Vista Ridge of Magnolia

Pros

• The refrigerator and possibly the range were brand new.
• The property is not a bad place to live for the money.
• It is close to everything.

Cons

• The reviewers describe the property management as unprofessional and deceitful, accusing them of lying to take money.
• They claim the rent was increased by $50 without notifying them.
• The apartment was misrepresented as upstairs and ready, but was actually a dirty downstairs unit with visible mold in the bathroom, bathtub, and sink.
• They state the holding fee was non-refundable, despite no disclosure in the application or offer letter, and it was only contested after they decided not to move in.
• They report numerous maintenance and safety issues, including a dirty bathroom, mold, and a failing or inadequate cooling system.
• They describe the property as poorly maintained overall, with a corroded roof, leaking ceilings, dirty gutters, and a parking lot/sidewalks in disrepair.
• The reviewers recount rude and unresponsive management, with requests for fixes met with hostility and dismissiveness.

Review

A flurry of complaints across multiple reviews paints a consistently troubling picture of the rental property and the people who manage it. Several tenants describe a pattern of unprofessional behavior, misrepresentation, and what they perceive as deceptive practices designed to secure money from prospective residents. The overarching thread is that promises made during initial contact or in paperwork do not match what new renters actually encounter, and when concerns are raised, the response is dismissive or defensive.

One recurring theme is a misrepresentation of rental terms and unit details. In one account, the rent was quoted at an initial price, only to be increased by $50 a couple of weeks later without any notice. Another reviewer reports being told they would be getting an upstairs apartment, only to discover that the unit they were shown and expected to move into was in fact downstairs. The same reviewer was told the apartment would be clean and ready, but when they or a trusted friend inspected it, it appeared dirty and had a bathroom with visible mold. This reviewer emphasizes that the conditions were unhealthy and unsafe for moving in, and notes video-recorded evidence and photos to support the claim.

The handling of holding fees and deposits emerges as a particularly contentious point. According to the reviews, a holding fee was paid via money order, and the offer letter suggested that the fee would be offset against the first month's rent and security deposit. The reviewer contends that nowhere in the application or offer letter did it state that the holding fee was non-refundable, yet staff told them it was non-refundable. The complainant says they did not sign any lease or policy document explicitly agreeing to a non-refundable holding fee, and that the property management refuses to return the money, citing legal action as the next step. This discrepancy between what was promised or stated in writing and what was later claimed by management is a prominent grievance.

Beyond the move-in process, the quality and condition of the units themselves are repeatedly criticized. Several accounts describe dirt, dampness, and mold in bathrooms; leaky ceilings; deteriorating doors and windows; and a general sense that the interiors were far from finished or well-maintained. One account highlights that while the refrigerator and possibly the range were brand new, many other elements - such as floors, doors, and windows - were in disrepair. Another review mentions that air conditioning did not keep the apartment cool during hot months, with broader complaints about dinginess and a dungeon-like atmosphere. Exterior concerns also appear, including sidewalks, curbs, and parking areas in need of substantial work.

Management responsiveness and accountability are also key issues. One reviewer explicitly blames a property manager named Dave Saunders for a lack of property upkeep, claiming that the roof is corroded, the ceiling leaks, gutters aren't clean, and dumpsters were removed for days due to non-payment. The sentiment is that their primary focus is collecting rent rather than maintaining the property, with warnings not to move there. A different reviewer calls out the same or a related manager as disrespectful and unhelpful when requests for repairs are made, suggesting that emergencies or health hazards (like mold) go unaddressed. The language used across these reports is consistently harsh, painting a picture of a management team that is perceived as uncaring and dismissive.

Several testimonials underscore serious safety and health hazards associated with living there. Instances include persistent AC failures during hot months, mold development in bathrooms following leaks, and a recurring complaint about carbon monoxide detectors sounding off frequently. One account even describes a "slumlord" atmosphere, where leaky ceilings, mold, and rude staff combine to create an unsafe living environment. The presence of mold, dampness, and ongoing plumbing or structural issues is flagged as not just an inconvenience but a potential health risk for residents, including families with small children.

