Clayton Gardens Apartments

Pros

• Dustin is very helpful during the move-in process and continues to assist with questions or concerns.
• Brian has a can-do attitude and helps get to the bottom of problems.
• Dustin and Brian are both kind.
• Clayton Gardens is an affordable, well-sized option for a 1-bedroom, 1-bath.
• Dustin made the move-in process simple; he is friendly, knowledgeable, and reliable.
• Dustin made move-in day a breeze; he is friendly, funny, and professional.
• The property manager Dustin is amazing and very helpful.
• Maintenance staff are nice and knowledgeable.

Cons

• The kitchen drawers were broken from day one and were never fixed.
• The appliances are old.
• Water pipes burst frequently and there is constant noise from neighbors.
• The laundry room is dirty with broken machines and few machines available.
• Management seems absent and unresponsive, with the property falling apart underneath the surface.
• The rent is expensive for a one-bedroom, with utilities paid by tenants and around $200 in monthly utilities.
• There are leaks in the showers, sinks, and dishwasher, plus a severe roach infestation.
• The garage gate is frequently broken and mail theft has occurred.
• Locks are changed without notice, leaving tenants locked out.

Review

Clayton Gardens presents a split reputation among those who have lived there. On one side, there are residents who praise the property for its quiet surroundings, modestly affordable 1-bedroom, 1-bathroom layouts, and the people who work there. They point to a calm neighborhood feel and emphasize that the on-site staff - particularly Dustin and Brian - are consistently kind and helpful. In these accounts, Dustin shines during move-in, answering questions promptly, staying patient, and making the process feel straightforward. Brian is described as maintaining a can-do attitude when addressing maintenance issues, taking problems seriously and working toward real solutions rather than offering only temporary fixes. For some, these positive interactions with staff, coupled with a quiet and affordable living space, make Clayton Gardens a viable option.

But a much more troubled picture dominates many other reviews. Complaints begin almost immediately with the unit itself: kitchen drawers that were broken from day one, cabinets that never received proper attention, and appliances that feel outdated and unreliable. These early defects seem to set the tone for broader maintenance concerns that recur throughout tenants' stays. Pipes and leaks are a recurring theme, with water leaking from showers, sinks, and dishwashers - often accompanied by holes in walls and unpainted patches, suggesting a general neglect of interior upkeep. The pests are another severe and persistent problem; roaches are repeatedly described as a significant and seemingly unaddressed nuisance, with some reviewers noting roach activity even after months of residence. Laundry facilities are not spared either, with machines frequently broken and a consistently dirty room contributing to a frustrating daily routine.

Beyond the physical condition of the property, residents describe a highly disruptive living environment. Noise complaints surface frequently: neighbors arguing or playing loud music at odd hours, including late at night, which makes quiet living feel hard to come by. Some residents attribute this to a perceived unemployment of many neighbors, who stay up late and contribute to the overall sense of instability. Security and overall management responsiveness are another major point of contention. Several reviews recount an impression that management is not reliably present or accessible: offices appear unstaffed, calls go unanswered, and there are anecdotes of miscommunication about access and procedures. A few tenants recount rough experiences with management that go beyond ordinary frustration, including instances of misplacing or mishandling mail keys and even changing apartment door locks without notifying residents, leaving someone clearly stuck outside with a baby. In another troubling thread, a review mentions mail theft and the installation of cameras and signs in response, underscoring concerns about resident safety and trust in the property.

Financial and contractual concerns further complicate the picture. Several tenants report unexpectedly high costs; one review cites a monthly bill exceeding $2,000 for a one-bedroom, with utilities not included and typically around $200 per month. The sense many reviewers convey is that costs are not transparently explained up front, and that the final tally can be much harsher than anticipated. Reviews also describe inconsistent incentives and arrangements regarding utilities, with residents feeling they are paying for services that aren't reliably delivered or priced fairly. Parking is another irritant, with complaints about the difficulty of obtaining a space and inequities in who gets one when spaces become available. The overall impression is that the financial and logistical aspects of living there can feel opaque and unfriendly to residents' schedules and budgets.

