Village at West University

karenrg

Resident • 2004 - 2005

A Place With A Lot of Class

The management here is a class act! If they have any competition, I'd be surprised; maybe another Finger property... I feel really lucky to have found such a great place to live. The maintenance folks are great - they are prompt, courteous and very helpful.<br><br>The property is beautifully landscaped and kept up very nicely. The tenants here are mostly professionals and behave accordingly. I really treasure the peace and quiet in my apartment.<br><br>For the folks who are moaning about security - you need to read your lease. The management has done everything they can to get us to understand that we are each responsible for our security of our person and automobiles. This is standard in all apartment complexes. There isn't an apartment community out there that can guarantee zero crime anymore than you could expect if you were living in a house. Short of armed guards roaming around, this place is as secure as it can get. If all of were a little more vigilant and stopped allowing folks to follow us through the gates it would certainly help.<br><br>You would be hard-pressed to find a better place to live.

Jasonrenter

Resident • 2000 - 2005

In Response to "Don't be fooled" - It is truly a Great Place

Hi "Anonymous", I'm Jason and would like to respond to your false accusations. Based upon the fact that most (almost all) of the reviews of this complex, its respective management and all of it's employees are above average to fantastic at times, accompanied with your use of "anonymous"for your posting, it is rather obvious that you are one of the three types of people:<br><br>1). Someone that works for a competing property and you have such a low occupancy rate that you have plenty of time to sit around and post false information about other properties. (or)<br><br>2). Someone that would not be happy if the apartments came with personal servants and gold flooring for a total f $50 per month. Believe me, I know you're out there. MANY OF YOU. (or)<br><br>3). Someone that does not meet the qualifications to live at this complex. I think this only because you state that they have one Maint. technician on the property. When in fact they have 7. You state he is rude - He was nominated Maintenance man of the year and has to be one of the nicest people I have ever delt with. You also state the manager is no where to be seen. She works until 8pm and also lives on site. How can you not see her? So, obviously - you never lived here.<br><br>I have resided at this same complex for quite some time (not 2005-2005 or 2003-2004 like your last negative experience or 2002-2003 like your one before that or 2002-2001 prior to that -- Maybe you see a pattern like I do?) and have never found a nicer place to live, nor have I found a nicer group of people to share the experience with. The information provided in the contracts and presented by the staff is all very straight forward and if it did not seem that way to you, then you either did not read it (like most people) or you simply did not understand it (Is ignorance bliss?, you tell me). If you had a bad experience here, then you should REALLY consider buying a house while the interest rates are still low. Beware though, when YOU buy YOUR house, YOUR maintenance man will still more then likely be a "rude jerk". Have a great day!

Current Resident 729364

Resident • 2004 - 2006

Agree with captaincanteloupe's advice

I've lived at VAWU for over 2 years, no crime personally, but I've talked to numerous residents that have had problems. It's Houston - you have to get your head out of the sand and not pretend like people go to bad neighborhoods to steal. They come to this complex BECAUSE of the nice cars and goods. Aside from getting wheel locks on all 5 tires, I installed an alarm system and took my CHL class a few weeks ago. <br><br>I've been at the gun range every week, so if someone decides to break into my unit or accost me in my vehicle, he will find a very unhappy meeting with a jacketed hollowpoint. Since Katrina, crime is up all over Houston. I support removing remote control access to the gates and giving gate guards the only control over opening the gates - this would require a 24/7 guard, and it's not guaranteed to make this place completely secure, but my real security is supplied by Sig Sauer.

Current Resident 701619

Resident • 2005

You may pay a little more but it's worth it!!

I visited the West University office three times. The first visit I fell in love with the apartment but the rent was about $50.00 more then I had anticipated on spending. I left thinking I could find a place a little less and I did but it was lacking so much. I ended up going back to The Village at West U again and ... again. I leased, moved in and love it! Thanks to the girls in the office for making my move a smoothe one. I wanted the lifestyle and the atmosphere so I guess it's something that may cost a little extra. I reccomend this property to anyone. It's also within walking distance to work at Greenway Plaza!

LawMan98

Resident • 2005

I love the village, it is awesome! The atmosphere is so relaxing. Everyone is so cool, especially Monica and that English girl Debbie. Monica always goes out of her way for me. I just recentley left my keys in a cab after a night out with some colleagues. and lost the keys to my apt. Monica got out bed at 3am and told me I could sleep on her porch...just kidding, but she would do that for me, that's how awesome she is. I would refer anyone here. Besides the awsome staff I love being able to walk to Ms. Krogers, the area is so prime. If you are thinkning about moving here I would say go for it, you will not regret it.

Current Resident 354419

Resident • 1999 - 2005

Great place to live!

