Via Ventura is an aging complex where you can live a laid-back existence. It is a pet-friendly community that welcomes dogs of all shapes and sizes and their owners, who may or may not pick up after them. The location is ideal for those who want to live in Scottsdale and have access to the green belt and major freeways. Notice, I didn't say "affordable," because while it is, it also has many hidden costs that put it on a par with other, newer communities. Price and maintenance are the main shortcomings here.

Price: This apartment community definitely earns a low rating in value. If you??re going to live here for a short time and are prepared to pay above market value, then you??re probably OK. If, on the other hand, you plan to stay here awhile, you can expect yearly increases without concessions. That is, unlike, say, New York, there is no benefit for a long term lessees.

Besides the base price, there are many extras here that can increase your monthly rent by as much as $100. These include the pass-along costs of water, sewer, and garbage. Then there are pet fees and insurance. You must pay for homeowner??s insurance to cover structural damage to the building. So, you are paying to insure someone else??s property. This insurance is $120 a year or more. In addition, you pay tax, of course, and all utilities. All Equity apartments have the same policies.

Maintenance: Via Ventura was, I believe, built in the 60s or 70s and has barely been upgraded. In the past couple of years they have installed new lighting and tried to remedy a major plumbing problem. These fixes, particularly the plumbing, are like putting bandaids on a hemorrhaging artery. They are patchwork, stopgap measures that won??t last for long. And while the maintenance staff are responsive and try to correct the many problems here, many are not skilled enough to do so. Finally, the longer you??re here, the less service you receive. New lessees, I believe, have a certain number of days to walk out if apartments are not satisfactory. So, at the beginning, the management is on its toes. And that??s the only time. Interesting to note, the managers of the complex never walk the property. Luckily, the assistant managers do, although they don??t have to live here. Despite being in the office a number of times, I haven??t even met the current manager, who has been here for months.

I have only stayed here because of inertia. I hate to move. Well, this time I??m going to move. Good luck!

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