Park Station Apartments

Averagely well From: -Anonymous- Date posted: 12/16/2005 Years at this apartment: 2005 - 2005 2 responses   Staff is mostly nice, and competent. Deal with Jay if you possibly can, second that Nikki. Maintenance guys are very nice, very helpful especially if you talk to them directly. However, I've experienced that if you leave written or oral requests, and its more than 1 thing, you will probably have to do this multiple times. Something get lost in translation. They usually fix it the first time, but sometimes you have to get them back to to fix it better. Its best if you are there when they come, especially because sometimes I cant read the maintenance sheets because of handwriting. If you go the office and someone writes down your number and tells you they will call you; don't expect it. Just be happily surprised to get one, especially if its around the time they said they would call. Once again, depends on who you are dealing with. Some are great with it, some need work. The property manager-Debbie- is not the one to go to with your problems. I find she has very little patience no matter if you are being polite and professional. Someone else mentioned this in an earlier post but I feel a need to reiterate. She's prone to an attitude, frequently cuts you off (part of the patience issue), and jumps to conclusions. I can see the effort she makes to reign in the attitude and not roll her eyes when you speak but its not well controlled. As for the actual property, you are paying for everything you are getting so its reasonable. Washer/dryer, small fitness center, location, damn near sound proof(this part I love love LOVE), well insulated and a parking garage are all just about worth it. The parking garage I think mainly makes the apartment worth the money because you can find bigger places with better amenities for slightly cheaper around. Plus like I said, staff is mainly nice and competent (unlike the current staff at Archstone of Gaithersburg-formerly Oakwood). Specific positives: 1)I've never lived in an apartment community this quiet. Its wonderful. I've never even had the hint of a problem with neighbors. There is a train 1 block away but I don't notice it during the day and I don't really have a problem with it at night. If you're a light sleeper or have trouble getting to sleep, this could be a problem. I'd suggest good earplugs. 2)Plenty of natural light. Once again though if this is actually a negative for you Get some good heavy curtains but I enjoy it. I don't need to turn on my lights at all during the day, or even open my blinds. 3)Parking garage. What can I say, thats a blessing in the winter, damn useful for a gardens style apartment when you move in because even though it may not be the most convenient to where you live, at least there is an elevator. I personally rented a cargo van and was ablet to drive it up to my apartment. 4)size. Bathroom, bedroom, living room, all nicely sized. Uber closet space. Open design kitchen. Higher ceilings than normal. 5) Good water pressure 6)Good location. Spitting distance from Lakeforest Mall, 355 and all that it entails and Shady Grove Road and all that it entails(research corridor if you work there). But not in the hustle and bustle so theres no traffic issues or issues with constant strangers. You can walk to Old towne and the MARC. There's a little international grocer 1 block up I haven't checked out yet. Nice diversity in the area but not a lot of people just hanging out (in either the good or the bad ways). Definitely a residential area thats probably as close as you want to get to shopping and convenience. Ok so negatives, only 3 I can tell so far. 1) supposedly an ant problem, I haven't had a problem but then again its winter. But they are up front and have weekly spraying you can sign up for. 2)Trash- weekends the compactor area gets really out of control. You basically will have to stand outside of it and throw your bag in. But otherwise it seems a lot of people have a problem actually walkig up the 3 stairs to put their trash into the compactor. Plus the recycling does not get emptied enough. All I can say is try to be part of the solution not the problem. 3)Energy efficiency. You are paying for water, electric and gas here so I guess its nice they try to look out for your pocket but the problem with energy efficient things like toilets is you will have to flush 2x a lot of the time. Nor can you luxuriate in the shower, unless of course you enjoy cold showers. Fortunately part of the energy efficiency is good insulation. I hate the cold but as far as my old fashioned thermostat goes I've never had to turn it above 70 and in my old apartments I would average a 72 for my comfort. 4) Yea I know I said 3 but I forgot about that crazy garbage disposal. That thing has got some power to it. More than 5 seconds will shake the fillings out of your teeth if you are standing by the fridge. Maybe its just my spot but it will certainly shake my entire counter to the point where the backed up water in the sink will splash all over the place. But it obviously works well.

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