Apartment Review for Pinnacle At Talega - San Clemente, CA

My Wife & I have lived here since the property opened. The staff has always been very friendly and helpful. Other reviews have been unreasonably harsh, so our review should help provide some realistic observation:

Security> The gate is commonly stuck "open" and neighboring kids often jump the fence for access to the jacuzzi. We feel safe living here. Parking security is hit/miss; all my tools were stolen from my truck while parked in a well-lit section of the lot. Parking patrols were not frequent at the time (they are now).

Parking> We have two cars & a motorcycle. Parking is tight when the occupancy rate runs high, but it's not unreasonable. Mailboxes are near our parking area.

Appearance> Landscaping is well-kept. Building exteriors also. Trash and debris are regularly cleaned.

Management> The staff have gone out of their way for us many times. Felix (maintenance) is excellent. Issues/complaints are usually handled quickly.

Condition of unit> We moved in when our unit was new. The only complaint is the low-quality paint used on the walls. Maintenance provided us with touch-up paint to resolve a few blemishes. The appliances are mid-high quality and function reliably.

Noise> Our first few years were utterly SILENT! After our first neighbor moved away, the new neighbors have been excessively noisy. Complaints to management have not resolved this issue, unfortunately. We will likely move at the end of our lease because of the noise factor. Obviously, this is completely dependant on the courtesy of your neighbors. Windows are double-pane and the walls aren't too thin, but an inconsiderate neighbor will find a way through it just fine. Also, the fire-alarms are sensitive and are frequently heard around dinner time.

Overall Rating> The most common demographic seems to be young singles/couples, young families, and military personnel. Some buildings are quieter than others. Price per sq. ft. is reasonable, considering the amenities. Maintenance service and personnel is excellent. Management has proven attentive to our needs. Rent increases have been modest and have been negotiable when the increase is unreasonable. Population density isn't too bad, with the average occupancy rate ~90-95%.

Recommendation> If you fit the demographic, this place is great. The pool/jacuzzi/gym is not too busy. Community appearance is professional. If you have a large dog, prefer a yard or want peace/quiet from attached-wall living, this community may not be ideal.