This is what I've run into so far at Hidden Valley:

The GOOD:
The apartment is very spacious.
Adequate counter space in kitchen (as far as apartments go).
Built in microwave.
Refrigerator included (I had to bring my own before).
Full size washer and dryer.
The view is quite nice.
Large windows bring in a lot of light.
The walls were freshly painted.
Newer building (as compared to what I came from).
Architecture of buildings is nice.
Landscaping is nice in my area of the complex.
Grounds are kept fairly clean in my area of the complex.
I asked to have a few minor things fixed and they were fixed IMMEDIATELY.
Maintenance staff actually smiles and says hello, which to me speaks volumes.
The move in deposit didn't break the bank.

The BAD:
You don't see your actual apartment until the day you move in. I had made my decision to move here based upon the model they showed me. I was disappointed when I saw my actual unit (wasn't expecting perfection, but was definitely surprised at the state of the unit).
Carpet/flooring is not in great shape - while the apartments are only 6 years old, the carpet in this apartment seems to have taken a beating. Same with the flooring.
Appliances seem a little beat up as well.
The blinds don't go past the window sill - light is let in when you don't want it in.
Cabinets are cheap - definitely a "made in china" quality to them.
You can hear the neighbors "surround sound" stereo TV. Lucky for me it's not often.
Train (Amtrak/Metrolink) tends to startle you with the blaring horn - although I will say that I personally don't think it's unbearable. Freight trains are infrequent but you do feel like you're experiencing a mild earthquake when they do pass by.
You really have to be creative with storage - while there is a storage cabinet near your parking space, I'm not really keen on using it.
You must pay for gas, water, trash, sewer, and renters insurance - this might be the norm at most apartment complexes now, but wasn't at the last place I lived.
Seems like they really nickel and dime you on move out - the lease has a list of items that they look for at move out inspection and the cost for each (cost per floor tile, cost per lightbulb, cost per screen, etc).

The UGLY:
The cabinets.

SUMMARY:
If you are looking to upgrade your apartment living (as I was), then you *might* end up with some disappointment. Just be aware that the prices have come down for a reason, not just because the market demands it. I used to believe that this complex was a higher end complex (similar to the newer one by the mall). Now I realize that it's just another typical apartment complex. I unfortunately did not ask the right questions about my specific unit (will there be new carpet, what condition are the floors in, how long did the last people live there, was it ever used as corporate/temporary housing). I know better next time.
All this said, I think that overall, it is still a nice complex. You just have to come in with the right mindset. vWhRVi5nYYIuEh4W7K3l

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