I lived at Village @ West U. for almost 6 years and loved it! Just bought my first home and will miss living there although I love my new home!

westu

Resident • 2003 - 2005

Outstanding Mangement and Facilities

I have been living here for about 2 years now and I can honestly say that the level and quality of management, facilities and accommodation is truly outstanding. Whereas there may be other places that offer similar accommodations and rates, it is hard to beat the level of satisfaction and expertise that manager Niki Johnson and her team bring to the community. They are always professional, courteous and always ready to go the extra step for their resident.

goodman76

Resident • 2001 - 2005

Outstanding appartment complex. Management and maintenance are tops.

The manager is very alert and responsive to tennant concerns and suggestions. The maintenance manager is outstanding, helpful, and a very good man. He and his helpers respond quickly to problems and fix them. They are neat and leave no messes.<br><br>We have lived here 3.5 years and in three other apartments over the last 20 years and paid higher rent, but none were better than the Village. There is a good mixture of young, middle age, and older residents who get along well with each other, partly due to managements occasional social get-togethers.

Current Resident 643434

Resident • 2004

Neighbors and Community friendly and inviting

I relocated to Houston from California. I have only lived here for 3 months. Since I moved in I've met so many of my neighbors! They're very friendly, professional and very courteous. I can get a great work out in, do homework in the business center privatly.<br>I would encourage anyone looking for an apartment in the inner loop to stop by!

urbantl

Resident • 2003 - 2004

My experience at The Village at West University has been nothing short of wonderful. The property is very well kept and the management is wonderful. I really wish I could move the complex to the other side of town where I will be moving.

Mummun

Resident • 2001 - 2004

A home away from home....

I have lived here since Jan 2002 with the following criteria:<br>a) Proximity to shopping (Kroger next door)<br>b) Safety and ambience in and around apartment<br>c) Amenities : Fitness center, movie theater<br>d) Courteous office and maintenance staff<br><br>very happy with all of above; in line with the expectations from a Fingers Community.

Current Resident 336844

Resident • 2004

One of the best locations to live at....

I don't think there's a better location in Houston. I'm near work and play. I really like the fact that I can walk to restaurants and stores from here. That is one I will truly miss when I do decide to move from here one day. The staff is very friendly and helpful even when you have to gripe about something. The entire property is one of the cleanest I've lived at. The garbage receptacle areas always smell fresh and the property is well lit with a good amount of landscaping (not typical with most apartments). I have heard of car break-ins although mine has never been broken into and I've lived here for 3.5 years. We do get letters alerting residents of anything that happens though. My last apartment didn't do that so maybe that's why the occurrence of these incidents is alarming to many. I have only good things to say about Nikki and her staff at The Village at West U. They've always been good to me. No complaints here.

Current Resident 331667

Resident • 2002 - 2004

Not too safe with car and apartment break-in's

These apartments are centrally located and easy access to downtown and the galleria. However, for the price we pay, the security should be much better than it currently is.<br><br>Too many cars are being broken into and apartments on the 1st floor also.<br><br>I feel safe in the garage during the day, but in the evenings, I always run back to my apartment after parking my car.<br><br>Not a place for single woman.

Current Resident 82365

Resident • 2004

Who said anything about laptops??

The burglaries seem to have quieted down, but wheels were being stolen left and right off cars that DIDN'T have valuables left inside. What, since we live in America and leave a valuable (for example, say an entire CORVETTE) in the garage, that means we're to expect theft at the rate we had been experiencing it? Are you serious? Which tard wrote that?? At the rate we were going, I'd have better luck parking my car in the Third Ward with a lug wrench and a jack. <br><br>The guards still wave anyone through - at least the male guard looks up when cars enter. The female guard can't be bothered to lift her head. <br><br>Gorgeous property - but it's filled with affluent residents (i.e., nice cars) and that makes it a target. There are no cameras anywhere other than the gates, which just show the cars pass by (usually in the dark at night). If there was some more security in the lighted garages, it might justify the rent.

Current Resident 11842

Resident • 2001 - 2004

office manager is a hottie!

office manager is a hottie!

Current Resident 607137

Resident • 2002 - 2004

Do you live in the USA or your own world?

A few of you mention crime and how this isn't a "safe" place. Do you not watch the news? Do you read the newspaper? Do you really think a camera will stop a theive stealing your laptop or purse from the front seat of your car??? I choose not to leave valuables in my car and guess what??? I've never been broken into. What an idea! <br> <br>As far as the apartment goes I love it. I wish the living room were a little larger but overall I'm quite satisfied.

Current Resident 343017

Resident • 2004

Reminds me of a Mexican resort!

