Vista Del Rey

Good bye residents it was a fun year and we got a lot done I’m sorry for the things like parking that we were unable to get done… and thank you to the few residents that would talk to me instead of going over my head. Best of luck with the new manager

Steve, the manager, was great! He was able to answer all of our questions and even offered information we didn’t think of asking about. He was attentive and polite.
The grounds are beautiful and well maintained as is the laundry room and athletic room.
I love the location and I can’t wait to move in!

We have called this place our home for the past two years, and just renewed our lease for another year.
As with any place that you call home, there have been ups and downs.
It is hard to sum up a 2 year experience, so I will try to keep it simple:
Pros
*Though management has changed 3x, each manager is friendly and orderly. They make time for residents and are accommodating.
*Francisco. He is the maintenance manager and can fix literally anything. Anything. And he does it with a big smile and friendly demeanor.
*Grounds are quiet. Most of the people here are quiet, hard-​working families.
*Pretty landscaping. Our family comments on it whenever they come over.
*Decent laundry, gym, and pool facilities. We use all three constantly during the week, and they have served us well.
*Prompt repairs (again, Francisco is the man)
Cons
*Roller-​coaster of poor to fair parking. One month, management will be strict on checking parking permits, and then they get laid back… and then there are absolutely no spots for a few months and residents park illegally or miles away because of other residents’ long term ‘guests’. But, eventually they get strict on permits again and parking goes back to normal for a bit.
*Price Increases. Yes, yes, I know most apartments in OC raise their price each year. But, like, we’ve had a 17% increase since we got here, which was one of the more expensive complexes to begin with. That’s a bit cray-​cray.
*Though complex is gated, there are some normal small crimes. For example, my bike was stolen from our back yard, which has a 6 foot wooden fence around it. Someone also did a hit and run on my parked car, leaving significant damage on the door. And several of our surrounding neighbors have had packages stolen from their doorstep. However, I think management is doing something about the last one. It sounds like they will be purchasing more package lockers so our packages can be delivered/​picked up safely. And it’s not like we’ve ever felt like our safety was in jeopardy or anything. As I mentioned, this complex is full of good families.
As you can see, there are many advantages to living here, and only a few problems that are really the same ones that are going to exist anywhere else. Choose Vista Del Rey, and you’ll get professionalism and safety in exchange for a bit of extra money. :)

I keep getting my review deleted from Unilocal.So here it is straight to the point.
Pet policy isn’t enforced (dog poop everywhere) and behind the yard of tenants which seeps into your apartment.
Parking is hassle. Even with a parking permit your chances of finding a spot after 5pm are slim to none.
Maintenance doesn’t like if you put in too many service requests. He’ll tell you to your face «you put in a lot of requests»
The office is never open nor do they answer or respond to calls.
Steve the manager doesn’t recall collecting my keys. Therefor reported incorrect billing upon my move out and I got a bill stating that I turned in my keys the day after my lease expired when in reality I turned in my keys 2 weeks prior to the lease expiration. That was a $ 60 some balance that later on was corrected by UDR billing. Incompetent manager.
Bad management period

Hi Jody ! The Exercise Bike is ‘OUT OF ORDER’ since you replied to my last comment. i wish you could take a look or check before responding. ! i have picture taken as well. Thanks

I have lived here for almost a year, and though my experience started out positively, it has become increasingly negative since Ashley left. People are constantly partying, blasting music so loud I can’t hear my own tv, dogs bark at all hours of the day, there is trash all over the complex on a regular basis. The other night after one of the parties at the pool area, I witnessed someone so drunk he vomited all over the sidewalk. I have a dog, I’m fine with some partying, but unless you are okay with living in a disgusting, incessantly loud community WITH NO PARKING BECAUSE THE RULES ARE NOT ENFORCED, I would recommend living somewhere else. I will not be renewing my lease and I am disappointed with the turn this community has taken.

I visited this great little gem of a property last Tuesday when I was walking down the street. The manager Steve was very Knowledgeable and welcoming. You could tell he really loves what he does… besides the great customer service I received the properties landscape looks beautiful… I am looking to move in August and I will definitely be choosing Vista Del Rey

I called this place home for almost 3 years. Of that time I experienced the best and the worst. Maria was by far the best apt. manager. Ashley did try but was limited and often tried to make people happy vs. enforcing what was in the lease. The place is wayyy to pet friendly & parking became a hassle. The last few months of our contract was the worst. As previously stated by other Unilocaler’s… getting a hold of the office is almost impossible. Steve doesn’t seem too knowedlgable and if it wasn’t for the help of a billing representative at UDR we would still be playing phone tag with him. He did take the time to email us today, but with the wrong information. (We turned in our keys 10 days before our lease was up, he reported it as the day after the lease was up causing additional incorrect billing) I’m not going to waste time going into depth on that because the problem has been resolved by the management company but this was definitely negligence on his part.
If you’re okay with living in an EXTREMELY pet friendly community and you have no complaints regarding kids, smoking, or pets… this place is for you.

