Camden Lamar Heights Apartments

Be aware of the security issues before leasing/moving in: vehicles are continuously broken into, some apartments have been broken into, several neighbors reported stolen packages, neighbors also noted storage rooms having been broken into (which the door damage verifies), and strangers/vagabonds sneak into the building (which isn’t well controlled nor addressed). The staff are pleasant enough to receive notice of the security/theft issues, in a corporate script manner, but, as far as meaningfully addressing the security concerns, Camden has not appeared to have taken steps to improve onsite security (such as upgrading security systems or increasing security patrols) to curb the ongoing security issues. For the rental price point, better security should be expected (or take your insurance deductible and time impacted into account when comparing against other options). For more day-to-day stuff, the staff is quite responsive and helpful where they have agency; however, for larger items, the resolution ultimately will fall upon whichever vendor takes on the repair effort. If it is outside of the vendor’s ability or if the staff cannot get higher approval to address the issue, it will go unaddressed. The elevator that continuously goes out of order (typically after a heavy rain storm) is a decent example: the staff can get the elevator scheduled to be serviced and the elevator technician can repair the elevator components when called out, but repairing a leaking roof isn’t part of that vendor’s scope, so the leaking roof and water entering the elevator and stair core does not get attention. To end on a positive note, the dog park is generously sized and is maintained.

I lived here for 2 years and the elevator only worked liked 40% of the time. In the beginning they tried to fix it (only for it to break again shortly after), but by the end of my stay, they decided to completely ignore the problem. It felt like The Big Bang Theory, where the elevator was broken throughout the whole 12 seasons. Second, the gate was broken for months, probably even closer to a year. Like the elevator, they fixed it in the beginning, but then they said they were "waiting for the part to arrive" and the gate stayed wide open for months. Then, the gate was fixed for literally 1 day, only to break the next day. The gate continued to be wide open for anybody to come in until the day I moved out. I don't know the current state to the gate, but it didn't feel safe, especially because of our package theft problem. Oh yes, that's another problem. In the beginning, packages were delivered door to door. However, packages began to get stolen again and again. A lot of people decided to get a Ring camera, but that didn't help because the thieves would just wear a balaclava. Then, they decided to make a package room, which only facilitated the task for the thieves, as they could find all the packages together in one place. Even mail was stolen from us. It got better in the end, but if you move here, just get your things as soon as they are delivered. In addition, the whole place just looks like it's not well maintained: gym machines break and don't get fixed for months, they don't refill the hand sanitizers or the bathroom soap very often, the halls are full of dust bunnies and dirt, etc. Finally, if you ever bring a guest, make sure they register for parking. I've had friends get a ticket, even after registering (very unfair), and they were able to fight it because they had proof. The ones that didn't, had to pay the fee. Oh also, there are always weird people yelling outside. We've seen the police come like 5 times in 2 years and they even arrested someone right in front of the building. So, if you enjoy going on walks just do it at a reasonable time. Good things in this place: I like the pool, (unlike anything else, they do seem to clean it often), people at the front desk are nice, I enjoyed my apartment unit, maintenance is really fast and hard-working, ok location, parking is always available. I hope this is useful! Cheers.

I lived at Camden for two years. I loved the tall ceilings, the dog park, and the fact that it's relatively new in an up and coming area. Given the state of renting in Austin, it's a good deal for what you get, I mean package theft is a common occurrence occasionally but it's like that basically everywhere. Maintenance requests are handled properly and the maintenance/custodial staff are really nice through and through. If you value location and a nice, new space definitely consider it! However, you should know that not everything is great here, just like any other for-profit housing company. I have noticed that the front office staff treat you very differently when you are a prospective tourer versus an actual renter. During the move in process they were very sweet but they have been rude to me and others throughout my time actually living here. Not always, but often and severe enough that it's worth mentioning. Myself and others have had safety issues with strange men and the office straight up mentioned the security patrol is only for our comfort - not in case of an actual emergency. Definitely call 911 if something happens, not their lines. The office won't handle people trespassing unless it happens during their business hours! Also, I once was contacted about a pest inspection in a neighboring apartment and for part of the process, they wanted to enter my apartment too. I was told to follow up with the staff if I had any questions. I wanted to know when they would be there so I could crate my dog, as well as what pest they had found, and the office was straight up hostile and wouldn't tell me anything. They just kept saying they didn't know - even though this was the exact same staff member who had left me a voicemail earlier that afternoon asking me to follow up with any questions I had! "What is the pest?" and "When is pest control coming?" are two pretty basic ones. Probably the most egregious offense was the staff telling me that Camden didn't lose power at all during the 2021 freeze, only for me to hear from other renters once I moved in that part of the complex did indeed lose power! Also, I need to mention how hard it is to get into this place. Delivery drivers constantly stop me for help entering because they are so confused. The entry system app Chirp they pitch as the perfect solution to entering everywhere is an absolute nightmare. Basically you can only enter the complex through this app they give you access to. Many parts of the complex are dead zones, meaning there is no service, so you cannot access the internet to get in. Their "spaceship" feature which is supposed to open door seamlessly never works. When it does it opens doors randomly which is a huge security flaw. And if your phone dies, how are you supposed to get in? Friend visiting is also ridiculous. I once had a friend get a ticket SEVEN minutes after they parked even after filling out the QR code! They were able to dispute it and get it removed but seriously, wow. Lastly- they are SO weird about trash pickup. You only have two hours to leave your trash can outside and if you don't move your trash can out by 9am the next day you get a passive aggressive note on your door about it. They made the note slightly less passive aggressive over time, but honestly, such a weird hill to die on. And they charge you $37 a month for it too! There are so many add on monthly fees that don't factor in to that OG price you see on the website.

I moved in two months ago and the team has been outstanding. Priscilla has been so helpful from day one with my questions and concerns. Rachel and Britney have been so wonderful as well. The office team is amazing and the maintenance team has fixed the move in work orders I had in a reasonably and timely manner. Thank you all for all that you do! Running a community is not easy, but thank you for caring about your residents!

I lived in this community for two years, and the whole experience was amazing. The community is beautiful and well kept; very nice common areas, state-of-the-art machines in the gym, and a wonderful pool area with large and clean swimming pool. Leasing is straightforward, people in the office are really nice (Sarah is terrific, she assisted us when we moved out, but I would also like to mention the others I worked with, even though they left: many thanks to Megan, who prepared my initial leasing contract, and to Ezequiel, who is just great!). The maintenance team is amazing: thank you for everything, Hector! The apartments are beautiful, with very modern appliances. We had a one bedroom, which is perfect for a single person and really good for a young couple. I loved the kitchen. Also, we had the luck that our apartment was facing the pool area, so that the view was priceless. Parking is great, I never had problems in finding a free spot on my floor. Only negative aspect, if I really have to find one, is that, at least since I first moved there, rents are increasing significantly. But, on the other hand, I think this is a common trend in the Austin area, above all if you are willing to live relatively close to Downtown. Definitely recommended!