Yes, this is by far the best deal around. Especially with garages, water, trash, and DirecTV (inc HBO) included in your rent. But things have changed A LOT over the years.
Office staff is usually friend, although it is clearly forced at times, especially on the phone. Often you feel like you are a nuisance to them. Maintenance staff is always nice, but they walk past trash and dog poop for days or weeks. When I once asked one of the staff members why he didn’t pick it up, his response was he... doesn’t get paid enough. Often times they don't know how to properly fix something and just put a band aid over it.
Dog poop is all over the place and the smell of pet urine can be overwhelming on hot days in certain areas. People leave small trash all over, you see things shoved in the bushes, trash bags thrown next to the dumpster, cigarette butts on the sidewalks, etc.
Parking can be a challenge. It has gotten so bad they no longer provide visitor passes. If you have guests, they will be towed after 5pm. Good luck parking on the street. This brings me to the garages: some people turned it into an extension of their apartment and don’t even park their car in it. I have seen living rooms and kitchens in garages and many have fridges and freezers in there also.
If you need to work from home, be aware the internet infrastructure is outdated and the speed you can get is limited even though AT&T (only provider here) offers better speeds, the old just cables can’t handle it. The windows are old and walls not properly insulated, be prepared for your electrical bill to be high as the AC the continuously run.
I thought long and hard about this review. It is not a kneejerk reaction because we did not get what we wanted. All these ongoing and worsening issues have been brought up to management, but nothing has been done about it and it is disappointing. Read More

I cant believe that 15 years ago I moved into this neighborhood after a stint in the military. I have always been so well taken care of. Any maintenance requests are tended to in a timely manner. Most of the employees are also residents of the neighborhood so they are especially nice and accommodating. This is the only neighborhood that I know of in the area that boasts floor plans up to 3 bed/3 FULL bath. My unit is one of those and at 1150 sq ft it is more than spacious. Not only is the... neighborhood gated, but every unit comes with a garage and a parking pass. We can enjoy 2 pools, 2 spas, a gym, and free cable television for all units. My drive to the beach is only 4 miles and shopping and grocery is conveniently located. If you want affordable living in a well tended neighborhood in a nice neighborhood, Laguna Serrano is the place for you! Read More

This is what every site that I read said. And I was very disappointed after having seen what a lovely complex it is and such a great value, that indeed large dogs are NOT allowed. Only dogs up to fifty pounds. They either need to change their ad, or live by their word.