Village at West University

Current Resident 101832

Resident • 2005 - 2007

no thank you

While the apartments appear nice on the outside, the crime within the parking garage and community is horrible. There are constant breakins of cars and apartments. My car was broken into and all of my valuables were stolen. The staff was completely disinterested and even rude about the situation. Kroger trucks unload at all hours of the night. WORST STAFF!!! Beautful apartment and wonderful location. I only stay for conveneince. I do not want to go through the process of moving, but I would start all over given the opportunity and NOT live here. TVMaxx is the only TV provider and they are AWFUL!! No DVR or channel accomadations.

Current Resident 32704

Resident • 2007

bad place

This place is in a good location, crime is bad

shebugg

Resident • 2006 - 2007

Great Location

Location is what you pay for here. It is close to the medical center, Galleria, downtown, Memorial Park, etc. Nice pool, workout center, and business center. Can walk to grocery store and restaurants. Haven't heard of any car break-ins but, this is Houston, TX 3rd largest city in the US. The apartments could use some updating but they are banking on their location to sell them. Don't know if I am going to renew my lease. I am planning on looking around. Lots to choose from.

Current Resident 15722

Resident • 2006 - 2007

This is a loser

Major noise problems all night from trucks unloading at Kroger. Office staff are usually uninterested or so into themselves that issues are not addressed. Cable is controlled by TV Max which is a terrible provider(you know if you use them). I'm glad my lease is up. I'm tired of notices about break ins and robberies.

westurenter

Resident • 2006

Honestly...Its ur best bet in this part of town

Okay...I've read all the reviews here <br>And I am going to be very honest about my opinion - we moved here about a month ago, our apt is beautiful, very affordable we got like 3 months off or something...there are no pest problems in the apts the apts are nice and new. <br>the apts give a 500.00 referral fee if u rent here u can use my name and keep 350.00<br>my email is galleriagirl24@yahoo.com <br>I am serious though this place is very nice <br>its quiet about the car jackings I don't know about all that b/c I have a brand new bmw that has never been touched so i feel very safe although it did shake me to read that stuff from the other views.

Current Resident 907478

Resident • 2004 - 2006

Was great but.......

I've lived here for a couple of years; in the past, this place has been incredible. Excellent staff, outstanding maintenance and upkeep of grounds. However, in the past few months, things have started to slip; lots of little things, but mostly maintenance of property and grounds are becoming unkept and shoddy. Don't know what the problem is...... lots of money to shell out for less-than-stellar upkeep.

Current Resident 612699

Resident • 2000 - 2001

Same old, same old....

Just an FYI: I lived in that apartment complex five years ago, and cars were getting broken into all the time back then as well. I was there for six months and we had it happen 1/2 dozen times. Unfortunately it's almost impossible to get away from that type of crime in an apartment complex unless you have armed guards walking around - and I'm not sure we'd really want that!

Current Resident 592611

Resident • 2006

Awesome Place to Live

Awesome Place to Live

Mherrin713

Resident • 2006

Response to Post on 04/05/06

I guess this person never had their car broken into while parked? Yes...this is a safe area....but there are alot of apartments in the same area that are alot safer...We are talking about this complex and the neglect for safety...

Current Resident 523981

Resident • 2005 - 2006

Risk Losing your Possessions by Living Here

To sum it up, this place is overpriced and sketchy. Crime is much higher than at other area complexes, both in the garage and in actual apartment break-ins. The company refuses to tighten up security and spring for cameras as it is "expensive" but yet every resident gets a stainless steel coffee carafe. Priorities? I guess we are expected to scald intruders from our fancy sipping cups. <br><br>Cars are broken into and oddly enough nothing is stolen. This screams INSIDE JOB to me. Like a bunch of punks are getting their thrills at the challenge of not being caught. The security is often asleep at their post and several just wave you in - no questions asked. <br><br>Some of the office staff are nice enough, but most are so full of themselves you'd think they are renting Suites at Trump Tower. Get over yourselves! You work in an average apartment complex!!<br><br>It looks pretty from the outside but the carpet is cheap and if you look too hard at the walls it leaves a mark.<br><br>I will say the location is ideal, if you can stomach the rest.

