The Walk at East Village

Pros

• The maintenance staff is top-notch, always quick to respond and incredibly professional.
• The leasing office team is impressive, greeting residents with bright smiles and ready to help with any questions.
• The location offers a quiet, residential feel with easy access to shops, restaurants, and events in downtown Clayton.
• The community is vibrant and welcoming, with regular resident events that bring neighbors together.
• The saltwater pool and well-equipped gym are clean, well-maintained, and enjoyable.
• The staff is consistently friendly, professional, and responsive, contributing to a home-like atmosphere.
• Tenasza is described as an exceptional property manager who cares deeply about the community.
• The Arbors is pet-friendly and family-friendly, fostering a warm, neighborly atmosphere.

Cons

• The management charges military tenants for time they won't be living there and does not provide helpful lease-break accommodations.
• Since Heather left, the office is described as horrible, with the new staff member also labeled as horrible.
• The property is described as poorly managed, with overflowing trash and recycling, stray cats at night, and a dirty pool with bugs and too few pool chairs.
• Privacy is a concern due to a nearby 55+ community development being built next door.

Review

The Arbors at East Village in Clayton presents itself as a residence where a quiet, residential vibe meets convenient access to a lively urban core. Reviewers repeatedly highlight the location as a major plus: situated just down the road from downtown Clayton, the community manages to feel tucked away and tranquil while remaining minutes away from shops, restaurants, and local events. It's described as a place that offers a strong sense of neighborhood without sacrificing easy access to everything nearby, which makes it appealing for both families and professionals who want balance.

The atmosphere inside The Arbors is consistently described as vibrant and welcoming. Residents talk about a community that encourages connection - there are frequent resident events throughout the year that help neighbors get to know one another, and many note the sense of camaraderie that comes from living in a place that feels like a true community. The shared spaces contribute to that vibe: a central grassy area amid eight buildings arranged in a circle provides a picturesque, easy-to-navigate layout, and many comment on the pleasant view from courtyards and common areas.

Amenities play a central role in the appeal. The complex features a saltwater pool and a well-equipped gym, both of which are repeatedly praised for cleanliness and upkeep. The pool is a popular gathering spot, with residents often enjoying time poolside with friends. In addition to fitness and recreation, the property supports a family-friendly, pet-friendly environment - there are dog-friendly and cat-friendly policies, a community garden that residents look forward to maintaining each spring, and lounge areas that feel welcoming and well-kept. The overall impression is that the Arbors offers solid amenities that align with a higher-end living experience.

Although the staff and maintenance teams are the heartbeat of the property for many residents, there are some nuances in how different residents experience management over time. Several long-time tenants note that after a property manager change in 2022, the tone of service shifted in ways that some found positive and others more frustrating. Still, across many testimonials, the maintenance team is consistently praised for responsiveness and professionalism, with work orders often completed within 24 to 48 hours. One exemplary repair - addressing a fridge issue late on a Sunday and receiving prompt follow-up - illustrates the level of attentiveness many residents have come to expect.

The people behind the property are frequently highlighted for their warmth and accessibility. Longstanding tenants especially sing the praises of Tanesza, Heather, Meta, Katherine, Lisa, and other office staff who make themselves present and approachable. In many reviews, these team members are described as welcoming, friendly, and genuinely invested in the community's well-being. There are heartfelt testimonials about staff who treat residents and their families, including children and even pets, with care and respect. This personal touch - staff who seem genuinely invested in the neighborhood - consistently emerges as a defining strength of The Arbors.

Of course, as with any large community, there are mixed notes. A few reviews express concerns about how management handles certain policies, including a caution from one reviewer about lease terms for military relocations and the potential for heavy penalties, which contrasts with the more flexible attitudes some other complexes are known to show. There are also mentions of friction following staff changes, with one reviewer describing a negative experience after Heather left the office and others noting that the new staff member felt less accommodating. A long-term perspective adds nuance as well: comments about trash overflow, stray cats, and pool upkeep reflect observations from residents who have been there for five years, suggesting that while the Arbors often shines, there are areas that can benefit from ongoing attention, especially as the community grows and evolves with Clayton's expansion and the adjacent 55+ development.

Despite these varied experiences, many residents remain highly satisfied and, in several cases, emotionally attached. Some describe The Arbors as the only place that has felt like home, where neighbors aren't just acquaintances but a supportive community. The combination of a friendly office team, responsive maintenance, and a family- and pet-friendly environment has inspired people to stay for years - one resident even noting they tried to leave but found themselves returning again and again. The overall sentiment is that The Arbors can be a wonderful home for those who value a tight-knit community, well-maintained common spaces, and staff who treat residents with care.

In summary, The Arbors at East Village stands out for its strong community feel, dependable maintenance, and thoughtful amenities that support an active, family-friendly lifestyle. The setting near downtown Clayton delivers the best of both worlds: a peaceful, residential atmosphere with ready access to shopping, dining, and events. While there are legitimate concerns raised by a minority of residents - particularly around management transitions, specific lease policies, and some neighborhood maintenance issues - the prevailing experiences emphasize a welcoming, well-run environment. For those seeking a dog- and family-friendly community with reliable service, clean facilities, and a vibrant social scene, The Arbors remains a compelling option worth considering.

Restaurants

• Veneros Pizzeria (0.3 miles)
• Rockin' Comet Diner (1.7 miles)
• Biscuitville (1.9 miles)
• La Cocina Mexican (2 miles)
• Likii Hibachi & Sushi (5.3 miles)
• McDonald's (5.6 miles)
• McDonald's (7.2 miles)

Pharmacies

• Walgreens (1.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.1 miles)
• Novo Nordisk Pharmaceutical Industries (2.6 miles)
• Allcare Pharmacy Services (6.9 miles)
• Walgreens (7.5 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (10 miles)

Physicians

• Pulmonology Bronchology PC (1.5 miles)
• Clayton Pediatrics Center (1.8 miles)
• High Point Audiologica (1.9 miles)
• Meehan Medical (2.2 miles)
• Horizon Family Medicine (2.2 miles)
• Mann Ear Nose & Throat (2.6 miles)
• EmergeOrtho-Clayton (3.3 miles)

Hospitals

• JMH Clayton (3.3 miles)
• Wakemed Garner Healthplex (9.2 miles)
• WakeMed Health & Hospitals (12.6 miles)
• WakeMed Heart Center (12.6 miles)

Places of Worship

• Short Journey Retreat Center (7.7 miles)
• St Eugene's Catholic Church (10.3 miles)
• Beacon Baptist Church (13.5 miles)
• Amplify Church (14.3 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (8.5 miles)
• 41 North (10.5 miles)
• Starbucks (11.8 miles)
• Starbucks (12.5 miles)

Parks

• Wendell Community Center (10.2 miles)
• Biltmore Hills Park (12.5 miles)
• Chavis Park (13.5 miles)
• Marsh Creek Park (14.2 miles)
• Carolina Pines Dog Park (14.4 miles)
• Buffaloe Road Athletic Park (14.6 miles)
• Dorothea Dix Park (14.9 miles)

Theaters

• Alamo Drafthouse Raleigh (12.9 miles)