The Retreat

 

When I moved into the Retreat, I couldn't believe such a wonderful place for such an affordable price could exist.

Little did I know what I was in for.....I was 19yrs.

old, almost 8 months pregnant with my first child, and newly separated from my son's father and decided that I worked my --- off and deserved to live somewhere nice.

I was determined to show my family and my ex that I wasn't going to fall to pieces in a piece of ---- studio somewhere in south phoenix because I was on my own....

Ha....

First, I'll begin by saying that -------, the witch that works in the leasing office, is the most horrible woman I've had the "pleasure" of having to carry out conversation with.

The day that I came to look at an apartment, I'd spoken with her over the telephone to set up an appointment and apparently, she assumed by my voice that I was some bouncy cute little blonde haired, grinning, pregnant ray of sunshine, only to be surprised when I walked in (yes, still grinning and pregnant), but also wearing about 8-10 piercings just on my face and ears (I won't even go into my tattoos), dark hair, a black anti-flag shirt stretched across my 8mo.

pregnant belly, jeans and chuck taylors...oh, and my American Express badge from work since I'd come on my lunch break.

I expected her to be a little caught off guard when I walked in, but the first words out of her mouth after I introduced myself were, "Wow....they let you dress like that at work'" I should've turned and walked away right then, but didn't...signed a lease and began a year of hell.....

I can't begin to describe my fear of spiders.......it's quite bad.

I have never lived anywhere that bugs became a problem until my stay at the retreat.

AT LEAST once every other week, I would come home or walk into my livingroom to find a giant brown recluse or wolf spider, sometimes these black little roach looking bugs (which puzzles me since I am a super clean person, as is my home) just kickin back like nothing! I complained constantly....Orkin supposedly came out (this became a regular thing since Orkin did NOTHING to stop the bug problem @ all and were constantly being called back).

The management seemed as if they could care less that I was having borderline panics attack regularly because of the bug problem.

It got to the point of me threatening to call better business bureau on Equity Residential if nothing was done after an out of town visitor at my apartment was bitten by a beast of a spider one night and had to spend the following day in the ER.

I left a message for the management staff telling them about this incident and they never called back...not even to apologize to the friend that came out to visit and didn't plan on staying at John C.

Lincoln instead.

On top of the management and the bug problem, it seems as though every other apartment is being occupied by the most obnoxious, rude, LOUD, and did I mention rude (') people I have ever lived around.

People ride their motorcycles at all hours and after the weekend, you get a lovely view of a broken grill (from the party that took place on Friday/Saturday night) as well as the trail of empty bottles and cans scattered down the walkway to the parking lot.

Don't get me wrong...I am only 20yrs.

old and I definately have a social life, but I'm also a mother and I work full time....I wasn't exactly thrilled each time I was harassed by drunk idiots while trying to walk to my front door.

Oh...and parking sucks.

You're screwed if you have guests over.

Hope they don't mind parking on the other end of the complex and walking half a mile to your place.

There's a billion other horror stories to tell, but I've gone on too long as it is so PLEASE heed my words and the words of the other people who have left honest ratings about this place....don't let the overwhelming "too good to be true" appeal draw you in.

It definately is way too good to ever be true.

I wish someone had told me before I signed over a year.

I'm just thankful to no longer be stuck there.

Yuck.

Last updated: 6/22/2007

User Responses
From: raivyn79	Date: 06/06/2007
Well. I will be removing this place from my possible places to move list solely based off of the treatment you received concerning your appearance. I've seven tattoos, black and blue hair, and dress in nothing but long black skirts and black tops; I reckon I won't receive a warm welcome, and people who judge others based off of looks don't deserve my money. Not only that but I'm horribly phobic of spiders as well. Thank you very much for your thorough review :)
From: Anonymous	Date: 06/15/2008
Thats fantastic! I live in The Retreat and I know of whom you speak when you say -------. I couldn't agree more. I am 19 as well, and have never felt truly welcomed by the staff. They treat me more as a liability, not a tenant. I cannot wait to move out of here!
From: mirnap80012	Date: 12/19/2008
i'm soory that you have bad experience i work at retreat at city center i been here for over two years we don't have some one whit the name ------- here i believe you have the wrong retreat at city center we are in auora colorado thank you i hope you find i better place.
From: Anonymous	Date: 01/23/2009
You are so incorrect. I have lived at The Retreat for many years and have never experienced any bad attitutude from -------. Quite the oppisite, ------- is always friendly and courteous to me, and helps me out whenever I need anything. The entire staff for that matter is fantastic!!! I would recommend the Retreat to everyone looking for a great place to live.
From: Anonymous	Date: 02/13/2009
I live there now and am moving the heck out and yes ------- is about as bad as they come
From: S4n1ty	Date: 09/05/2009
I've lived here nearly 8 months, and if it weren't for a LEASE, I wouldn't be here now. And YES, ------- is about as sickeningly sweet as they come. She acts sweet and sarcastic and patronizing all at the same time.... They've changed the rules on us at least 3 times, and made it almost impossible to pay rent any other method but online, and I won't do that.

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