I've lived here almost one month now and am really enjoying it. For one thing it's my first apartment without a roommate, but I also feel that the building and staff are very good. A few other reviews have mentioned that this high rise is older than others in the downtown Bethesda area which is true, but it also seems to be well-built and is taken care of.

I've heard a little bit of noise from next door neighbors once or twice late on a weeknight, but it didn't last long so there have been no problems there. Other neighbors that I've met have been very friendly. Management, front desk staff and maintenance have also been very friendly and accommodating. I had a rough time moving in as it was mostly just me moving large objects like a queen size bed, and they were kind enough to watch my pickup truck out front while I did paperwork in the office, helped me out using the freight elevator and things like that. It was unexpected and I was very pleasantly surprised.

The units all have wood parquet floors, though Montgomery County requires that most of it be carpeted. Still, it's a very nice thing to have, in addition to having a nice balcony. Hot water in the kitchen and bathroom comes out of the tap immediately, and the fridge/freezer is nice. They also replaced the very old counter tops and bathroom medicine cabinet/mirror prior to my moving in. Kitchen cabinetry is pretty old and outdated, but it's not something that bothers me as it's still solid and works just fine. I put down some nice silicon shelf liner sheets and all is good.

The building also has a rooftop pool, though I've yet to go check it out. Looks nice enough from aerial photos on GoogleMaps.

There is an underground parking garage in the building, though I'm told there is a waiting list to get a spot there. I may eventually do this, but for now using the public garage directly across the street (you buy monthly permits from a nearby public parking county office) has been just fine for me. I have no word, yet, on break-ins or any other issues there, though I'm always careful to not leave anything of interest or value within sight in my car when I lock it up anyway.

Washing machines and dryers are available in small wash rooms on each floor, and I was lucky enough to get a place right next to one. I hear no noise from the machines through the walls. I've only put in a minor maintenance request so far which was taken care of during the same day -- I came home from work and it was done, so zero complaints there.

Overall, I highly recommend 8200 Wisconsin Ave. Staff here are excellent, location is great (10 to 12 minute walk to Bethesda metro station, passing lots of shops and restaurants on the way, very easy access to 355), and the price is affordable compared to other high rise apartments just a couple of blocks away. Again, the building is older compared to those other high rises, but unless you're put off by not having the very newest facilities (which you'd be paying for) in every aspect of the building, then I recommend checking this place out. Note that vacancies don't come up often here and when they do they are quickly filled, so check places like Craigslist often, or just call the office here often and ask and they can tell you if something is available or if there will be something soon as they require a lengthy 60-day notice to vacate. The only reason that policy doesn't cause me any concern is that it wouldn't be difficult to find someone to sublet my lease if I should have to leave at short notice.

I'll be posting follow-up reviews here after six months, a year, two years and so on. Good luck in your search!

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