Despite the predominately negative assessments, there is at least a fleeting mention of a more positive note in one review, stating that the apartment offered good value for the money and was close to relevant amenities, with parking described as limited but not entirely prohibitive. However, this tempered remark is vastly outweighed by the other experiences that emphasize neglect, misrepresentation, and hostility from management. The overall impression conveyed is of properties that many tenants feel are run down, poorly maintained, and managed by individuals who appear to prioritize rent collection over safe, habitable living conditions.

In sum, the collected experiences describe a pattern of miscommunication and misinformation, with unit conditions that many tenants deem unsafe or unhealthy at move-in and in the months that follow. The handling of money, particularly the holding fee, is a focal point of dispute, raising questions about disclosure and transparency in the rental process. Across the board, reviewers call for accountability and better maintenance, alongside more professional and responsive management. The consistent thread is a warning to potential renters to proceed with extreme caution, verify every detail in writing, and be prepared for a difficult, if not confrontational, experience with property management.

This part of Magnolia, New Jersey offers a variety of amenities and services that cater to the needs of seniors. The area is home to several pharmacies including Rite Aid, CVS Pharmacy, and Walgreens, making it convenient for residents to access their medication and healthcare supplies. There are also reputable hospitals such as Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital, Virtua Voorhees Hospital, and Cooper University Hospital nearby for any medical emergencies or routine check-ups. In terms of dining options, there are family-friendly restaurants like Ponzio's Diner-Bakery-Bar and Bob Evans, as well as fast-food chains like McDonald's and Chick-Fil-A. Additionally, there are cafes like Jersey Java & Tea and Starbucks for those looking to relax and socialize with friends. For entertainment, residents can enjoy parks like Country Farms Park and cultural experiences at theaters such as Landmark Theatres - Ritz Five in the nearby city of Philadelphia. Overall, this area provides a well-rounded environment for seniors seeking convenience, healthcare services, dining options, and recreational activities.

Restaurants

• Walt Whitman Service Area (0.4 miles)
• Ponzio's Diner-Bakery-Bar (1.7 miles)
• McDonald's (2.7 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (2.7 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (2.8 miles)
• Bob Evans (3.4 miles)
• The Capital Grille (3.7 miles)

Pharmacies

• Rite Aid (0.9 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.3 miles)
• Walgreens (2.4 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.5 miles)
• Walgreens (2.5 miles)
• Wegmans (2.8 miles)

Cafes

• Jersey Java & Tea (2.1 miles)
• Starbucks (3.6 miles)
• Starbucks (3.9 miles)
• Starbucks (6.3 miles)
• ReAnimator Coffee (8.9 miles)

Transportation

• PATCO Westmont Station (2.6 miles)
• PATCO/NJ Transit: Lindenwold Station (4 miles)

Hospitals

• Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital (2.6 miles)
• Jefferson Stratford Hospital (4.4 miles)
• Virtua Voorhees Hospital (5.1 miles)
• Cooper University Hospital (7 miles)
• Virtua Berlin Hospital (8.7 miles)

Physicians

• Advocare Heights Primary Care (2.9 miles)
• Rothman Institute (3.4 miles)
• CHOP Specialty Care & Surgery Center (3.5 miles)
• Cooper Internal Medicine (3.6 miles)
• Cooper Medical Building 1 (3.6 miles)
• Rowan SOM Family Medicine Residency Program (4.2 miles)
• Advocare Marlton Pediatrics (4.3 miles)

Parks

• Country Farms Park (5.8 miles)
• Penn's Landing (8.3 miles)
• Race Street Pier (8.5 miles)
• Weccacoe Park (8.6 miles)
• Independence National Historical Park (8.8 miles)

Theaters

• Landmark Theatres - Ritz Five (8.6 miles)