Current Resident 230969

Resident • 2004 - 2006

Overall very good

Price is high but you are paying for the school district. Big upswing in crime here lately; mostly stuff like auto theft. Great location. Friendly and professional staff. Seems like the snooty staff members have left. Maintenance very responsive. People tend to park in your assigned spot unauthorized and management doesn't really do anything about it. Covered parking not available unless you park in the garage. Elevators in parking garage currently unreliable. No outside noise but I do hear noise from apt. above and below. Occasional get-togethers with free food. Overall satisfied living here.

captaincanteloupe

Resident • 2005 - 2006

VWU Great - Crime way up since Katrina everywhere in Houston

Re the crime: the crime rate for Houston in 2005 is up 23%, due mostly to a stunning 70% increase in Nov and Dec 2005. Until someone proves otherwise the prime suspect has to be our 80,000 new friends from Louisiana who were bussed in last fall. <br><br>VWU is taking it's share of the lumps. Three things that would help: install cameras, a more aggressive gate guard 24/7 and asking the residents to stop in their cars after clearing the entrance gates to avoid a procession of followers. No gate opener, no entry. Of course, by now the perps have retrieved a gate opener out of at least one car they hit. <br><br>Other than the booger problem this place is great. As far as moving - where? Unless you leave town you are just rearranging the deck chairs. Ladies, I suggest you get a concealed carry permit and embrace the Second Amendment. The police do their best, but they are very unlikely to be there when you need them. Smith and Wesson will.

Hans1662

Resident • 2006

V@WU is a very good place to live

Although there is a concern over the recent rash of burglary of motor vehicles, it is apparent that management is doing all the right things to prevent or lessen further intrusion from those thiveing rascals.<br><br>Management is putting more security personnel on the property as well as making enhancement to the perimeter security of the complex. <br><br>Additionally, management contacted HPD and had them do a security survey of the property to see if there were other measures that could be taken to provide the safest environment possible. <br><br>As a police officer and resident (not the courtesy officer)I know the importance of informing the residents of activity in their community and certainly appreciate the updates that management puts out. <br><br>We live in a large urban metropolitan area..crime is a fact of life. We all have to take some personal responsibility for our safety but the folks here at V@WU also appear to be taking all the responsible steps to ensure your safety.

shasta3178

Resident • 2005 - 2006

replying to 20-car break-ins...GET REAL

GET REAL - Village at West University is a great place to live!<br><br>Has anyone noticed the news the last four months? Houston needs more police and every night on the news there is a report about more apartment break-ins, vandalism, thefts, etc. I overheard someone say that the break-ins from the other night were because the thiefs climbed over the fence in the back of the property...the gate (with the attendant)is in front of the property! You keep locks on doors to keep honest people honest - if someone wants to steal something of yours - they will find a way...The Apartment Managers notices to residents were notifying us that their is always a potential for crime to happen and to take precautions - if you had something stolen from your car - you really have no one to blame but yourself. I have had my purse stolen from my car at a 5-Star Hotel in Houston...being a victim is never easy...but, don't blame the management becasue you were too lazy to take your valuables out of your car! And, too blame security is not fair - theifs watch for the opportuntiy of a easy target (remember - THEY DON"T WANT TO GET CAUGHT!) Half the people who live here don't even use their remotes to get in the gate - they ride on your rear bumper every time I enter the gate - who are they?? How do you know your not letting in the theives?? You know who you are!!<br><br>The manager here and the leasing staff have always been professional and very accomodating to me and my friends. GET REAL! We live in Houston - watch the news - use your head.

