Uptown Home

Pros

• Anthony was friendly and helpful during the tour, described as a great experience.
• The management company was responsive and helped make it right.
• Rent was very affordable.
• The complex is very quiet with good parking.
• Service there is great.
• The apartment initially looked nice with new appliances.
• Management offered a no-penalty lease break with a full deposit refund.
• The reviewer felt safe there.
• The property is described as decent, secluded, and clean.

Cons

• The unit isn't sealed, allowing cockroaches and smoke from neighbors.
• Trash and litter are widespread around the complex due to neighbors.
• Neighbors regularly play loud music and scream past 10pm.
• Rhino raises rent after a year.
• Maintenance and upkeep are poor and infrequent.
• Maintenance requests are slow; staff ask AI questions before sending someone.
• The laundry room is dirty, with dead roaches and hair all over.
• Cigarettes and dog poop are left around the complex, with poop bags not restocked fast enough.
• The sliding gates frequently break and take forever to fix.
• There is no security; homeless roam, sleep in hallways, and rummage through trash.

Review

The property surrounding Sandia Mountain draws you in with a striking, quiet location and a promising view, but the overall tenant experience runs a broad spectrum - from surprisingly positive moments to consistently harsh complaints. Several reviews point to a management company identified as Rhino, and the sentiment about management ranges from "responsive and helpful" to absolutely frustrating, with many tenants feeling that upkeep, pest control, and security are continually subpar. In short, the scenery is appealing, while the day-to-day realities inside the complex often fall short for many residents.

Pest problems and cleanliness are the single most recurring theme, by far. A number of tenants describe severe cockroach infestations that persist despite routine pest-control efforts, with some reporting cockroaches in every corner - especially in kitchens and behind appliances. One tenant describes seeing dead cockroaches "everywhere" and roach feces on drawers, cabinets, and appliances, even after bombings and cleanings. Bed bugs and even mice show up for others, and there are accounts of roaches creeping out of vents, hood areas above stoves, and zipping through back corners that aren't easily reached. Laundry facilities are also cited as dirty, sometimes with roaches and hair, and the overall cleanliness of common areas can be inconsistent, with trash and litter appearing in several spots.

Maintenance and upkeep issues compound the pest problem. Multiple reviews recount slow or ineffective repairs: leaks that turn into larger problems, holes in ceilings, water on the floor, and a general sense that maintenance visits are infrequent and unproductive. Doors, outlets, and gates are referenced as unreliable or broken for long stretches, and the process to get repairs completed can be tedious, sometimes involving delays or resistance. One reviewer mentions a half-inch of water on the floor upon coming home, while others note sliding gates that fail to function and a persistent need for maintenance to address recurring problems before they're resolved.

Security and safety concerns loom large in several accounts. The complex is described as not secure, with homeless individuals passing through and even sleeping in hallways or rummaging through trash. Car break-ins and attempted break-ins are repeatedly reported, including smashed windows, stolen trucks, and neighbors' cars being damaged. A number of tenants explicitly say they do not feel safe living there, particularly when there are shootings or domestic violence incidents in the vicinity. The security fence and patrolling are described as ineffective by some, and the overall impression is that crime and vulnerability are ongoing issues rather than isolated incidents.

Noise, neighbors, and external nuisances contribute to a sense of an unsettled living environment. Loud music and screaming late at night from neighboring units are common complaints, as are cigarette butts, dog poop, and general litter in outdoor spaces. The neighborly environment is depicted as tense in some reviews, with references to "the people here just don't like nobody" and concerns about families. In several notes, the combination of neighbor behavior, open accessibility of the grounds, and the presence of homeless individuals creates a sense of insecurity and discomfort for residents trying to live peacefully.

Rent and value perceptions vary widely, painting a mixed picture of affordability versus deteriorating conditions. Historical notes describe rents that were extremely cheap in the past (for example, one account mentions $450 for a studio with utilities included in the late 2010s), with a marked shift toward higher prices over time under Rhino's management. Some residents say the low cost once compensated for the other issues, while others feel that rent increases glaringly outpace the maintenance and quality of living. A few reviewers acknowledge that a lower rent or included utilities can be a draw for single occupants or those on tight budgets, but the overall sentiment is that the escalating rent is difficult to justify given the ongoing problems with pests, repairs, and security.

