The Cottonwoods sits in probably the best location of the valley. There is no denying the beauty of nature that surrounds the community. However, in order to enjoy those natural benefits you have to make sacrifices. Mine have been as followed: * The windows casements are aluminum so heat and cold transfer through them very easily. Because of this, your heater and air conditioner are going to be running all day long to maintain a comfortable temperature. They are noisy units - sounding like an airplane engine in your apartment. If you live in one of the lofts or with a vaulted ceiling, you can expect that the temperature will remain unpleasant. I have been told by maintenance that it is illegal to build with these windows today. They are able to continue existing here due to a grandfather clause. I would guess that they are the original windows installed from over 20 years ago. I find this place to be very economical unfriendly. During winter and summer peaks my Idaho Power bill has been $250 plus on an advertised 900 square foot area. This is concerning because I am frugal with the thermostat settings. * Noise is an issue... the apartments were built in the late 80s so if you live on a ground or second floor, you will hear your upstairs neighbor every time they get out of bed and walk to the bathroom. Now most of the noise is manageable, but if the person above you decides to have company or turns the stereo up above the lowest setting, well it can become quite uncomfortable. You will also notice every time someone uses the stairs next to your unit. No matter how softly they walk it is pretty loud. I advise people to walk gently on the stairs going up past my unit because they look as if the cement slab stairs are cracked and look as if they are about to give way. I once fell through when running up the stairs as the slab crumbled in half. Thankfully I only scrapped my shin because it was the second stair up. Had it been a little higher I would have broken my leg and possibly more. * Management... Here is the real challenge of the place. The gal that runs it has been there for 16 years and she seems as checked out as a Property Manager can be. She is very abrasive and detached from when responding to issues and service requests. Her social skills are questionable as she rarely approaches her role in customer service from a thoughtful place. The maintenance, housekeeping and grounds-keeping staffs are second to none, but I am looking forward to moving out at the end of the month. I advise all other potential residents to pay close attention to the reviews of this place. Many of my neighbors are unhappy with management, the noise and lack of energy efficiency. Best of luck in your hunt!