The bar is set high if you want to qualify to rent at La Ventana. There is a fairly rigorous credit and criminal background screening as part of the application process. Thus, this is not the place to look if you have any problems in these areas. Some may consider this to be "snobby", but this IS the nicest neighborhood in ABQ, hands down. The complex is surrounded by million-dollar (more or less) homes. I like the fact that my neighbors have had to undergo some serious scrutiny.

There is a low-key shopping center across the street, making grocery shopping very convenient. There's also a video store, dry cleaners, hair salon and a UPS store.

The staff is very professional and responsive. Maintenance requests are handled quickly and efficiently. I found the apartment to be in excellent condition. While the fixtures are of a fairly standard grade, everything works well.

The somewhat Spartan layout of the complex results in many of the apartments facing or overlooking parking areas. This is the only deficiency in this regard. I chose an apartment facing the Sandia Mountains, which is working out wonderfully. If this had not been available I would have opted for an apartment facing an inner courtyard or the pool area. It really would be better if those apartments that did border on parking areas had some sense of separation, either through lusher landscaping or an actual wall/barrier. I couldn't imagine having headlights shining in my window constantly or not having a sense of privacy by virtue of openly facing a busy parking area!

As far as noise from neighbors, I find it to be minimal. This IS an apartment and as such one must expect the usual stuff. Even in my half-million dollar condo in Hawaii I could hear the neighbor banging cabinet doors closed on occasion, along with noise from cars, kids, etc. Big deal. If you can't handle such things, rent a house. There are plenty to choose from in ABQ.

In summary, I am thus far well pleased with La Ventana and can recommend it without reservation.

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