will be delighted to live here. For the record, I'm about to renew my stay for another year as I really enjoy living here.

Current Resident 154700

Resident • 2009 - 2010

DO NOT MOVE INTO The Villages of Bella Vista!!!

I repeat, DO NOT MOVE INTO The Villages of Bella Vista. The Villages of Bella Vista are owned and operated soley by David Bassham of Bassham Family Trust in San Diego. ie, if you EVER have a problem, it bottlenecks directly to David Bassham, praticing CA lawyer. David Bassham is not fit to properly manage properties, nor is the the Villages of Bella Vista management team he employs. I caution everyone who reads this to do their research, and think twice before commiting to this company. David M. Bassham dmbassham@gmail.com 18727 Olmeda Place San Diego, CA 92128 (858) 676-3314 (home) (858) 676-3490 (fax) (760) 889-6471

Terri1959

Resident • 2009 - 2010

current residence and have renewed my lease

I couldn't be happier at Bella Vista. The staff is great, the grounds are beautiful and I've really never had a real problem. True, there are some loud neighbors at times - but this will be found at any apartment complex. Any real issue I may find has nothing to do with the management, the grounds, or the complex itself - all issues (and they are very few) come from inconsiderate neighbors. Again - you will find rude people anywhere. In the summer, the pool is wonderful. Yes it is crowded, however, there are two pools. I've never not been able to find a space at one of them. Again...you will find people breaking the rules - but it's only after management has gone. Really, does this surprise anyone? No matter where these people might live, they will find a way to be rude and obnoxious. This is nothing to blame the complex or management for. And truly - the rude and obnoxious people are very far and few. In the year I've been there 3 people have actually annoyed me and only once did I mention it in passing to the management group. The gym is wonderful and up to date. 2 tanning beds, and a wonderful treat can be found in the main building at least once a week. Parking is as well as can be expected. It's an apartment complex - and if you are willing to walk sometimes, then you will always find parking. I've never had a problem and usually manage a space right in front of my building. Overall - this is a wonderful place to live. Quiet, beautiful and safe. I would recommend it to anyone.

Current Resident 790140

Resident • 2008 - 2009

Not so fabulous

This place looks great from the outside but read the fine print! The security gates rarely, if ever, work. Really anyone could get in and out at any time. This place is not secure. You can always hear your neighbors. If you have a garage, people will double park you so you cannot get in. Don't even get me started on the staff. They seem nice on the outside but when you have a problem, don't even think about them getting it fixed quickly or efficiently. I had to resubmit a work order more than 4 times before it was fixed. The right hand has no clue what the left hand is doing here. And when it comes time for you move out make sure you've read all the fine print. They'll try and suck every last dollar out of you on the way out. What you're really paying for here is the nice looking apartments, well landscaped. Do NOT bother. There are many nice apartments that are less expensive in the area. Try one of them.

Current Resident 486340

Resident • 2009 - 2010

Love my Bella!!!

I moved in summer of 2009. My first apartment by myself, as a young woman that can be very scary. I had a few friends that lived there and that put me at ease. I got a carport almost immediately, so I would always have a spot close to home. Neighbors we were great and welcoming. The pool is one of the reasons why I decided to move in, absolutley breath taking! I stayed in that apartment for a year, and transferred up into a larger apartment when my lease was up, I simply needed more room and my new apartment has a gorgeous view of the green belt. I feel very much at home here and don't ever feel the need to move unless something happens in my life that takes me away. The ladies in the office are great and accomadating, if I ever have a problem, it is fixed by the next day. I love bella it is the best apartment complex I have ever lived at, and will continue to renew, as I am just so comfortable here! The only thing that sucks is wearing your wrist bands at the pool.Boo that. I got new neighbors about a month ago and they are stompers, but you will find this anywhere, it just goes with the territory of living in an apartment.

Current Resident 762895

Resident • 2008 - 2009

So far so good

I have just renewed my lease. This will be my 2nd year. While I think they should have better incentives to resign I am still happy with my renewal. Everytime I have had a maintenance issue they have sent someone immediately. I am happy with the grounds and the staff are fabulous. I love the pool, it gets busy but its still really great. I have not had any real problems just minor kinks.