Current Resident 475654

Resident • 2006

reply to get real

All replies have simply proven my point. I write about 20 break ins in one night and people reply by saying how great it is to live here. In fact, they don't blame management for repeated break ins, but they blame the residents. <br><br>Is it a resident's fault that they park their car at night and their car is on blocks in the morning? Is it a resident's fault that people kick in their doors while they are at work?<br><br>What they are essentially saying to future residents is...its great to live here, pay $1400 month for rent and if your car is on blocks in the morning...hey, its Houston. Do you really think they are saying that at the Gables? <br><br>Contrary to all replies, I spoke to the officers and they told me that the thieves did not take anything from most of the cars? This defeats your uninformed argument that its the resident's fault. I have done the research and this complex has 50% more crime than any other complex within 10 miles. Are you still calling it a Houston problem? <br><br>Talking to HPD is not helpful because HPD has told them the same thing for the past year...do the research. The problem is that management won't implement HPD's recommendations...which are to tighten security around the front gate and get security cameras. I don't think its too much to ask for a complex that has an unusually high crime rate to invest in a long-term solution. <br><br>

jghdavis

Resident • 2006

Worth every penny

Outstanding. Ignore Kim.do's bizarre rant. I've been here for almost seven years and I have never had an issue with crime or management. Moreover, the maintenance people are fast, courteous, and friendly.

Current Resident 700995

Resident • 2005

Nice place to live, love it!...BUT...

Great place to live, dead smack in the middle of everyting for easy access. Great neighborhood, garage parking with every level is awesome (don't have to walk up three flights of stairs, specially if you have lots of groceries). BUT once the management team find out you won't renew your least, they treat you like dirt! Not to mention they raised the rent by $75 dollars more a month, according the them "due to the markets increase of living" have they checked the market! It's been down...not up! Sorry --- excuse to raise rent. I've seen my share of cars being vandalized for the 2 years that i've been there. The complaint about the security guards waving people through is very true. It's like they're inviting criminal in to their version of "pick your parts" for cars( word of advice drive a super duper hooptie mobile and you don't have to worry about anything). Other then that it's a great place to live...regret that the jack the rent up so much, cause kinda miss living there! Would recommend

JoAnnTX005

Resident • 2005

Definitely one of the better managed properties in Houston

I am quite surprised to see an office staff that is so pleasant. They have been a pleasure to work with since the beginning. I have lived here for almost 3 months now and am still very satisfied with my apartment and the service I receive from management.<br>Great things about living here are the following:<br>1. Close proximity to restaurants & grocery<br>2. Manned entry<br>3. On-site police officer (very nice man)<br>4. Very lush landscaping (love it!!)<br>5. Cats okay but no dogs (no barking)<br>6. Cheap on-site maid service<br>7. Incredible fitness center<br>8. Movie Theater (nice, but I don't use)<br>9. Reserved parking is free!<br>10.Very very friendly and accomodating staff<br><br>Rents can be little on the high side but overall this is a great bet!

Current Resident 375898

Resident • 2004 - 2005

Living here is a dream come true

What makes staying at VAWU a delight is the staff. I have never met such warm & friendly people. The amount of effort they give to make sure the residents are spoiled is amazing. I can obviously not speak for everyone, but I feel lucky to be here. It's great to see how much the staff really cares about the property as if it were there own. Just the other day I saw the manager decorating the landscaping entry to the complex for the fall season...and she was smiling the entire time. The staff has good taste in music and tenants can enjoy the music by the relaxing pool. I have yet to meet an unfriendly face. They keep the gym clean which is great & they just recently purchased new TV's & treadmills. That's great since I don't run outside in the cold! The garages are kept clean and well lit and the proximity of restaurants & grocery stores to the complex is superb.

europhia

Resident • 2005

more ups than downs

i really like this apartment complex and am utterly spoiled by it. i love having a 2 minute drive to work (i work in the greenway plaza) and i love having the luxury to walk to krogers whenever i want to. it comes in handy when you realized you forgot an ingredient. the neighbors are really nice. i did have a problem with the upstairs neighbor being really loud but it turns out they were moving out that day so the noise was from furnitures. it's mostly small families and older professionals so it's relatively quiet. the management is really nice. you have to be careful at night though. i got in trouble for being too loud out by the pool. it's mostly old people who need sleep so you can't be too loud. and they don't allow dogs because there's really no grass for them. other than that, i'm a 23 year old female and i feel perfectly safe here. i would suggest you go for an apt on one of the top floors though...it's hard to get a parking spot for the first floor.

marpoir

Resident • 2003 - 2005

great place to live

I loved my apartment, but the best part of living at the Village at West U was the staff in the leasing office. Nikki is the best apartment manager I've ever had! All of the staff is great.

