Desert Arbor I

Pros

• The place is described as affordable, with issues resolved through work orders.
• The on-site manager is praised for being attentive and getting things done.
• Maintenance is reported as great, with problems fixed.
• Long-term residents feel comfortable living there and note friendly neighbors.
• Owners are described as caring about the property.
• A reviewer would give the place five stars.

Cons

• Reviewers claim the apartment was not ready when they moved in.
• They allege management lied about rent and even sued tenants with inflated numbers.
• They report bugs, leaking sinks/toilets, and city inspectors deeming the unit unlivable, forcing a move without air conditioning.
• They accuse the owners of being drug dealers who sell stolen cars and call them thieves.
• They state maintenance is hard to obtain, with roaches and bed bugs and a moldy pool used by homeless individuals.
• They say parking is poorly managed, with most spaces occupied by permanent visitors not on lease and many tenants owning multiple cars.
• They report no on-site manager, with staff only showing up to collect rent and then vanishing.
• They claim deposits and overpayments were stolen.

Review

What comes through clearly in these varied impressions is a mixed and often rocky experience with this property. A thread running through many reviews is that the place can feel inconsistent and unstable: move-in problems that leave residents feeling unsettled, maintenance that can be slow or uneven, and financial or administrative concerns that color every interaction with management. Some tenants describe the atmosphere as chaotic and money-driven, while a smaller number share moments of surprisingly good service from certain staff members. The end result is a picture of a community that can feel frustratingly reactive rather than proactive.

Several reviewers recount difficult move-ins and livability questions right from the start. One person notes that the apartment wasn't ready when they moved in, a shortfall that set the tone for later frustrations. There are additional reports of serious maintenance gaps - bugs reported by tenants, leaking sinks and toilets, and even a claim that the city deemed one unit unlivable due to conditions such as pest and plumbing issues. In one case, the situation was said to escalate to the point where residents were moved to a new unit, yet even that replacement didn't immediately resolve basic comfort issues like air conditioning in the first week. These early hiccups color how some residents view the property's reliability and responsiveness.

Financial disputes and allegations about rent and deposits appear as a recurrent theme. A few tenants describe deceptive or confusing rent charges and even threats of court action tied to those charges, with accounts of numbers that didn't add up and later corrections. Separately, at least one reviewer asserts they were deprived of their deposit and an overpayment, painting a picture of improper handling of funds that feeds ongoing distrust. While these are specific grievances raised by individuals, they collectively create an impression that financial matters and how they're communicated or documented can be a major source of tension for residents.

Pest problems, plumbing woes, and shared indoor amenities emerge as persistent pain points in several accounts. Roaches and bed bugs are mentioned, along with dirty pools and mold, especially in a setting where the pool is described as a place frequented by homeless individuals. The combination of ongoing pest concerns with stalled responses from maintenance or management can make ordinary daily living feel burdensome. In addition, some reviewers flag backlogs in handling the kitchen and other plumbing issues, leaving residents to improvise or endure until fixes arrive, which can stretch into weeks.

Management presence and responsiveness receive highly polarized treatment. A number of reviews condemn the on-site management as ineffective or largely absent - charged with collecting rent but not actively managing the property or addressing tenants' concerns. The sense of being left to handle issues on one's own is palpable in several accounts. On the flip side, at least one review credits a particular manager with being proactive, responsive, and capable of getting problems addressed quickly. That duality - one manager who is praised for taking action, and others who feel ignored or dismissed - creates a patchwork experience where tenants' experiences depend heavily on who is handling the building at any given time.

Parking, vehicle management, and on-site vehicle activity add another layer of challenge for residents. Several reviews point to a heavy presence of vehicles - often more cars than assigned spaces - and note that permanent visitors frequently occupy spots that tenants expect to be theirs. Complaints about outdated tags and insufficient enforcement contribute to a sense of disorganization around who gets to park where. There's also a few mentions of on-site commerce or uses of the property that touch on broader concerns about how money and resources are allocated, reinforcing a perception that some issues are tolerated to keep revenue flowing rather than resolved to improve living conditions.

