The Villages of Chapel Hill

I moved here from Ohio a year ago and as soon as I moved in I was getting small bites. I thought they must be spider bites, but months later, I found out my apartment had a full-blown flea infestation. I have no pets. I believe the carpet was already infested when I moved in as the place was not clean. When the end of my lease came up at the end of February, I had not been notified at all about renewal options. I read my lease, which stated that if I didn't sign a renewal, it would automatically go month-to-month. I paid my March rent as usual, and then a week later, I received a door mailer saying I owed $300. When I went to the office to inquire, I was informed that this was a recurring month-to-month premium. I was also informed that if I wanted to renew my lease for a year, there would be a price hike. When I said I had not been notified, showing my lease as documentation of the information I had, I was berated by the new property manager. She grabbed the lease out of my hands, telling me it was in there and that she would find it. Well, it wasn't in there, and she didn't find it, but she continued to yell at me that it was my responsibility as a tenant to know the policy since it's like that everywhere. Her combative and defensive demeanor did not change, so much so that I started crying in her office. When I asked if I could speak to someone higher up, she said no. Eventually, I got a hold of the Regional manager, who listened but insisted that I was dealt with directly, but professionally. Since I was supposed to be informed of my renewal options 60 days prior to my lease ending and was not, I gave my notice and asked for the extra $300 month-to-month charge to be waived for those 60 days (March and April). The Regional manager refused to waive it for April. These companies are only about making money, and this one is especially terrible towards their tenants. Not only that, but the apartments themselves are built with the cheapest materials, have roaches, and the lights are all fluorescent, so if you don't want to feel like you're in a hospital, you have to buy your own lighting. Do not live somewhere where the quality is poor, the people will treat you badly, and where your rent will go up every year based on "market value," while no improvements will be made to your actual living space. I'm counting down the days until I can leave. There are nicer places in the area with better management.

Overall, although the grounds are mostly beautiful, residents are not treated well. Several residents have reported being over-charged for rent. People don't always pick up after their dogs and there are a LOT of dogs. This complex is on their 4th management team in two years. There is an odor at some of the buildings that is more than unpleasant. There are some happy residents but we are starting to become fed up with being mistreated and unheard.

Amenities are NOT as advertised. No access to the large pool/grills for at least 2 1/2 years, no access to the small pool this year, fitness center is a safety hazard - wires hanging from the ceiling, boards on the floor, door left open. Recently, the dumpsters were overflowing for at least 2 weeks. The small pool won't pass inspection bc the 911 box nearby is inoperable. Residents are being told that Orange County hasn't been able to come out this summer to inspect

If the previous reviews did not convince you to stay away from this place please heed my warning. DO NOT MOVE HERE! This has been the worst apartment complex I have ever lived in. The apartments may look nice on the outside but they are completely broken down underneath. The new management company is even worst than the previous one and will screw you out of your money after you've signed the lease.. YOU'VE BEEN WARNED...

While 3rd group properties has given the complex a makeover, they have done a poor job at managing the place. I much preferred living here under Graystar. Save your time and money. Look elsewhere.

I lived there for a year and I enjoyed my quiet, safe and convenient location. My apartment had plenty of natural light and the room arrangements are some of the more practical ones I have seen. Unfortunately my energy bill was always sky high with me a single person paying up to $200 a month. This was a major reason for leaving the apartment(star1). I was told it wasn't the case in all buildings so you can ask about that when you visit to ensure you are in an energy efficient building. Sadly the process of leaving was the worst experience(star2). I was very disappointed with my refund and the reasons for the deductions made, many minor issues carried major charges(eg. $50 for two(literally two) holes made by small screws which I attempted to patch though unsuccessfully apparently). Google it you can pay $15 to have a professional patch it or $35 for an hour in which they will patch and repaint the walls. In addition to that, the administration while they were super helpful and efficient at move-in are quite the opposite when you are moving out. The final star(star 3) goes because I feel swindled. My apartment came with no washer and dryer so I bought my own. They are dated but they work perfectly. I no longer need a washer and dryer and the villages said they'd make me an offer. Within my move-out week they offered me $50 for both the washer and dryer. I thought this was unreasonable so I sold the washer to a student but could not sell the dryer in time. They had to remove it and charged me $60. That guys, is Petty level 100. It cost more to remove the dryer than it would cost to leave both the washer and dryer so they could profit from it forever! Indeed villages you have out pettied me! I had hopes of returning to the Villages to live in a more energy efficient apartment one day but I had already signed a new lease and found a roommate. Now, even though I love love love the natural light and the environment, I would prefer to live in a place with reasonable and fair staff, throughout the entire process. In case someday I need to rely on their fairness in resolving a real issue. If you plan to live there forever it may be worth while. But if you plan to walk away you may want to think twice.

