Santee Court Apartments

Came on a tour. Waited for an hour and a half and nobody was able to provide it. Nothing works. Restaurant area very dirty. Gym not working… Seriously guys, you have to change management there. Such a beautiful place but so purely managed! Disgrace

Lived here close to 10 years, in recent years the complex has gone downhill. There is constant urine in hallways and elevators, your packages WILL get stolen by other residents… people smoking crack in the hallways, roof top.. they break into your apartment .. steal your laundry .

I wanted to take the time to provide an overview of the pros and cons I have experienced living here over the last year and why I absolutely suggest you consider other nearby options instead.

**Problem Areas**: Physical security is a huge issue here, audio/visual security is far too limited for the proximity to skid row, package theft has been a repeated problem with very limited (read: absolutely no) support from building management. In one instance, it was determined that a resident was... stealing these packages and no steps were taken to inform or support the theft victims. The property is owner operated, and there is a total lack of interest in investing in better security for this property.

There is no concierge support or ability to have packages securely delivered on-site. The alley that connects the building is constantly contaminated with pet waste and there is a disregard for the people who have to clean this up on a daily basis. There is no hand santizer available anywhere on the property and many residents don't wear masks in the common areas. The amenities are mediocre at best in comparison to the growing number of similar properties in DTLA. For example, the pool area has no landscaping, looks out over skid row, and has fatigued furniture with stains and tears with an unobstructed view of a tent-lined street. It appears as though the property owner has no interest in maintaining a high-quality offering for their tenants to enjoy. Given the pricing is comparable to better-managed properties nearby, there is a real opportunity for Essex to do a better job operating this property.

Also, FYI, if you are on the southeast side of the building you will directly face the Skid Row fire department, which dispatches constantly and rivals the worst nights in NYC in terms of constant blaring sirens. There is frequently loud music played by people living in the streets that blares all night long - you will need ear plugs. Lastly - during the COVIID-19 outbreak, in-person tours are still being conducted, putting the leasing staff and tenants at risk. Other apartment building have switched to a virtual model which I strongly recommend Essex adopt for the safety and well being of our community.

**Summary**: It is on you to accept that you are moving into a property that is directly adjacent to Skid Row (which is getting worse and worse every day) which is going to come with real implications.
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This particular location is flooded with homeless. One block in this neighborhood makes a huge difference. The fire station is around the corner so there are sirens non stop. The homeless encampment on Maple is also very loud. Management is stubborn and unhelpful.

At 20 years old, having just moved to Los Angeles, I had a certain idea of what I wanted and needed for a home. I wanted something cool, modern, and spacious. I wanted a sense of community and safety. With Santee's courtyard for convening and getting together with neighbors, the marketplace within the courtyard, and multiple cafes and restaurants, they fulfilled my expectations more than ever. The gym is large, always very clean. The leasing agents were more than happy to get me into an... apartment and so very friendly and welcoming. The amenities are endless with multiple roof tops and access to a pool, enclosed golf putting area, basketball courts, and more. I can't begin to explain how quickly I felt at home, and how safe I felt living there. With 1200 square feet of open living space, high ceilings, and floor to ceiling windows across my entire apartment, I was in heaven. Every box was checked off with the modern kitchen and bath, large enough to entertain any and all guests. The large walk in closet was also a huge plus, being that if I truly wanted to I could turn that into a bedroom itself. The sense of community is hard to miss when walking into the courtyard, and I made friends with every member of the staff and most of my neighbors right away. This place is a true gem, within walking distance of many great bars and restaurants. I hold so many memories made in these lofts very dear to my heart and would recommend Santee to any and all looking to live in Downtown Los Angeles. It truly is the full experience and then some. Read More