Despite the negatives, there are moments of praise and glimpses of a better experience. A few tenants note that certain staff members are courteous, helpful, and responsive. For instance, a tour with a leasing agent named Anthony is described as friendly and a "great experience," while another reviewer gives credit to the management company for offering options to break a lease with no penalty and a full deposit refund when facing serious issues before moving in. A few people recount positive experiences with specific apartments - new appliances or perceived clean spaces - highlighting that the quality of individual units can vary and that some staff are capable of addressing concerns effectively. A handful of comments describe the property as decent, secluded, and clean when concerns are handled well, or for those who do not have children and want a quieter, more affordable living option.

Personal anecdotes cut across decades, illustrating how the complex has evolved. A former resident in the 1990s recalls a very different environment, with cheaper rents and a different level of maintenance, while more recent visitors acknowledge the unit's potential appeal - especially for those seeking a budget-friendly option or a place with easy access to work and a favorable parking situation. One recent visitor notes that, while the tour with a staff member was positive, the newest reality remains complicated by infestations, safety concerns, and ongoing maintenance frustrations. Some residents still view the complex as a viable short-term stop - especially for those traveling through or who want a low-cost option - while others firmly warn against family living given the crime and instability they've witnessed.

In sum, the property presents a stark contrast between its scenic promise and the everyday realities faced by tenants. For some, the view and quiet ambiance, coupled with reasonable parking and occasional responsive staff, make it a workable choice in a pinch. For many others, the combination of roaches, bed bugs, leaks, broken security features, frequent break-ins, unresponsive maintenance, litter, and safety concerns creates a troubling living experience that is not easily overlooked. If you're considering this place, you'll want to weigh the potential savings against the frequent pest issues, security risks, and the notable inconsistency in upkeep. It may be a feasible short-term option for some, but for others - especially families or those prioritizing safety and cleanliness - the drawbacks appear substantial enough to look elsewhere.

Restaurants

• McDonald's (0.1 miles)
• Viet Taste (0.3 miles)
• Magokoro (0.3 miles)
• Uptown Sports Bar (0.4 miles)
• Five Guys Burgers & Fries (0.4 miles)
• Le Bistro (1.2 miles)
• Sara Tori Di Tully Italian Pastry Shop (1.2 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (0.2 miles)
• Walmart Pharmacy (0.9 miles)
• Smith's Food & Drug (1.3 miles)
• Phil's Pills (1.5 miles)
• Walgreens (1.5 miles)
• Walgreens (1.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.7 miles)

Physicians

• Dawn Abriel, DO - Bright Heart Health (0.6 miles)
• Allergy and Asthma Care PC (1.3 miles)
• Allergy & Asthma Center (1.5 miles)
• Inside Out Psychological Services Albuquerque (1.5 miles)
• Albuquerque Dermatology Associates (1.5 miles)
• New Mexico Pain and Spine Institute (1.6 miles)
• Crook Keigm, DDS (1.6 miles)

Parks

• Midtown Dog Park (0.6 miles)
• Workers Memorial Park (0.9 miles)
• Altura Park (1.5 miles)
• Eunice Kaloch Park (3.1 miles)
• Hyder Park (3.2 miles)

Theaters

• Regal Winrock IMAX & RPX (1.1 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (1.8 miles)
• Humble Coffee Company (1.9 miles)
• The Range Cafe (2.1 miles)
• Michael Thomas Coffee (2.7 miles)
• Satellite Coffee (3.1 miles)
• Olympia Cafe (3.1 miles)

Places of Worship

• Sangre De Cristo Catholic Church (1.9 miles)
• Faith Chapel (2.1 miles)
• Highland Baptist Church (2.3 miles)

Hospitals

• Unm Psychiatric Center (2.6 miles)
• Albuquerque Indian Health Center (2.6 miles)
• University of New Mexico Hospital (2.7 miles)
• Children's Hospital of New Mexico (2.7 miles)
• Carrie Tingley Childrens Hospital (3 miles)
• UNM Cancer Reseach and Treatment Center (3 miles)
• Tri Core Reference Lab (3.2 miles)