Village at West University

Current Resident 481804

Resident • 2006 - 2009

Great Place To Live!

My wife and I lived at the Village at West U for 3.5 years and we recently moved out after purchasing a new home. We LOVED living there for a number of reasons: 1) The people living there are generally young professionals. Many of them are physicians and other health professionals who work in the nearby med center. All of our neighbors were very friendly. 2) The office staff is outstanding - they always greet you with a smile and they are responsive to questions/concerns. 3) The grounds are maintained beautifully, as are the actual apartments. Every single one of our guests over three years was impressed with our apartment complex. 4) Necessary repairs were always taken care of promptly and professionally. 5) You can't beat the location - the proximity to the highway means that anywhere in the loop is accessible in 10-15 minutes without traffic and West U is one of the most affluent neighborhoods in Houston. As far as drawbacks, there are a few worth mentioning: 1) The price to pay for the beautiful landscaping is that most mornings, around 9:00, the groundskeepers have their very noisy trimmers running. If you're trying to sleep in, that can be annoying. 2) The complex is not immune to the crime that exists in Houston. Although it never happened to us personally, cars and apartments did occasionally get broken into. The guard at the gate is also variably effective. However, any time a crime occurred, the staff was always prompt in notifying other residents with a formal letter. In summary, this is a GREAT place to live and my wife and I continue to recommend it to anyone who is looking for a luxury apartment complex in Houston.

Current Resident 538257

Resident • 2008 - 2010

going down hill...fast!!

This use to be my favorite apt, but lately the staff has been changing like the weather. There is always someone new. They do not ever return phone calls and normally have a I don't care attitude. The whole complex is going down including the people moving in, the leasing office and the attention to detail.. I don't recommend this place at all. The location is great and the apt is nice but not for what you pay.

Current Resident 300549

Resident • 2007 - 2009

Can't beat the location!

I have been a resident at Village at West University for 2 years. There have been a few bumps along the way but I love my apartment and the new staff is so great!

Current Resident 585054

Resident • 2009

Not so sure

I have moved in for less than a month. First week I officially moved in, I received a notice stating there were 2 cars in the garage that were vandalized. And then a week later, the gates to enter the complex were broken and they remain wide open 24 hours a day, and they still remain broken as we speak. And then this morning I woke up and lo and behold, there is no water whatsoever. And right now it is 10 PM at night and there is still no water. How am I supposed to get ready for work in the morning, that is a very good question... I thought I liked this place. And to think I have a one whole year contract.

Current Resident 672954

Resident • 2009

Just moved out....

I lived at this place for over 5 years. Honestly, if you are looking for a place called home, this is it. The staff is great!!!!! If you are expecting parcels, they will sign for them. Maintenance repairs are done promptly. Yes there has been a few car break ins, but let's be honest, this happens everywhere, including residentials areas. Also it does not help if you leave your laptop and expensive items in your vehicle. In my opinion, 9/10 times people logs into this site whenever they don't get their way. Again, I enjoyed my stay at this place and I will recomend it to anyone. I am single female and I feel that West University is a low crime area in this part of town.

ReginaFerguson

Resident • 2009

THANK YOU! West U!

Dear Village at West University staff, I have been a resident at the Village at West University for many years now. I have seen nieghbors move in and move out. I have seen employee changes in the office over many years. There have been problems like crime, severe weather and crazy nieghbors, but the staff in the office keep my home PERFECT. I understand that cars get broke into, that's why I don't leave my valuables in the car. I understand apartments get broke into, that is why I don't have strangers in my apartment, and I don't brag about my stuff when I am outside my apartment. I don't care what other persons are doing in their apartments as long as they do not enfringe on my personal rights. My rent is higher in the West University area, but I expect that. When I moved here, every place had the same rents, higher than Sugar Land! I pay a higher rate for the better location, and the accesibility. I also like to think the higher rates keep my neighbors the same caliber as myself. Sure I would love to pay $100 per month, but I don't want to live next door the the next person who can barely pay $100 a month. It is just like buying something expensive in the store; if you need to ask the price (or haggle), perhaps you cannot afford it. I enjoy knowing I can afford living here. Of all apartments in which I have lived, the Village at West University is the BEST!

nwaldner1

Resident • 2009

Wonderful!

We really looked in the area, and the Village at West University had the most amenities for the best price. Now, after moving in and experiencing the quality, I must say it really lived up to our expectations. The staff has been courteous, and helpful. We were really concerned about security because of other reviews on this site, but have been very pleasantly surprised. The guard gate have ALWAYS questioned everyone attempting to enter without a remote, and I've seen an officer in the garage at every time of day. The location is awesome, restaurants, shopping, amenities etc...within walking distance and the surroundings are beautiful. We cancelled our gym membership because the fitness center is great. We are able to enjoy peace and quiet, and have a wonderul private view from our balcony. We feel like we made and excellent choice!

