I go to Concordia which is behind the complex.
I've been here about 9 months and so far i've had good experiences as well as bad.
If you go to Concordia, it's a great option. I can just walk across the parking lot instead of having to get my car and drive over. Location wise the apartments are not in the best part of Austin as far as amenities. In my opinion, there is really nothing much out here except Walmart and a plethora of every bank you can imagine.
As far as the quality of the apartments, I would say it's average to above average. The apartments are carpeted and the kitchens have a 'faux' laminate flooring which isn't the nicest but it's relatively easy to clean. The cabinetry is laminate. The appliances included are basic, but they are in good shape. I believe my apartment is 710 square feet, but i'm not sure exactly. It's the second highest end option for the one bedroom apartments at Alara. Overall, my apartment is spacious. As far as the bathroom, it's pretty basic and I wish there was an overhead light instead of a side-mounted fixture near the toilet. I'm on the first floor so I feel like I don't really have much privacy. I don't keep anything out on my porch. If i had the option I would most likely move up a floor or two.
I enjoy some of the community amenities such as the gym located in the welcome center. It's a moderately nice gym, with enough machines for most individuals. The community is somewhat safe enough to walk there at night. I go their often but I always keep a close eye on my surroundings if I walk their by foot. As far as safety is concerned, I don't have the best feeling of being secure here. My neighbors are extremely loud and somewhat violent and cause extreme disturbances day and night. The community has a key pin gate however I'm pretty sure every Concordia student knows the pin by now. I've seen an officer patrollthe community before but it was only once. As far as them being their all the time, I don't think thats true at all. Safety could be better enforced at Alara with more security measures. It is true that the Steakhouse shooter lived in this community. I was somewhat perturbed when we received a notice a day later saying there had been an incident. I always lock my doors and windows while at home. I do NOT recommend leaving your apartment unlocked while you are there or not. I also recommend getting a security system, especially if you are on ground level.
The corridors in between the apartments are moderately well kept but my doorway seems to attack a lot of leave and dirt blowing in the wind. That can be quite annoying after a few days. I feel like the community is generally well kept but the staff really doesn't seem to care about aesthetics at all. There is dog poop pretty much everywhere so beware and watch your step haha.
I've had extremely positive experiences with the management staff. As far as dealing with rent or submitting a complaint about noisy neighbors they have helped me to the best of their ability. I mean no they are not the most pleasant people at times, however they have never done anything to me which was considered rude or snippy. Service requests usually are attended to promptly however I would not call your request in. Go in to the front office and speak with the property manager and shell help you getting matienence there the same day.
Overall, being at Alara has been a somewhat pleasant experience. I would recommend it if you are a Concordia University Student. However, if I had the option to move this summer I most likely would. Unfortunately, there is really limited options close to the school. Like any apartment every resident is going to have their own issues, so don't expect perfection. You won't find that anywhere. and I would definitely research your options before moving in. Make sure you READ your lease entirely. There are a lot of hidden fees which you might have to pay, such as for a dish installation. Also note, if you have a pet you will be required to pay a pet rent fee.

Your thoughts? Post a response to this review. Display my response: with my username anonymously Responses appear below reviews and one response per user is permitted.

   Free estimates on moving trucks      Find apartment share/roommates