This is probably one of the most beautifully landscaped properties I have ever lived at. It is conveniently located. In fact, my husband and I can literally walk out the gates to the grocery store, beauty salons, and numerous restaurants. Awesome gym! Lovely pool area. Great clubhouse and study. <br>The movie nights in the theater are fun too! Would recommend. Haven´t had a problem with car thieves personally.

Current Resident 324169

Resident • 2004

OK, this vehicle theft problem is ridiculous

ANOTHER car was burglarized last night - Cadillac left on blocks. I am having my dealer install wheel locks at $150 of my own money. WHY can they not get cameras put up? All I know is like lots of Texans, I am armed. The guards would wave you in if you were wearing a ski mask and toting a crowbar. <br> <br>These wheel thieves had better watch their steps. I am sure nobody around here would miss them.

Current Resident 99760

Resident • 2001 - 2004

Like living at a resort

There are always flowers and the grounds are beautifully kept. The maintenance is excellent. The location is the best ... I can safely walk to many shops and have easy access to Downtown, the Galleria, Greenway Plaza, Rice Village. They provide all terrance bikes, a terrific gym, party area and, believe it or not, a conference room. The pool area is beautiful. After 2.5 years here, I moved from a one-bedroom to a 2-bedroom/2-bath and plan to stay until I buy a home (wish my apt was a condo).

Current Resident 638170

Resident • 2003 - 2004

A fabulous property, but be careful with your vehicle!

First the good points - Friendly office staff, and it´s so conveniently located that I can jump on 59 and whizz down the freeway going to my job in Sugar Land about 15 miles away in less than 15 minutes. It´s beautiful - quality touches everywhere, from the stone slab common hallways to the marble door number plaques to the bricked driveways. Most neighbors are quiet and affluent. A very nice, usually quiet community. Beautiful views of the Williams Tower and Greenway/West U area from many units. <br> <br>It´s a stone´s throw from the Edwards theater, several grocery stores, and tons of restaurants. You´re far west enough that traffic doesn´t really back up to the Weslayan/Newcastle or Buffalo Speedway exits in the evenings, if you´re traveling from the west. Downtown is a few minutes away. <br> <br>However, I do have a few rants. The night gate guards will wave ANYONE in. The first time my boyfriend drove in, they waved at him like they knew him, but they didn´t know him from Adam. He just followed someone in. The gate arm (which supposedly only lets one car in) will let 3 or 4 cars in, so you can and will be followed in. The reason I bring up security is that in the past two months, three theft incidents that I know of have happened in the parking garages. <br> <br>One gentleman with a Corvette had all four wheels stolen from his car, which was left on blocks. Then, 4 vehicles had the windows broken out and items stolen from within. Last night we got a notice saying another vehicle had the wheels stolen - the truck is up on blocks in the south garage right now. <br> <br>I really think they should spring for another guard, one that patrols the property in the middle of the night - all incidents happened in well-lit parking garages overnight - or at least video cameras. We pay through the nose in rent, so it´s not too much to ask. The gate guard isn´t cutting it, obviously. I just bought a new car, and if things continue like this, I will not be renewing my lease, as this complex seems to be targeted as an easy mark. <br> <br>Other quirks: no hot tub, some odd floor layouts - light switches hidden, badly placed and/or narrow doors, no overhead lights/plugs in certain closets or nooks (it´s quite dark at the end of the bathroom). I´d sacrifice some kitchen/bathroom/closet space if my living room was larger. Some doors are placed oddly, removing the use of a good wall. Look at all the floor plans closely before you decide. <br> <br>Guest parking is adequate (but safe??), and the business center is well-equipped. There is a large-screened theater you can reserve for free, but there is a substantial ($1-2K) deposit required. Cable service is awful - TVMax is your only option besides satellite (for which you need line of sight), and it´s SO pricey. PPV options are sparse compared to Time Warner, and the digital guides are extremely slow. You´re forced to choose TVMax if you want cable, and I believe the complex gets kickbacks for it - you sign up through them, and it´s about $30 more than I paid with TWC and more than $40 than what I paid with DirecTV. This is another reason I may consider moving. It´s a luxury complex in a nice neighborhood, and residents should have the right to feel safe and enjoy a choice of quality home entertainment options. <br> <br>Bottom line, I feel safe walking around there, but I breathe a sigh of relief every morning when my car is still untouched. So, weigh your priorities.

RebeccaD

Resident • 2003

My friends are envious!

I moved into the Villages about two months ago and I love it!! My family and friends are envious of where I live because it´s so beautiful. The grounds are impecable, it´s close to work, safe and I love the fact that I can park on the 4th level where my apartment is located. Overall I would reccommend this community to anyone looking for a touch of class at an afforadable price. <br> <br>Rebecca