Prospective Resident 705167

Prospect • Visited 2009

I love it!!!

Just moved in and I love my apartment and I love the location!!! Close to everything and the staff is so helpful and fresh! Parking is in garage, hurrican safe!!

victimrenter

Prospect • Visited 2009

Poor Management and races staff

Those thieves stole my money. I wanted to get an apartment there and someone there named ------------- requested a deposit of $ 416 before they can do anything. Then I gave it to them. After that she requested many documents from me and she did not ask for everything together( transcripts, I-20, passport copy, Visa, I-94, Texas-ID, Driver License, balance statements, financial guarantee, medical insurance, many applications and other documents). Everyday she calls and add one more request, it has been more than 2 weeks and I still couldn't move in. They just keep delaying it for me as if they don't want me to move in and they have no excuse at all. Finally, they said you'll have to pay in advance for the next 12 months or at least $6000. So when I told -------- I can't do that, you have all the needed documents and the proof of funds, why are you doing all this? She reply "very well, then we will cancel your contract and we'll take the deposit". She was very rude and races, she acted like she have done this to many people million times. So this how they stole my money.

MRest

Resident • 2005 - 2009

Not what it use to be...

This place use to be great. I've lived here for 4 years and it started getting bad at the end of 2007. Lately, there has been an increase in crime. My friend's apartment was one of 5 apartments broken into this month. The crooks used a screwdriver or something to pry the doors open. I can't believe that many apartments were broken into in the middle of the day and nobody saw anything. You would think that they would be able to catch these bums since they have security cameras at the entrance. The vacant apartments in that hall were not broken into, which makes you wonder if it was an inside job. Cars get broken into at night and apartments get broken into during the day. All they do is leave a flier on everyone's door with vague info and the same stupid tips. They should take the tips that we give them like installing cameras in the garages/ have the "security guards" roam the complex. Being next to Krogers is nice, but its not that great when you can't use the gates since they're out of order and chained closed. TVMax is the cable provider here. Its a a joke of a company, just look at their website. The new office staff (Lindsey, Jessica and the other 2) is not very helpful unless you're a potential new resident. Apparently, they can't even get that right since there seem to be a lot of vacancies. The only great thing about this place is that there's plenty of parking and its close to 59. If you must live here, get an alarm system. Also, don't get an apartment by the Kroger gates, unless you want to get robbed/broken into

Current Resident 482310

Resident • 2003 - 2010

total disappointment

the meeting was a continous episode of lies as expected fron the manager from the fingers company i dont have any hope anything will change we have an obligation to warn future residents i am sure they are not telling them about the murder trish ignored repeated warning signs from this apartment, her lack of responsivness and apathy brought us where we are today the finger company saving money by putting our life in danger A LOT TO BE SAID ABOUT THAT trish/finger company STOP THE LIES only beacon is willie and lindsy

iamapartmentgod

Resident • 2008 - 2009

Very poor security.

I have lived here for almost 11 months now. Apartments are nice/big. Management takes care of all the things and issues are handled promptly. Security is a BIG factor here. It's almost NIL. My apartment was broken into yesterday and most of my valuables were stolen. One more apartment above me was broken into the same afternoon. We get notices every week that some cars are broken into. I was talking to HPD official and he told me " I am here almost every week" I think this says it all !!!! The security at the gate shows up at 7 in the evening, when almost everyone is at home. We need security in the mornings/afternoons when ppl are at work. That's when apartments are more vulnerable. I am sorry, but would be moving out pretty soon. It's not worth to pay 1000 $ in rent when they cannot provide enough security.

Current Resident 198354

Resident • 2008 - 2009

Expensive, but nice

I have lived here over 6 months and like it. There have been property crimes in the complex during that time, but nothing like some other places in the area. The security gates provide a false sense of security, as people can follow tenants in easily and there are very few cameras around the premises (that seems like an easy thing to add though). Repairs are always done promptly and with a receipt left in your apartment if you are not home. The property is fairly new, so most everything is in good condition. They keep the premises very clean. The worst part of this complex is the noise from Kroger to the east. Kroger's dumpsters, truck loading dock and other noisey and foul-smelling operations are right on the east end of the complex. Otherwise, it is quiet and the tenants are all nice. Secondly, the rent is expensive and in this market they even want to raise them!

Current Resident 106842

Resident • 2008 - 2009

This place is going downhill...

