I've lived at Villa Siena for a year, it is easy to get caught up in the "resort" looks of the place. I even read some of these comments before renting and questioned the sales director about them. Her answer was that some were blatantly false, and others were over exaggerated. She said there are occasional problems but it is because the complex is a lot larger than most other Irvine communities so proportionally more things will happen. She also said that you only hear from the people who were upset but the thousands that were happy don't post.

To be fair, I'm going to post about both the good and bad things I experienced at the Villa Siena.

I've read all of the comments and I'm not saying that none of them are true but I didn't see the major things that I had heard rumors about. The complex is massive so I don't doubt that there are some problems in some of the buildings.

I didn't have much time to move due to job relocation so I gave them a chance. At least it looked nicer.

I lived in building 40 overlooking the nature preserve. The apartments were very nice. I'm a 30 year-old professional so my hard-core partying days are over. I just want to relax when I come home. They definately let in too many students from UCI which is where many of the problems originate. Nothing against being a student. I myself WAS a student at UCI years ago, but at this stage in my life, I just want to work hard and relax at home which is what I feel many of the other tenants are looking for, especially at this price range.

One of the reasons for moving here was the apparent security but anyone can get into this community by just waiting at the back gate for residents to enter. Heck, it even happens at the FRONT gate where there is a gaurd!!! What good is that' Security cameras would be great but wouldn't help if a gaurd at the front gate doesn't work.

And lets not even talk about the fire alarms that are set off at 2:00am. Remember, the fire alarms have a piercing noise and aren't just outside, they are linked to your bedrooms too. You can't turn them off and it could be an hour before the high-pitched ringing stops. After the second time this happened, I was ready to move. I doubt they ever caught the person who set it off. More students thinking they are "cool"' There are two jacuzzis at the main pool but one was broken and off limits for months.

Parking can be bad, but mostly due to the fact that you have 4 students with 4 cars in a two bedroom apartment (not to mention their friends that come to visit). The pool is also so packed on weekends that it is easier to drive to the beach than use the pool that you are PAYING for.

I can't believe how small the gym is. I've lived in places half the price that have a gym twice the size.

The college kids also appear to think the back street, Carlson, is a drag strip and screech their tires at every chance. Get the city to install speedbumbs or something. Yes, it would be a hassle but that's the point, right'

The maintenance team was very good and fixed everything right away. But they can't get a pool gate that doesn't slam shut'!!! It is broken every other week and sometimes you have to walk all the way around the complex to the next entrance.

I had heard things about cars being broken into (received a notice about this from management), porn movies being shot in one apartment, a suicide in another, and an FBI bust in another. But again, I've never seen any of this stuff first hand so I'm not sure if any of it is true or not. Though there have been several times when I've seen 3-4 cop cars inside the gates.

I can only base my review on my own experience and it wasn't entirely bad in building 40.

My major issue is that it is WAY overpriced but I don't blame the staff for this. I blame the IAC. Put my money towards better security and strict noise standards instead of hiring 3 different gardening companies. These are things that would directly affect the quality of life for the tenants. I don't care about the extra palm tree.

The staff was very nice and we went to several of the functions offered and had a good time. I think the year I started living there (early 2006) they had a complete turn over on management. Maybe that helped.

You really have to use the facilities if you are going to get your rent value. You can get an ocean view apartment in Laguna Beach for the same price, or an ocean front place in San Clemente for just slightly more. And it is only a 20-30 min drive.

The Villa Siena is not the worst place you can live but I'm waiting for someone to justify the price to me.

I would urge everyone not to get blinded by the pretty surroundings. Where do you think all of that rent is going' It just isn't worth the price. It can be nothing more than a high priced frat house in some of the buildings. Villa Siena seems to be all about "perceived" value. They suck you in with their walk-through tour.

User Responses
From: christismyhome	Date: 02/16/2007
Very interesting as I am looking to rent here and also as a busy professional want a peaceful and SECURE place to come home to. Was thinking about renting in bldg 45, but 2100$ for 2 BR den seems steep. Do you have any more comments? Your review was very helpful, thanks.
From: Anonymous	Date: 04/07/2007
A very honest comment. I also live in building 40 with my 3 kids and wife. I never let my wife and kids walk around the complex because one time they were harrased verbally (you are sexy, you are hot)by some tenants who are fully tatooed and fully foolish. In general, Irvine worst residents are living in Villa Siena and I am not happy to be living here. I am planning to move to the village were I heard they don't allow young students to rent. I am not sure though.
From: Anonymous	Date: 09/11/2007
I lived in villa siena for 5 yeats and just last month moved to the village. I am definitely happier here. Regular maintenance of Villa Siena just went downhill.
From: Anonymous	Date: 09/27/2007
I am considering moving to Villa Siena and am concerned about crowding issues at the pool, and I didn't get to see the 24 hr fitness center. I just assumed it was larger than the one we saw. Where is the Village???

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