The Apartment
I would definitely recommend this apartment to anyone who is starting out in a new job, not familiar with the DC metropolitan area, who needs relatively affordable rent. The apartment is in pretty good condition. It has a large balcony (which you can BBQ on), central gas heating and cooling, carpet that is a bit worn out, new appliances in the kitchen (refrigerator, built in microwave, and dish washer). Everything appliance wise works and is enough to get you buy.

Transportation
The shuttle bus is one of the nicest features that Brookdale offers. It's free to use with the exception of the $100 fee they charge you when you move in, but definitely worth it if you use it. It operates Monday Friday departing in front of the Brookdale office between 6:00AM 9:20AM in the morning and 3:50PM 7:10PM in the afternoon. The shuttle bus will take you to Pentagon City (right outside of Macy's) departing between 6:20AM 9:40AM in the morning and 3:30PM 6:50PM in the afternoon.

There is also the metro bus and DASH that has stops located off of N. Beauregard.

Utilities
The only utility that the renter has to pay for is electricity. Gas, water, sewer and garbage are included. The heat is run by gas and will not affect the electricity bill. The electricity runs on average about $30/month with a $15.00 initial connect charge.

TV
The TV reception is quite poor in the apartment, it is difficult to get a clear reception for local channels. An amplified antenna would not work to get a clear reception, we tried everything reasonable. The options are to get either cable or satellite. For cable, the only provider that services Brookdale is Comcast. The two plans most people would find suitable would be either the $14.99/month plan which would get you local TV channels or a $49.99/month plan for basic cable (www.comcast.com). As for satellite, this depends on if you have trees blocking the signal to the satellite, check with the satellite provider (either Direct TV or DISH Network) Bottom line, if you want TV, you'll most likely need to get cable or satellite.

Internet
If you are looking for broadband, high speed Internet service, then Verizon DSL and Comcast Cable are the only two providers that service Brookdale. Verizon DSL tends to be cheaper at a cost of $34.99/month (http://www22.verizon.com/). The apartment only has one phone jack which is located far away from where the computer is. The phone line is necessary if you are going to be using DSL. If the phone line is too long, it can cause problems connecting to the Internet with Verizon. As for Comcast, it runs at about $54.99/month and is a bit faster than DSL(www.comcast.com). There is only one cable jack, so you would have to run extra coaxial cable to where the cable modem would be. Bottom line, DSL is cheaper and will give you fast enough speeds for Internet, email, downloading videos, pictures, and general everyday use for most people.


Garbage
There are trash compactors and combined recycling on the premises. The garbage area can be a bit of a walk depending on where you live. However, this is a minor factor in deciding if Brookdale is for you.


Parking
Each tenet gets one free parking space. Guests must use a parking pass. Have never hard issues with theft, robbery, or towing.

Premises
The premises are dimly lit at night and can be less than desirably. Just use good judgment and common sense. For kids, there is a small play area located in the middle of the complex.

Groceries
Located 1/2 mile up N Beauregard St, are "The Shops at Mark Center". The shops include:
Sun Trust Bank
Dry Cleaners
CVS Pharmacy
Starbucks
Hair Cut
Subway
McDonalds
Dairy Queen
Thai restaurant
Giant Foods More expensive than Shoppers, but has what you need.
Block Buser

The Shops at Mark Center are all within walking distance. There are also the following grocery stores within a short driving distance:
Shoppers Good all around prices, very busy on Friday's and weekends.
Magruders Good prices on everyday items.
Harris Teeter More expensive than Magruders, but the store is nicer and has a larger selection.
Banks
There are two Bank of America's located in the area that are about 2 miles away from Brookdale. One is located in Skyline and the other is in Linconia.

Post office
There is a post office located right off of N .Beauregard St that is easy to access.

Dining out
http://www.tylercowensethnicdiningguide.com/

courts, biking trails, walking trails.

Shopping
Landmark mall is near by, however, it's not that great of a shopping mall. Fashion Centre at Pentagon City is much better and higher end.

Facilities
There is the Mark Center Club which has a outdoor swimming pool that is open during the summer months. The Club also has a workout facility, however, there is a limited amount of equipment to use. You would be better getting a gym membership. The two closest gyms are Bally's total fitness (Landmark) and Washington Sports Club (off King Street about 2 miles away).

Your thoughts? Post a response to this review. Display my response: with my username anonymously Responses appear below reviews and one response per user is permitted.

   Free estimates on moving trucks      Find apartment share/roommates