This place is going downhill. Major problems with thefts, break-ins, burglaries, roaches, poor customer service, no security and most importantly extremely expensive. With all things considered, there is nothing this complex can offer that justifies the high rent. They claim they are 100% occupied meanwhile they have tons of vacant apartments. They leave fliers on every door offering the residents $500 for any referral. They continue to lose residents and the sad part is they are not attempting to do anything about it to save their reputation. At the rate they're going, they will not stay in business for long! They say that dogs are not allowed in the complex yet we know of many residents with dogs. We see them all the time.

Current Resident 671602

Resident • 2008 - 2009

Wouldn't recommend

I've lived here for 6 months now. Certain things are great: the location is perfect, the other tenants are very friendly, there is lots of parking, common areas are nice - but I am very much looking forward to my lease expiring. The office staff is friendly enough until there is a problem; if there is a problem they are not helpful and not nice. Safety is a huge problem here - cars are broken into at night frequently (at least once/month in the time that I've lived here) and apartments have been broken into during the day. When there is a crime, the management stick a piece of paper in your doorway, which seems like it would be a nice way for robbers to figure out who is away from their apartment. Noise is also an issue - I can hear EVERYTHING that my upstairs neighbors do, even though I know they make an effort to be quiet. Also, cable and internet here are by TVMax, and I'm sure the apartment complex makes a lot of money from that contract, but it's not good for us! Their TV is unreliable and expensive. You can get satellite TV, but only from apartments that face southwest (and those apartments seem to cost more). The internet is slow.

Current Resident 953456

Resident • 2007 - 2008

Safety is an issue here..many cars broken too especially during the nights. I could hear my neighbour from the next floor moving around many a times.Also, the mgmt charges a high fee for small damages/prorated services. I think there are other decent places in this area that have v.reasonable pricing. Esp Kirby place, and for medical center ppl , Amalfi at Hermann Park is very close to medical center. They also have shuttles to med center from there. I would probably consider one of those places if I have to move once again.

Current Resident 837679

Resident • 2006 - 2008

quiet, nice and a lot crime

The grounds are well kept and beautifully landscaped. There are lizards everywhere (except in the apartments). It's awesome to watch them scurry when walking down a shaded pathway. The residents keep to themselves, but most are friendly. Management is nice, but they can take ages to complete requests. Maintenance is competent and reasonably quick. Crime is the only downside. Every few weeks I receive another notice regarding a car break in or apartment robbery. I also know of a couple of thefts that management was aware of, but sent out no notice. The security guards have a strong presence and are very friendly (one of my favorite parts of living here). The complex is just too large for them to be able to do an adequate job. I'm not sure there is an answer to the crime issue. An updated camera system would provide some level of comfort. There is plenty of guest parking, it's just a pain that it is on the top level of the garages. Overall, a positive place to live if you enjoy a quiet atmosphere and quality built apartment at a reasonable price. Just make sure you have theft insurance.

rayward

Resident • 2008

Been Here Six Months Now

I wrote a review after two months, and here's the update after six. The high marks for the floor plan, equipment, parking, landscaping and staff remain. Plus, the location for anyone who works in town (Galleria for me), is fantastic. Local amenities are top notch. Now the bad: Noise, noise, noise. I don't hear my neighbors through the walls, but the sound of my upstairs neighbor walking around their apartment is like rolling thunder. I find myself having to walk on tiptoe to avoid repeating the experience for my downstairs neighbor. The floors seem to be tuned to transmit and amplify sound. The corridor outside the front door is an echo chamber, and the tile covering over the same wood floors in the apartments just adds an extra noise source to the proceedings, so anyone moving down the corridor sounds like a herd of elephants. My neighbor who pulls a wheelie-bag down the corridor every morning makes a noise like a military parade. In case you hadn't figured it out yet, the noise really bothers me. CRIME: There has been at least three separate reports of break-ins pushed through my door since I've been here. Each one involving the simple prying open of the door. In one case, the report was of the systematic burglary of a number of apartments in one block. All occurred during mid-week work hours. An ironic twist is that the notes the staff leave for us residents are pushed half way through the door, acting as a flag to anyone interested that the apartment is empty. TV Max is the only cable company available here. The service has been reliable, but they overcharge for what they offer. They have just updated to full digital, giving you the option of HDTV, a DVR, but not both. The lack of a DVR option previously forced me to get a TiVo, which worked fine, but the new digital service is encrypted meaning that the TiVo can only record what the cable box is playing which takes away a big part of what the TiVo is for (recording one channel while watching another). Somehow, TV Max managed to upgrade the service yet still take a step backwards in what they offer. The bottom line is that I cannot recommend this apartment complex to anyone. Lots of good stuff (that you pay premium rent for) and the location is fantastic. But the noise and crime is just too much for a complex that charges this much rent. Every time I come home from work, I am praying to find my front door intact, and that my upstairs neighbor is out. I am moving out this month, which was going to happen anyway. But I would seriously contemplate moving anyway having lived here just a few short months.