Current Resident 877287

Resident • 2009

Terrible

I lived in the three bedroom townhome towards the front of the complex. It was great at first, until everything started going wrong. I couldnt shut my door because the air condition made my window howl in my bedroom. BUGS EVERYWHERE. I had them spray the most they could (every wednesday) and still more bugs. I found 4 scorpions in two weeks... and I am a psycho about keeping my doors shut. The fridge made noise (obnoxious, squealing noise) and everything was built extremely cheap. the walls had marks where the foundation was giving, and the bath had scuff marks on it. It was really big for the price (1330), but was definitely NOT worth all the crap. Plus, people would blare their music at 4am and because it was such a crappy construction, you could hear EVERYTHING, including Brodie lane and all of its traffic every time you try to go to bed. definitely would NOT recommend. I moved out after only 3 months. moved to the gables in westlake... HUGE difference, gables is unbelievable and the quality of construction is fantastic. Definitely think twice about moving to bella vista. its just not worth the infestation of bugs and crappy construction.

NoraE

Resident • 2009

I am a Proud Bellavistian.....

I have only lived here a small amount of time but im absolutely in love with these apartments. The staff is so wonderful i cant compliment them more. I live right by the pool and the gym i assumed that it was going to be horrible and the noise was going to be unbearable to my surprise the noise level was very tolerable (nothing crazy). They have continental breakfast atleast every other weekend. The give out a little monthly newsletter every month, they have special days where they show their renters just how thankful they are to have them. For example today they sent an email and they had smoothies in the front entertainment room and the other day they had some yummy nachos ; ). I LOVE LIVING HERE! My one and only problem is parking especially in the summer. The pool is so fabulous that everybody invites their friends and family and that alone equals no close parking. However, im more than certain that with winter just around the corner parking will get much better. Once again If your looking for a new home away from home these apartments are perfect for you.

Current Resident 844214

Resident • 2008 - 2009

Okay, Moving out. Found better deal elsewhere.

Have lived here for a year, moving out soon, decent I guess, management/staff friendly, hope we don't have any surprises when were moving out. Lots of problems with swimming pool: dogs in pool, people leaving trash, partying too much, people coming there that don't live there, can't get a lawn chair. Some idiots vandalized the pool awhile back. Parking is very crowded, place gets noisy on weekends, seems like a lot random vehicles patroling through there, the front gates are always broken, police are seen here alot. I guess apartments get all types but lately seems like some trashy folks are living here and oh yeah, lots of students, they are the ones who like to drive through here like a bat out of hell and party. Found a much nicer apartment cheaper so am moving on. One last thing, not insulated too well, summer ac bill was outrageious last year, and I keep my air on 80.

asmith512

Resident • 2008 - 2009

Don't be deceived by the pool

Yes, the pool is great, especially in the summer. A really nice view (landscape, hills, and students). But stop by on a Sunday morning. Beer cans everywhere. Stuff in the water that I can't name. I once saw a man with his pit bull in the pool. When the dog charged after a child, my buddy and I asked him what his problem was. He didn't even live there (he confessed). But that isn't the worst problem. Nope. The worst is the management by far. Prior to moving in, we paid all of our fees and signed all the docs. We tried to pay for our pet which we were told to keep our money. It was plainly evident there was another dog there prior. It stunk! Finally when we moved, guess what! All of a sudden we were asked where the pet fee was? Do you really think we would have been given the keys and charged the monthly pet rent, if they did not know we had a little Shih Tzu? Of course they knew. Then they sent me to collections when I showed them their lease documents stating we had paid all fees! DO NOT RENT FROM BELLA VISTA! PERIOD!

Current Resident 453405

Resident • 2007 - 2008

Frustrated

So I've lived here for almost a year now. I'm moving to another apartment at Bella Vista. I'm frustrated because I don't want to move. Because of what the girls call, fair housing laws, I am not able to stay where I am to get a lower price. But they were very helpful in helping me find a new place that fit my needs and was much cheaper! Also I live on a first floor right now. I have had a lot of crickets in my home in the summer. I do face a bunch of trees right now, so it is very peaceful, but I guess that is the price I pay for my first floor. Every time I call maintenance they come out right away and try to take care of my bug problem. Their efforts have helped but I think the third floor I'm moving to will be much better. The piece of advice I have for anyone who reads this: yes you may have frustrations, I did, but if you tell them, they will fix it. I am going to stay living here because of the customer service I receive.

