I've read all the reviews and responses for this apartment complex and I would have disagree with the majority of them due to my personal experiences after having lived in this apartment complex for almost 8 months.

I moved in and had several issues with the construction but they were taken care of in a timely manner.
1) The water in my toilet was heated (not happy about that month's bill) and they had to bust through the wall to fix the pipes. It was corrected and the wall was repaired and repainted. No one would even guess the plumber messed up even if you look at the wall closely because the painters did a great job.

2) The bathtub wasn't caulked and I still have caulk I can't get off the bottom of the tub from when they came in to caulk it a few weeks after moving in.

3) I bought ceiling fans and had them installed- they match my furniture and look very nice. I'm glad I got to pick out my own and they were on sale at Home Depot.

4) The upstairs apartment residents are very loud at times but that might be because I'm a rather quite person. I don't have ambient noises such as music, t.v., or the dishwasher (which I run while I'm asleep). My biggest issue with noise was the dogs everyone has in this complex. It was very quite when I moved in and I had no problems sleeping. Then more people moved in and it seems young (other than myself) people like to buy pets when they get their 1st apartment. They usually buy puppies who love to bark and whine at all hours of the day and night. I called after several hours about two dogs left on a balcony during the night. Management took care of the problem and added to the newsletter a request not to leave pets on the balconies for long periods of time. I don't have problems sleeping at night anymore because there are no loud dogs.

Parking -I get off work at 10pm so I usually have to park a short distance from my apartment. Sometimes I have to park several buildings away but everyone could use a little more exercise now and then. I could purchase covered parking right outside my apartment but I don't want to spend the money and it is healthier to walk even if I'm tired from work.

Pool- I wish the pools was heated or at least on a timer so residents could heat it for their use but I understand this would increase the cost of living here. I like to sit out by the pool when no one else is there- and that's fairly often during the day. The pools are beautiful and the tile work is gorgeous. I love the fountain.

Saying the apartments are poorly made is incorrect, in my opinion. The management claims the apartments are energy efficient and they are. My electric bill is usually under $30/month unless it is the summer and it is a little over $40/month. Compare this to my old apartment in South Austin which was poorly constructed and the utility bills were over $100/month in the winter and $200/month in the summer.


I go into the office to pay rent and pick up packages on occasion. I have never had a negative experience with the staff and never witnessed one either. They have always been prompt in their responses and maintenance takes care of anything I need repaired or installed.

I don't like having to drive down to the light and turn around either, but if there were a cut-through at the entrance to Center Lake Dr, I'm not sure I'd use it. The road curves enough that it is difficult to see cars coming around the bend and they are usually going about 60 to 65 mph. You can't be in a hurry to come home or leave, you do have to be patient. There is a problem with people speeding through the complex at all hours. I have almost been hit several times when backing out of a space- and I look before I get into my car and back out slowly trying to look in both directions.

After almost 8 months of living here at Bella Sarah, I would consider renewing my lease. I say consider, because I may move into Bella Springs, their new property being built next door. I like living here and I feel safe. I don't have any major and few minor problems with the complex. (I actually hate the BBQ grills- They are tacky. I think if you want to cook out you should do that on your back porch/patio of your home where the smoke doesn't invade your neighbor's porch/patio and the grill is covered when not in use- but I hate to eat BBQ as well- and I'm a native Texan). The noise level is considerably less than I've experienced elsewhere and most of the puppies have grown up a little and quit whining/barking all the time. This is the best place I've ever lived and better than any place my friends have or currently live and that's considering apartments anywhere in this price range, below this price range, and a couple above for that matter.

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