mandarina

Resident • 2007 - 2008

When moving out they will rip you off

they're nice when you move-in but when you move out they will try to charge you for everything, even for little spots on old carpet (that's been there for 3-5 years), asking you to pay for carpet change. And they treat you so bad, totally unegotiable. Lindsey and Heather will not help you. They had 2 vandalism during just one wekend on south garage. Robbery and attack to a resident within 2 months only. Moving out rate is high. Too expensive for what they offer, noisy on south side. Pool is too small, you won't be able to do any laps. I do not recommend. Try another place, better and for less money

Current Resident 864864

Resident • 2006 - 2008

Could be better

I am a current resident and have been living here for almost two years since late 2006. In general the apartment complex is quite nice. It has wide airy hallways, well maintained lawns and trees, and the club house is quite well equipped. Management is professional, and take repairs seriously and get it fixed without having to follow up. The only complaint I have is the pricey rent. It started at 1100 when I moved in for a 1000 sq feet 1 bed 1 study 1 bath apartment. The second year they raised it to 1200, and the third year lease which is coming up they raised it to 1300. I am now looking to move out due to this incessant raising of the rent. Now everybody knows that keeping a tenant in would save them around (500 referral fee, 1000 move in specials and discounts, 1 week lost rent due to repair and maintenance, work to get new tenant background check, etc), is it so hard to pass these savings to current tenant??? Lastly, in the course of two years, there have been several break ins, several cars had their wheels stolen, two robberies and two mugging at gun point. I think this is unacceptable. The complex gate moves too slowly both to open and to close, 4 cars can pass through once the gate is opened with the remote.

Current Resident 539337

Resident • 2006 - 2008

An OK place

I have been living at this place for 1.5 years. Overall has been positive. The management tries to fix your problems immediately. Once the sink was blocked and one call and it got fixed in a day. The security has been pretty good. No problems so far. Residents are fine and friendly, no problems with them except one woman with the name of Kim, which I think may have a mental condition. But the management tried their best to mediate. One complaint is the rent. They are enforcing the 3 day due date policy. If you're late by couple of hours (let's say pay on the fourth at 9 am in the morning) then the late fee will be assessed. I mean give me a break. If you don't want people to be late, allow bank transfer, so I can setup my bank to transfer the money each month. It is a little pricey. So I am thinking of moving when my lease is up.

Current Resident 620288

Resident • 2007 - 2008

Great place, but a few big flaws to consider

What the people below mention about crime is true. This is perfectly situated complex, and it doesn't have that stark "corporate-owned" generic look about it like many local complexes. Those places look so depressing. Parking is terrific, which was always a problem in my old complexes, but if you plan to move here, there are w few things to know - get a dish, because the cable (TVMax) is awful and a total ripoff. It's really subpar quality to the point of being amateur. Also, this place isn't quiet anymore - I'm not talking about the residents, but the landsaping crew. The leafblower seems to be going all day every day. I live in a unit on the interior of the complex, and I can still hear that blower (the most annoying sound in the world) no matter where he is. A few leaves on the brick driveway would be preferable to that screech that sounds like Jim Carrey screaming in Dumb and Dumber. If you plan on sleeping in, forget it. The leafblower starts before the office is even open. This place otherwise seems so quiet even for being so near 59, but this is kind of like the apartment you find out is over a train after you move in. Don't get a unit close to Kroger or the trucks will wake you up. They also started allowing cats, and I've almost run over a random collared cat roaming the property 3x. All the other complexes have issues so I'd still live here, but the annoyances are too easy to correct - but haven't been.

Current Resident 408941

Resident • 2003 - 2007

service getting worst

i've lived in these apartments for 4 years. Each year the people in the office get worst. when i first started living here, the employees were fun, helpful, and efficient people. They've replaced these people with grumpy, rude, and snooty personnel. The apartments are well maintained and it's a great area. The only drawback are the employees in the office. I truly cringe every time I have to go to the office for yet another time they have messed up on something.

Princess_Puma

Resident • 2002 - 2007

Customer services

I am just about to move to another location/apartment and the main reason that I decide to stay is the customer services at this place; since Heather the new manager start her new position. I think that she and her staffs turned this apartment in a positive and pleasant amostphere. She is a sharp, smart and very nice person. Heather is such a beautiful person but she does not use that as a tool to get away with it. She remembers all the resident names and taking care of problem properly in timely manner. Bravo to Heather and the new management team at The Village At West University.<br><br>Kim D

Current Resident 454271

Resident • 2006 - 2007

Great Place

This is a great community is an super location. As far as crime, you live in a large city, so you must be careful, always. Maintenance and upkeep are top notch. I have referred many from my company to these apartments