Amid the chorus of complaints, a smaller but notable subset of experiences is more favorable. A few residents describe a long-term relationship with the property that has evolved over time, noting that while there have been ups and downs and changes in ownership or management, the current leadership has begun to introduce improvements and a greater sense of care. Another reviewer emphasizes that cheap rents can make the place attractive to newcomers, while also acknowledging ongoing maintenance and service challenges that may arise. These positive strands illustrate that, for some tenants, there is potential value here when management is responsive and the property is reasonably maintained.

Taken together, the reviews present a complex portrait of a property that has struggled with consistency and accountability. There are clear warnings about move-in readiness, ongoing maintenance delays, pests, and gatekeeping around parking and finances. Yet there are also pockets of effective management and periods of improvement that offer glimpses of a better living experience. For anyone considering this place, the cautionary notes suggest doing thorough due diligence: verify the current state of units, ask about recent renovations or changes in ownership, confirm how deposits and rent are handled, and get a clear picture of who will be responsible for addressing issues and how quickly. The overall message is to weigh the potential savings against the real risks of inconsistency and the possibility of having to navigate a difficult maintenance and administration process.

This part of Phoenix, Arizona offers a convenient and well-equipped community for senior living. With multiple pharmacies in close proximity, access to medical care and prescription medications is easily accessible. The abundance of parks provides opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation. A variety of restaurants cater to different culinary preferences, offering options for dining out or enjoying takeout meals. Places of worship are also nearby for those seeking spiritual fulfillment. Additionally, the presence of cafes allows for socializing and enjoying a cup of coffee with friends. Access to hospitals and physicians ensures quality healthcare services are readily available. Overall, this area provides a comfortable and convenient environment for seniors looking to settle down in Phoenix.

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.7 miles)
• Walgreens (1.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.8 miles)
• Walgreens (3.1 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.1 miles)
• Walgreens (3.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.4 miles)

Parks

• Royal Palm Park (0.9 miles)
• Phoenix Mountain Preserve (1.7 miles)
• Granada Park (2.9 miles)
• Moon Valley Park (3.8 miles)
• Conocido Park (4.9 miles)

Restaurants

• Taco Bell (1.2 miles)
• In-N-Out Burger (2.2 miles)
• Beatitudes Bistro (2.3 miles)
• Filiberto's Mexican Food (2.4 miles)
• Lenny's Burger (2.9 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (3.4 miles)
• Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers (3.5 miles)

Places of Worship

• Open Door Fellowship Church (1.2 miles)
• First United Methodist Church of Phoenix (3.8 miles)
• Pure Heart Christian Fellowship (4.9 miles)
• Christ Church of the Ascension (5.9 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (2.4 miles)
• Starbucks (3.8 miles)
• Starbucks (3.9 miles)
• Press Coffee - The Roastery (4.2 miles)
• Panera Bread (4.8 miles)
• Lux Central (4.9 miles)
• Starbucks (5.1 miles)

Hospitals

• Surgical Specialty Hospital Of Arizona (2.9 miles)
• Abrazo Central Campus (3.4 miles)
• Carl T Hayden VA Medical Center, Recreation Therapy (5.3 miles)
• St Josephs Neurological ICU (6.1 miles)
• St Joseph's Hospital & Med Center: Deguzman Brian J MD (6.2 miles)

Physicians

• Keystone Natural Family Medicine (4.1 miles)
• Phoenix Skin Medical Surgical Group (4.2 miles)
• Bethany Women’s Healthcare (4.5 miles)
• Northwest Clinic For Children (4.6 miles)
• West Valley Ear Nose & Throat (5.2 miles)
• NOAH Palomino Health Center (5.3 miles)
• Aoc (5.8 miles)