203 Ladera St

This is our second year renting from Ivy Apartment Homes and Ventura Investment Co. and I can confidently say that I will never be renting from them again. First of all, both apartments that I have lived in had several problems that seem to be very poorly covered up. The so called "remodeled" apartments are not only in some rather sketchy neighborhoods throughout Santa Barbara, but also riddled with problems that are simply covered up. During only the first year the pipes in our roof busted... three times and wrecked our couches, the shower knob worked for maybe a couple weeks and then continuously giving out despite repairs, and it was infested with cockroaches. The management is very rude when contacting you about anything and they can't seem to explain seemingly random payments that they hit you with. This company revolves around taking advantage of college students and I wouldn't recommend them to anyone. Read More

I would like to use this review to recount my past year at 530 W Anapamu St and experience with Ivy Apartment Homes (Nirosha). There are several specific incidents or common occurrences that I will address in order of severity.

1. My Car Was Stolen On Ivy Apartment Home Property - 4 people walked into the parking lot of 530 W. Anapamu and opened my car and used the key inside (while I grabbed something inside for less than 10 min) Walking back outside I was astonished when my car was nowhere to... be found. After calling the police, my car was found 8 hours later after a high-speed chase. Long story, short - my car was totaled, and I have received not a cent back almost 1 year later. I actually have had a 3 grand invoice for repair of the side railing and a $700 cost for towing and junking my car.

2. Homeless and Surrounding Occupants - There are constant homeless people hanging around this neighborhood. I have seen people smoking out of glass pipes (I assume meth, definitely not cannabis) just feet away from where I live. Not only this, but they continue to harass to people who live in the surrounding area. One specific incident within the last week, a nearby occupant threw a large stone into my upstairs neighbor's window. He proceeded to run away and at 4 AM was seen pacing the streets outside the building. While riding my bike this same guy has chased me down the street with no provocation. Also, there are many people that are living out of their cars RIGHT OUT FRONT OF OUR APARTMENT.

#2 Summary: If you choose to live in these "remodeled" apartments for students, you are most definitely in for the worst neighborhood in Santa Barbara and are bound to have run-ins with low-life's.

3. The Park Next Door - This park is a central hub for criminal, gang violence, and all around mischief. Throughout my one year stint of living at 530 W Anapamu St, the police were certainly outside our house over 50 times. Many times, with multiple individuals with handcuffs on the street. The constant police and criminal activity were definitely the worst part about the park, but also the constant (Every Saturday and Sunday) parties that are held there are extremely annoying on a relaxing weekend. There are DJs, live bands, and large crowds of people parking here every weekend. Read More