The Woods at Toluca Lake

I. Love. Living. Here.

Since moving to Los Angeles about 8 years ago, I have felt like a nomad. I've lived in dorms, apartments with 3 other girls, and a 350 square foot studio. I've had mismatched furniture, what was essentially a cot for a bed, and no room for anything decorative. When I moved into The Woods about a year ago, I finally felt like I found a place I could call home.

The management obviously took the time to make these apartments seem like more than just the run-of-the-mill… white-walled, white-carpeted apartments found in most complexes. The wood floors, dark cherry colored cabinets, and crown molding add that extra touch that makes each unit feel more like a house than an apartment.

Maintenance is exceptional. When you need something done, it gets done right away. And--if you worry about your cat running out the door when maintenance comes, like I do--they take extra care to make sure no doors are left open.

My complaints are few. First, it's expensive. But in the LA area you get what you pay for, and I've noticed other apartments in the area going for the same rate and still looking generic. The price tag is also worth it for the safety of a gated entrance, good location, and underground garage. Second, there are a lot of short term leases offered, so there's a high turn-over of tenants coming to work in the entertainment industry. Some of these people are young and like to throw the occasional party on weekends. Not a big deal unless you live next to the pool like I do, in which case you get noise from people talking on their phones early in the morning or going for a late night swim. Most of the people in the complex are respectful, but every now and then the noise can be aggravating.

That being said, I don't plan on moving out any time soon, or at least until they raise the rent too much. Read More