Apartment Review for Valencia Plantation Apartments - Orlando, FL

Valencia was a true gem among all the apartments we looked at before moving to Orlando. Yes, it is more expensive than other apartments in the size we were looking for (900+ Sq Ft)...but we felt it was worth it. And it really was. Notice the past tense. New management took over the property in 2010, though it is still operated by Equity Residential. Since the change in property manager, we've witnessed a neglect in overall property appearance, the ponds have been filled with algae for weeks; there's pruning debris all over the property (also now for weeks); the trash piles up in front of the compactor on the weekends; and what's worse - the attitude from the office is one of contention not friendliness. It really has been a poor transition. Yes, change is difficult, especially when you liked the situation you were in - but I think it's the responsibility of the new mgmt to make the transition as seamless as possible. Communication is extremely poor. For instance - residents are notified two days before something is going to happen in which access is needed to the unit - generally with the request that the renter does something prior to the assigned date. What if I was on vacation - would they just throw my stuff on the lawn? Despite concerns over the new mgmt - the maintenance staff are still here and very helpful and friendly. The property does feel safe, is gated (automated key cards), has nice amenities, and is a step above other apartments in the area. It would be nice though if the property didn't take ideas they found in an article in Vogue to try and make this a better place to rent...mulch, rejects twirling signs on a median, and opening the office on Sundays don't quite cut it when you already live here...figure it out or we are gone. Oh FYI - you are close to the Orlando International Airport and in line with a landing strip - so there is an adjustment to planes landing.