Vista was acquired in 1988, they are quite a bit older than Chatham (built around 2000). Vista has lots of "lakes" with nutria(sp) and ducks and lots of trees and squirrels. Chatham has landscaped trees and bushes. Not a lot of animals around Chatham. Chatham is across the street from Mickey's Retreat, so you have very easy access to those activities and stuff.
Vista is the party complex. Its loud at night, and you can almost always find a party. Better to be at Vista if you're 21 and like to have parties, go to parties, or live with people that have parties. These apartments get trashed a lot. Vista is often referred to as "Vista Lay".
Chatham is quiet, but fun. There are parties and stuff at Chatham, but not loud all night every night parties like Vista. Sometimes people in Chatham are called "Chatham Squares", because they aren't as crazy and drunk as Vista kids.
The Commons is for international and international college program participants. They are the biggest, nicest, and only apartments with w/d in units.
At Vista there are 3 washers and 3 dryers in each building, you share with your building.
At Chatham, there are laundry rooms spread throughout the complex with 10 washers and 10 dryers in each room. You share with whoever wants to use them.
I like Chatham...building 12, chocolatey brown section. Centrally located!
But I have friends in Vista that absolutely love it...never lived there, I can't really know.