Update to original review:
I appreciate how professional the management at Vista Del Rey is. The follow up call I received was friendly and kind, not at all pushy. I am moving at the end of June and Vista Del Rey is definitely on the top of my list.
Original Review:
I had an appointment to tour Vista Del Rey today. After reading a few of the Unilocal reviews, I was a little nervous. However, I had absolutely no problems with my appointment. Upon first look at the property, I was impressed with how well kept the property was. I was greeted by the friendly apartment manager, who made me feel welcomed and assured me that I was going to love Vista Del Rey. He showed me a one bedroom apartment, the great pool area, and a fitness center. Overall, I think the community seems like a really nice place to live. Management seems awesome, the property looks good, and Vista Del Rey seems like a real gem!

Management should remember that you never get a second chance to make a first impression. I was in town on business when I heard about this place. So, I went ahead and contacted Jodi at their corporate office, and an appointment was set/​confirmed via email at 2pm. I left work early so that I can be on time to see the place. Upon my arrival, I got to the main door. There was no reception office, just a door with touchstone keys to press. No one answered. A machine picked up, and eventually just hung up on me. I called the number on the sign outside, still nothing. I called corporate, and got an answering machine. I repeated this process over and over for about 20 minutes while baking in a hot sun. Again, no reception, no shades, no seats. I sat in my car, and finally decided to go after 30 minutes. I did get a call from their district manager apologizing a day later. However, anyone can say they are sorry. I told him I don’t care who he is; he needs to fix this problem since this apparently wasn’t the first time it happened. If this is a preview of things to come, I’d rather not be a part of it. Be sorry all you want. Actions speak louder than words.

[NOTE: I DIDNOT LIVE HERE SO]
I called on Monday to inquire about any availability. The person on the phone set me up with an appointment at noon. I drove there, called three times (using my phone and the phone at the gate) but no-​one picked up. They wasted 30 minutes of time.
[UPDATE ON JODY’s COMMENT BELOW]
Hi Jody,
I appreciate your reply. I had called on Monday at 12:36pm and was given an appointment for 12:00pm on Tuesday. My appointment was setup with ‘Nab’ as my name. I have already signed my lease with different apartment. I will consider renting Vista Del Rey in the future.

Last night came home from work. Tired and wanting to shower and go to bed. Call maintenance who said they will be there in 30 min. 80 minutes later I get a text it’s the water heater it will be fixed in one to two hours. I wake up 8 hours later to go to work STILL NO HOT WATER. this isn’t the first time. Hot water is an essential and it not okay to be left in the dark or to be at your place of residence with no solution. I was not informed the water would continue to be out.

Adequate. I’ve lived here 4 years and 10% rent increase each year.

Home sweet, home? What exactly is a home? A place to lay your head? somewhere you can call your own; decorate how you want, wear what you want, do what you want? A place of refuge from the stress and hustle of life? Sure. A home is all those things. But you can get a home anywhere. VDR is a family. Like one big family that just so happens to have a couple hundred little cottages next door to each other that we call apartments. In the summer you’ll find Ashley, our friendly office manager, hard at work planning events like bbqs, outdoor movie nights, doggy dates, community expos, and so much more. In the winter you can always find refuge from the rain in the game room with a cozy fire and a bowl of sweets waiting. As my first year is coming to an end and my second around the corner. I’ll definitely be re-​enlisting for another adventure with my army of friends. Whenever any issue arose, be it a light bulb out or a full blown lost dog emergency, it’s always all hands on deck with Ashley and Francisco. So in short, is this place
? Yes. Should you move here? Yes. Will you find me poolside next summer? Absolutely.
–J

I moved into my apartment in May of 2014 and Loved it back then and still loving it now. Ashley the apt manager is awesome and so is Francisco. Any time something needs fixing they get it done right away. This is the best place that I’ve ever lived. I can’t say enogh good things about Vista Del Ray.

Loved living here, but had to move due to rent being raised. Each year the rent would raise over a hundred. Other than that everything was great and never had any issues. Property was always well kept. Maria the property manager was always wonderful with us and so helpful. When we were leaving we heard she was no longer working there. Too bad because she was terrific!