Current Resident 640609

Resident • 2003 - 2005

Quite disappointed

I have lived at the Village for a few years now, and I loved the amenities, aesthetic qualities, and professionalism of the staff. However, I have always been concerned about safety, and recently I have become frightened as a result of the increasing frequency of break-ins and robberies. I cannot understand why more aggressive actions are not being taken by management to at least give the appearance of concern over residents' safety. I did see that a nighttime security truck was hired for a few days following a tremendous rash of break-ins in one night; however, after three days, he has disappeared. If any improvements in security are being taken, I am not aware of them as a resident. I have received many notices of break-ins but none concerning measures taken by management to increase security. I am aware of my responsibility as a resident to ensure my safety. This is why I leave nothing of value in my vehicle, keep my doors locked and blinds closed when I am away, and all of the other things within my control to ensure that my belongings are safe. There has to be a point where the management assumes some level of responsibility for the level and frequency at which these violations occur. Either way, I am well on my way to finding a more safe environment to live in.

Current Resident 277289

Resident • 2005

nice place but lotsa buts

nice environment, well kept, but....<br>- unsafe (numerous, coordinated and well timed "hits" on vehicles), young women beware at night (a small splurge for security cameras would probably help)<br>- a plethora of contracted workers constantly combing the place makes me (a woman) feel unsafe at times<br>- petty nickel and diming (they'll eat into your deposit for small, puny amounts they know are not worth your time fighting for - a penny-wise but pound foolish approach since I have discouraged others from living there over it)<br>- staff is pleasant and helpful but thru no fault of theirs (ie directions from management) can be overzealous and defensive at times<br>Overall, it could have, and should have been a lot better experience, esp for the high rent you'll pay...

CarolineTx77

Resident • 2005

Extremely professional management company.

I have lived here for over 1.5 years and I must say, the staff here is truly exceptional. Kudos to the girls for providing us with such prompt and efficient service. Security guards at the gates have been super strict lately. I think there is a new security company and they do a great job of stopping visitors and recording EVERYTHING! My guests have been annoyed by this at times but I think it's great. It is pricey but the caliber of people living here is higher too and I think that it's worth the extra few dollars. The crowd is defintely young, educated, and upwardly mobile but I like that. Location is wonderful! The only place I know of that is within walking distance to a supermarket and eateries. I've lived both downtown and in the Galleria area but I like the Village/Upper Kirby area best. People here don't seem to be cheesy and overtly pretentious.

Current Resident 128613

Resident • 2005

Nice place to live but I do not feel safe living here

The apartments are nice but safety is a big problem. As a single female I do not feel safe living here. Cars have been broken into and apartments are not safe. The staff is friendly, but the new manager and maintainence supervisor are not as attentive as they were when they first started. The maintaince supervisor is the only English speaking person and lately he has a bad attitude and thinks he is too important. He has started being rude to tenants and I don't think the manager is aware of this. The manager also has become somewhat distant and inattentive though she is very polite. The pool is great and so it the business center, though sometime the printer don't work. I personally do not feel safe walking there after dark. The gate security are there to help you but they change so often that they do not really know much what is going on. People park in you spot all the time and they can't really do anything about it - you just have to park in a guest spot way away. I have heard that they give you hard time returning you deposit money. A friend of mine move out and they charged him even for wear and tear. Also I think they are overpriced and you can get cheaper if you go just a few mile away.