Given the choice between a "room for rent" and an apartment, most people would choose the latter. However here at the Ranch, you'll find this is not at all a typical shared house. First off, occupancy is limited to an appropriate number of tenants, suitable to the size of the property, so that everyone can enjoy the pool, grounds, BBQ areas, entertain friends, or just find a quiet place to read a book, without needing to shut yourself into to your (albeit large) private suite of rooms.

The on-site manager can be thought of as a permanent housemate, although he resides seperately over the seven-car garage, steps away from the main house. He is a very good natured professional who takes care of all of the rental terms, the grounds, appliance maintenance, and everything else that any homeowner would be responsible for. He actively takes care of the main house and tenant requests, and is genuinely invested in the general happiness of everyone living there. The ranch is in fact a private residence, so a prospective new tenant will certainly need to meet the current housemates, and everyone will get a chance to meet and greet you to help you decide if this is indeed a good fit for you. The good news is, the house tends to attract like-minded people.

People who choose the Ranch are not just looking for a room, or a 500 sq. ft. rectangle in an apartment complex. They are looking for an upscale address, an exclusive neighborhood, the peace and quiet it offers, and others like themselves to enjoy the lifestyle that comes with it. Rather than sharing a swimming pool with 100 strangers, they are looking for a private, serene home that offers these luxuries in a peaceful family setting. Luxuries that are typically limited to high-end homeowners only. They are choosing the beautiful private grounds and wild pastures over a crowded common-use dog park, small balcony, or having to drive somewhere to enjoy nature. They are choosing peace and quiet over a building full of noisy neighbors. The Ranch gives you that "behind the gate" living experience, not to mention peace of mind when you come home to a secure, gated, "Old-California" style ranch estate in the hills that define the San Gabriel Valley.

The Ranch is truly a mansion home, and the size, layout and limited number of occupants ensure that it feels like a home to everyone. The size of the house and grounds themselves allow one or more tenants to entertain friends or family, without disturbing others. In fact, it's common that other tenants are completely unaware of, say, a small family BBQ in the back yard. There are multiple yards, patios, BBQ's, living rooms, dining rooms, and more often than not, you won't see your housemates unless you seek them out. That said, the people living the ranch tend to form bonds that create a family environment on their own.

The ability to get along with others, communicate clearly and respectfully, and be a positive presence is an absolute must. To date, the Ranch has had the pleasure of housing several long term responsible adults whose compatible personalities became solid friendships. And the ranch makes it easy, with it's ample breathing room, and the serenity it gives you, all nestled safely in a high end community. If you're open and empathetic, it beats "ant-farm" living for sure.