Despite the litany of negative experiences, not all is bleak in these accounts. A few reviewers highlight positive shifts over time or younger moments of strong customer service. One account mentions a new manager, Marsha, who is described as helpful, suggesting that management may have periods of improvement or change. Another reviewer emphasizes the redeeming quality of staff, noting that the apartment homes themselves offer potential or comfort, and praising Dustin specifically for his role during a move from Oregon to the Bay Area and describing him as honest and reliable. In these pieces, the impression remains that the people who work there can be a bright spot in an otherwise challenging living situation.

What emerges from these reviews is a complex, sometimes contradictory portrait of Clayton Gardens. For some residents, the property's quiet environment, size, and affordability are compelling reasons to stay, and punctual, personable staff like Dustin and Brian contribute positively to the day-to-day experience. For many others, chronic maintenance failures, persistent pests, uncomfortable or unsafe living conditions, and a management presence that often feels absent or unresponsive overshadow these benefits. The story also includes stark warnings about high and opaque costs, frequent lease or procedure miscommunications, and security concerns that escalate the sense of risk for tenants. Potential renters or buyers would be well served by visiting in person at different times, asking pointed questions about maintenance response times, security measures, and how utilities and parking are actually billed and managed, as the experiences documented here can vary widely from one tenancy to the next.

This part of Concord, California offers a variety of amenities and services that may be beneficial for seniors looking to settle in the area. With multiple pharmacies nearby, access to healthcare is convenient. In addition, there are several parks for leisurely walks or outdoor activities, as well as restaurants and cafes for socializing and dining out. There are also options for transportation with BART stations within a few miles. Places of worship provide spiritual support, while theaters offer entertainment options. Overall, this neighborhood provides a mix of practical conveniences and recreational opportunities that could make it a comfortable place for senior living. Additionally, the close proximity to Kaiser Permanente Medical Center ensures access to quality healthcare services.

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (0.3 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (1.8 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.3 miles)
• Longs Drugs (2.4 miles)
• Walgreens (2.4 miles)
• Walgreens (2.4 miles)
• Walgreens (2.4 miles)

Parks

• Markham Nature Park and Arboretum (0.4 miles)
• Lime Ridge Open Space (0.7 miles)
• Newhall Community Park (1.3 miles)
• Ellis Lake Park (2.3 miles)
• Arbolado Park (3.2 miles)
• Heather Farm Dog Park (3.9 miles)
• Heather Farm Park (4 miles)

Restaurants

• McDonald's (0.6 miles)
• Nation's Giant Hamburgers & Great Pies (0.6 miles)
• Subway (0.9 miles)
• Ej Phair Brewing Co & Ail House (2.2 miles)
• McDonald's (2.6 miles)
• Rocco's Ristorante & Pizzeria (2.9 miles)
• Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar (3.2 miles)

Physicians

• Charles Renner, MD (1.7 miles)
• Muir Orthopaedic Specialists (2.3 miles)
• Communication Across Barriers Speech Clinics (2.4 miles)
• California Center for Sleep Disorders (2.5 miles)
• Diablo Valley Primary Care (2.5 miles)
• John Muir Physician Network (2.5 miles)
• Jain, Suprabha - Suprabha Jain MD-MDI Wellness Center (2.7 miles)

Transportation

• U-Haul of Concord (2.2 miles)
• North Concord/Martinez BART Station (3 miles)
• Pleasant Hill/Contra Costa Centre BART Station (4.1 miles)
• Walnut Creek BART Station (5.6 miles)
• Martinez Station (MTZ) (8.6 miles)

Places of Worship

• Queen of All Saints (2.4 miles)
• Our Lady Queen of the World Church (4.6 miles)

Theaters

• Solano Drive In (3.8 miles)
• Century 16 Downtown Pleasant Hill and XD (3.8 miles)
• Century Walnut Creek 14 and XD (5.9 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (3.9 miles)
• Starbucks (4.1 miles)
• Starbucks (4.4 miles)
• Bondadoso Coffee & Tea Collective Add to Favorites (5.2 miles)
• Marketplace Cafe (5.8 miles)
• Philz Coffee (6 miles)
• Starbucks (7.7 miles)

Hospitals

• Kaiser Permanente Medical Center (6.1 miles)