Current Resident 93654

Resident • 2008

Great Place!

I moved in here 4 months ago and I love my apartment! I have a view of downtown austin from my balcony! The girls in the office are super friendly and super professional! I would recommend this to anyone!

Prospective Resident 621896

Prospect • Visited 2008

DO NOT GIVE MONEY TO THESE PEOPLE

I was applying to be a resident here and was approved but decided to go somewhere else. I was told that I would get my deposit to hold the apartment back if I decided that I did not. I was told this by the leasing person and made to sign a document that stated otherwise. Do not trust these people as far as you can throw them. They will tell you one thing and then have you sign documents that say another. The staff here is not to be trusted during the leasing. They will lie to you and then say "Well you signed the document, so that's you're problem." They will not care and are happy to take your money that they did not earn.

Current Resident 620439

Resident • 2006 - 2007

Horrible Apartments!

Pros: Good location Exterior looks nice Nice gym Cons: Horrible parking Too noisy Management is not helpful at all Poor craftsmanship Within a week of moving into our "brand new" apartment, the tile in the kitchen and the bathroom was coming up and sticking to our feet when we walked barefoot on it. Evidently, it was never glued down, just placed on the floor. It took three weeks for management to get someone out to fix it. A neighbor in the building across from us was always having her boyfriend and their friends over in the middle of the night, and they would leave their balcony door open while all shouting drunkly. When they spent enough time doing that, they would go down to their cars and blast music at 4AM. When we complained to management about this, they said they couldn't do anything and to call the police next time it happened. Never even sent her a letter. Overpriced rent, definitely not worth the money we spent. We got out of there as soon as we could, and I still shudder thinking about the brief time we lived there.

Current Resident 403284

Resident • 2008

THE BEST PROPERTY EVER!

I don't know what these people are talking about. Since the new property took over it's shown alot of improvement. Yes, we have problems with the gates however, if people would stop running into them they might work longer than a week.. If people valued their homes we wouldn't feel like the managment company should continue to fix what we create. The pool gets crowded on the weekends with vistiors that don't even live here, I have seen the staff on numerous occasions down at the pool kicking people out that don't live here. They truely care. They just got us a new grill and for those stupid people who don't know how to use them don't put charcoal in a gas grill. Anywho- I love it here. The staff is always so helpful and tries to the fulliest to help everyone. If you are looking for a HOME I recommend living here.

Current Resident 485996

Resident • 2007 - 2008

I want the old management team back...

been living here for 9 or 10 months now. Complex is now under new management that is rude. Changed the way that they bill you for rent and your water and what not. Had maint. in to fix some things and left a mess behind, dead cricket on the floor and numerous other things. I want the old managemnt team back they were excellent and knew what they were doing, unlike these new girls that are rude and obnoxious to talk to. I will not be renewing with this complex or any of its sister properties. and also there are a few officers that live here, with chime their siren for abosolutely no reason, even a few times later at night. i understand you have to work, but no need to show that you 're home. People in this community are slobs, leaving trash piled up on the ground falling out of the bag that they don't know how to tie; and since there is a breeze here it gets blown all over...

Shellyd121

Resident • 2007 - 2008

HORRIBLE MAINTENANCE

I never take the time to write reviews but I have had it with the maintenance at this place and am about to report them to the Texas Apartment Association. I have lived here for 11 months now and have NOT ONCE had a maintenance request filled the first time... I have called 2 times AND emailed the property manager and have still not had anyone come out to fix my bathtub drain. Beautiful community property... but the staff is horrendeous to work with!

atinydropofocean

Resident • 2006 - 2008

Sour Grapes?

My husband and I moved here a year ago and love it. The neighbors are nice and our experience with the staff is that they are friendly and work hard to complete any maintenance we've requested. I don't understand the complaints about the property itself. It isnt particularly distinguished but has lots of open space(good for my dog) and a great pool area. Deer actually live on the property and are roaming around every morning. I know most who take the time to write on this board are usually angry about something but as apts go this one rates well above average.