My gf and I have been living here for a little over 7 months now and we’re happy that we chose vista del Rey. We have a 1 bedroom apartment on the 2^nd floor. Cost is about 1400 to 1500 after utilities included. We only signed up for 9 months and regret not signing up longer. We would stay and renew if rent would stay the same. However rent will raise a couple hundred more. We’re now looking to move to Irvine for the same price as if we were to renew here. Irvine is a nicer community and closer to work and school.
We found vista through Unilocal and
and the raves were accurate. Dog friendly community, besides the occasional poop bombs. The neighbors are friendly. Most are recluse and quiet. Love the clubhouse and pool. Wifi access and pool table. Wifi is slow and frustrating when it’s down but it’s free. Laundry machines could be replaced or deep cleaned. Gym is small but does the job if you’re not a real fitness junky but maintaining.
It’s been rumored that there are escaped parrots from Disneyland that like to hang out in the community. Haven’t seen them but you can hear weird sounding gawking type of birds in the mornings. Sounds like a car trying to start. Or lil Wayne. Makes the place seem a tad exotic right?
Parking isn’t horrible as a resident, for a guest it’s frustrating. The parking spaces are a bit compact for a regular sedan. We’ve gotten an unfriendly note from an unknown resident when parked awkwardly. To be fair, it was still in between the lines. But we understand the frustration. It’s tight spaces where you have to practically side walk out of your car. There are designated spots for truck or larger vehicles where space is better. Bird poop bombs on your cars for days :(. Guests, good luck finding street parking. Beware of Monday street park/​cleaning or get cited. Walnut is horrible to turn out on as it can be a busy road and horrible visibility with cars parked in the way. A huge negative.
Conveniently located from a bodega across the street for very cheap groceries, lots of great restaurants nearby, and old town Tustin down the road. Near major freeways.
We signed up when Maria was still working but she left shortly after. She was the community director for many years, she seemed sweet, patient and was helpful! We now have Ashley and she’s great too. She actively tries to get the community involved and is always accessible. Initiates great ideas to better Vista. Friendly and reaches out to the residents. We’ve gotten free perks from her-​free movie rental from the neighborhood movie store and treated our friends dog when we were dog sitting! Not a a single hint of corporate feel from her and down to earth. My gf and I have attended a neighborhood watch with the Tustin PD and it’s nice knowing how much our community cares about us. Francisco is AWESOME! He keeps the grounds clean, very personable, fast service to any issues you may have. A very hardworking man and is good at what he does. Nothing but good things to say about him. Security patrol at night is friendly. My gf bought a new car and couldn’t get a permit for the resident parking immediately but we notified security and allowed us to park her new car and old car for almost a week inside until we got situated. Overall, move here if you want a decent price with decent people on the outskirts of Irvine. Will update on how the process goes when we move out. We moved in with new carpeting and will get charged for cleaning regardless of its condition. we re clean people and are gone most days out of the week. Hopefully we don’t get raped like most apartments try to do when you leave. Vista seems honest so far, fingers crossed.

We just moved here sight unseen from Denver. Ashley was very helpful in getting us set up and working with us during our move. I have been impressed on how well management has done with the upkeep of the landscaping and the apartments appear to be in good condition. We haven’t had any parking issues as there are reserved spots for each apartment. The people in the community have been very nice and have been impressed by how many people have introduced themselves to us. I would definitely recommend this place if you are looking for something in this price range!

Ashley was incredibly helpful. She went above and beyond the call of duty to get us an apartment. The community is really quiet. The apartments are well kept. The neighborhood is right down the street from plenty of food. I can’t wait for the move in date.

I lived here for a while, and overall, it was a great place to live. I love the location — it’s right where the 5 and 55 meet; it’s got all these residential pockets (where your friends can find plenty of overnight parking); and there are about 5 supermarkets within a mile radius (the bodega across the street, Trader Joe’s, Sprouts, Albertson’s, Von’s), as well as plenty of other things like drugstores, restaurants, churches, parks and schools. Some parts of Orange County feel totally cut off from everything, but when I was living at Vista Del Rey, I loved knowing that I could just walk outside and go anywhere.
I also loved the amenities here: pool, barbeque area, small gym, laundry room. All regularly maintained!
The management here is pretty good. I got the feeling that they go above and beyond to keep the place clean and functional; they make repairs and renovations as soon as they can. They respond to work requests very quickly.
They are «pet friendly» to the extent that they (currently) require a pet deposit + extra pet rent. I suppose that’s a better deal than many of the other apartment complexes… especially considering that they allow big dogs, too, as long as you have the money. I just wish the fees for pets weren’t so high.
Really, I wish the rent wasn’t so high… it’s not crazy expensive, just a bit higher than I think it could be. Maria told me they had no control over that, nor could they control the rent raising a little bit every year… she said that was all the higher management, the company that owns Vista Del Rey (UDR). And that ALL apartments have rising rent right now. I understand that, just as I understand the pet fees, but these things still prevent me from giving it a full five stars.
Also — if I may address something from another review — there is no «gangster element» here. I have no idea what that person was talking about. Every neighbor I ran into or made eye contact with was friendly and nice, and I stayed here for years. There are a lot of families here, and many different ethnicities. It was great.