UPDATE May 2018
Pool and hot tub remodel is finally finished and everything in good working order. Fantastic new pool deck furniture, an outdoor shower, larger bathroom, and a second entry gate were added.
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UPDATE August 2015
All laundry rooms were recently remodeled and updated with brand new washers and dryers. They are now operated by simply using your credit card in the machine. Prices have gone up slightly to $2.50 per wash and .75 per dry.
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We really like it at La Colina Gardens. We rent a 3 bedroom end unit with an enclosed back patio area, and have been here 9 months. We have made several requests for minor maintenance with a repair time of less than a day in most cases.
The grounds are well kept and the maintenance staff are really friendly. Management has been nothing but nice. They are always available and accessible, and quick to respond to any needs or concerns you may have. They keep a regular maintenance schedule on everything from replanting old landscape and pool cleaning, to changing out appliances and carpets.
The complex is very pet friendly and allows a variety of sizes. Dog waste bag stations are strategically placed around the grounds. The complex is also fenced off from the creek bed along the back property which helps to deter unwanted wildlife and coyote attacks. Foothill Vet Hospital is also located across the street on Cieneguitas Rd.
There are a lot of families with kids here. It's conveniently located just down the hill from La Colina Jr.High, which can be accessed via a short walking path from the far back corner of the property. There is no playground, but the kids have plenty of green space to play and the swimming pool is popular. The swimming pool is salt water and heated with solar roof tubing. The pool furniture is in good condition, with plenty of loungers, small tables, and decorative planters.
Each unit has its own unique front door appeal, with a variety of landscape plants, trees, and flowers; along with a variety of back yard/patio options, which I find adds some character and a little room to personalize. There are 5 separate laundry rooms on site with machines operated by pre-loaded cards. The washing machines are $2 a wash, and .50 for dry. The dryers are fantastic and dry everything the first time.
The 3 bedroom unit comes with 2 parking spots in a covered carport area. I think the smaller units may only come with one, but you can request/rent another, or a separate accessible parking spot. Each designated carport unit has a lockable wall cabinet for extra storage. There are guest parking spots throughout the complex, and nearby street parking on Foothill and Cieneguitas. The complex is on or near several city bus routes, and bicycle routes, and easily accesses Hwy.154, upper State St., and the 101. It's really a great location!
One of my favorite discoveries is living so close to the San Marcos Foothill Preserve. It can be reached within minutes either driving or walking, and is a lovely place to hike, trail run, walk the dogs, and catch a nice view of the ocean. The closest grocery stores are Smart & Final, Vons, and Whole Foods which are about mile away, with Gelson's and Trader Joe's nearby.
The rent is a little higher than what we would have liked to pay, but if you are looking for a place that doesn't suck for the money, is pet friendly, and not too far from everything, this is a good one. read more