I think it is good to focus on the positive comments first. The maintenance is tip-top and responsive and now the maintenance guy lives on site so he is here for emergencies as well. There is usually enough parking for everyone and the area is safe. There is a new property manager who stepped in several months ago, and she seems to be just as thoughtful regarding tenant well-being as the lady she replaced.

Now the not-so-good things. I originally chose Walnut Creek because I like it to be very quiet since I have troubles sleeping. Most of the first year here was great. Right after I decided on renting for a second year, I began having trouble with my neighbors. They would blast their stereo late into the night, pounding the bass and thus pounding my walls. I filed multiple complaints, and it always seemed like I was getting the brush off because they assured me that my less-than-friendly neighbors were being evicted for a number of other reasons. But the noise issued dragged on for almost two months before the eviction finally went through. I understand this was mostly due to court dates and legal issues; and I am also very appreciative that the management promised to be more selective when renting that unit next time.

There are still some other issues going on. When they went to paint the unit next to mine to prepare for new tenants, the painters came on a Sunday night and started painting at 9 pm, working all through the night and making a bunch of racket. From what I could ascertain, this was because the carpet people were coming the next day. But frankly I think this was poor planning and very unacceptable, especially on a night when people have to go to work the next day.

Also, one of my neighbors now feels the need to blow the leaves away from his unit and all over the parking lot. He is usually out there every couple of days, as if it is his responsibility to clear the whole parking lot. There is nothing like the lovely sound of a leaf blower going for up to an hour straight. He also feels the need to use the leaf blower on peoples' cars as well. I believe his intentions are neighborly, but I would rather have him not use that thing at all.

Some other items: The parking lot is not adequately lit. If you get back home at night and you do not have your own porch light on, it is very difficult to see anything. The construction is old (1972 I believe) and there is lots of evidence of foundation settling and poor drywall work. Two of the doors in my townhouse don't even close all the way because the frames are so warped. Another issue is that the air flow to the second floor is awful. In the summer with the air conditioning, it is up to 15 degrees warmer upstairs. I have been told there is nothing that can be done other than close some of the vents to the downstairs rooms. As a result, the air conditioner runs almost constantly to keep the place cool enough downstairs that it is at least bearable upstairs. This keeps the utility bills pretty high. This may not be as big a deal for some, but I can't really keep windows open because of my allergies so I need to have the air on.

If you don't like dogs, don't move here either. They are everywhere, and they bark like crazy. Also, kids runs around the parking lot without regards to cars, and their parents don't seem to care. That is definitely an accident waiting to happen.

All in all, I may be making mountains out of mole hills, but these things bother me. I think most people are not as picky as I am. I have just had so many bad renting experiences that I seem to dwell on all the negatives. There are plenty of good things about this place, and most of my complaints are not the fault of the management. For this reason I would recommend Walnut Creek to others, but personally I won't be staying here after this lease expires. It's time to buy a house so I don't have neighbors on the other side of my walls.

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