I've lived at Villages for about a month and I think I might still need a few more months before I can accurately say my opinion of it but here is so far what I can attest to: Pros- Location: The area is lovely and I feel super safe. Staff: I think the staff are friendly and pleasant. Maintenance: They are an excellent group. Always come in promptly. They're also very nice people! Apartment: The apartment is actually pretty nice looking for what they're charging compared to the other apartments in the area. They have some pretty spacious apartments which is pretty nice. Cost: Price is not too bad compared to other places and I think grad students can easily afford it. Offers incentives to UNC affiliates. Cons- Administration: I think they could use some more work in the administrative side of things. Personally, I haven't had many issues but I can understand how some people would. Rent Cafe- It's their rent payment system. I dislike it. It needs to be more user friendly. The first time I used it I was having trouble just getting the payments to work and set up correctly. Pest Control- Pests themselves are not an issue, really, but be warned, you need to actually call them every week to have pest control services spray your apt -- even though it is a mandatory charge on your monthly bill. I don't understand and I think it's inefficient. Ventilation- So this is tricky because not all the apartments are the same. We live on the ground level in a 2 BR apt but the vents are not in ideal locations at all and so we will get really cold in our living room even though our meter reads like 75 F -- which is not energy efficient at all. Even in your bed room it can get chilly an it's probably due to the large windows. I've stood near the vents and it's warmer but that somehow doesn't circulate well to the rest of the rooms. Laundry- Not my favorite thing to do but it seems harder here. For a place with so many units, they sure have few laundry facilities. Every three or so buildings have one little laundry place with like 4 washers and 4 dryers. This is for three buildings each with like 20 apts and probably 50 residents (being conservative with these estimates). Cosmetics- This is just me but I hate the popcorn ceilings. I also think the entire apt does not need to be carpeted (hallways especially) and it doesn't even help with the insulation in my opinion.

I have not moved into these apartments, but I have signed a lease and will update after move-in. My current review is based on my experience living in the area for over eights years and being a renter in the area for half that time. The complex is big, woodsy and beautiful. Smith Level is a fairly busy road, but it's big and far away enough from the road to feel like a quiet neighborhood. The prices for these units are more than reasonable for the area. This area is expensive no matter what, and the studio prices are the lowest that you will find for the quality of the complex. Again, grounds are gorgeous, the clubhouse is nice and the gym looks great. Have been apartment shopping for a couple of weeks. The Villages staff has been the most responsive and helpful throughout the process of looking through floor plans and visiting units. That being said, I haven't lived at the complex yet, so I don't know what state the unit will be in and/or what the response time will be like for maintenance. Overall, still feel I made the right choice for a nice, affordable apartment in the area.

It is nice to be able to sit in my living room and watch television while I look out my screen deck and take in the fresh air.

I would recommend The Village of Chapel Hill Apartments to my friends. I lived in several different apartments in Carrboro and Chapel Hill. I found the staff in The Village is the best I have ever known. They are patient and extremely helpful. I never have any problem with them so far. The neighborhood is super clean and quiet. It is safe too. I like this apartments location, it is on D and J bus lines, only minutes bus to UNC campus, very convenient. The Utility is fair or cheap. The gym and swimming pool are clean and open 24hours. The price is fair. I am pretty happy here so far.

I have lived here for half year or so. I would say this community is really great. First thing I care about is the distance to work. The Village is on J and D bus lines. I take only 5min bus to UNC everyday. It is also quite near downtown carborro and chapel, 15min bus if not 10min. The neighbourhood is safe, quiet. The staff in leasing office has been really polite and helpful from day one. The gym is awesome and open 24hours. There are twoi swimming pools and they are very nice and clean. The whole place is really awesome and can't be better. Highly Recommend!!!

Great quiet location in Carrboro within minutes to Downtown Chapel Hill and the North Chatham area. The apartment complex is beautiful, inviting and the staff are accommodating. I've had a couple minor maintenance requests and they were prompt and friendly with their service. A 5 star location in Orange County and I would definitely recommend.

After graduating college and moving out of my parents home I didn't know what to expect. So far The Villages of Chapel Hill has not let me down. In every sense of the word "village" this community has been very helpful. The staff is caring and compassionate about their quality of work. The move in process was very comprehensive for a first time renter like myself and expedient! The Village is a picturesque place to reside with well maintained grounds nestled away by beautiful trees. The neighbors I have encountered are friendly and noise conscience which leads to a very quiet and comfortable place to live. Also, this community includes a plethora of activities someone could indulge in like: the tennis court, two pools, multiple parks, multiple barbecue areas and a state of the art gym. I honestly don't know if I am ever moving out, I love this place!

I've lived here for a month or so and have loved coming home to this complex ever since I moved in. The office staff has been both polite and extremely helpful from day one. Any thing that I needed taken care of in my unit was fixed within days of my request. It's a seculed neighborhood but still in a convenient area since its on a bus line which is great since I don't drive. For those who do have a car, there are multiple highways and shopping centers in close proximity. I'm happy with my stay so far. -FDVPB

Do yourself a favor and read other reviews regarding the new management that has acquired the property since spring 2015. When I say they are rude, unconcerned and ruthless, it is an understatement. We are leaving in August and we cannot wait to leave. The assistant manager is so concerned about being right, she isn't concerned about losing residents. She has disconnected my call, placed me on hold for long periods of time, broken her commitment to call me back or return my emails all while calling me unprofessional. She seems a bit immature and unprofessional herself. We were not given notice of the new acquisition, and like several other residents, we were not able to pay our rent online, causing a late payment, a fee and a disdain. When we went to Wal-mart to pick up the money order, they asked what had happen, that we were the 13th people to come in that day and pick up a money order due to late rent. The assistant manager insisted that we were the only ones to pay rent late due and that we were notified via a note on the door however it wasn't their responsibility to notify us. While they claimed they gave us notice, we were still being billed for both water and rent by the prior management company for 2 months after the very hostile take over. Really, go elsewhere. The place was a mess before they took over, but at least the management company was compassionate and friendly. The heating and air is awful, very high electric bills, no water pressure, roaches, rats, ants......just walk away. Think I am just bitter? Read other's reviews.