We moved here from out of state and really didn't know the area. We thought this apartment looked like a nice apt for the price plus location. We were wrong. Let me start with the few good things.
Pros:
1. The kitchen- it's a nice size, with an extra random space at the back that we put extra storage shelves in. Also, the appliances are newer- white appliances. The cabinets are newer white as well.
2. The apartments are right next to a Giant, CVS, cleaners, Starbucks, etc. which is really nice. If you need some milk, you can just walk up and get some. Very convenient. (although this is part of my cons list as well, see below!)
3. You don't pay electricity, so feel free to keep your apt extra cool in the summer!
Unfortunately that's pretty much it for the pros. Now for the long list of cons.
Cons:
1. The area is completely foreign. I don't feel like I live in the US here. Most of the residents here don't speak a word of english.
2. Going along with that, as mentioned above, there are many conveniences nearby, unfortunately most of the employees at these places don't speak much english either. Don't expect your order at subway or starbucks to be correct, and if you need help finding something at giant or cvs, don't expect anyone to know what you are saying.
Now onto the apartment itself.
3. Our carpets are nasty. They looked ok when we moved in cause they were just cleaned and standing up nice, but within a week of living here they were flat and hard and all the stains started showing.
4. Our bathroom is SOOO tiny. The tub is nasty with mold around the edges that won't come off. The shower drips constantly.
5. The windows constantly let air in, so it's hard to keep the apt warm or cool.
6. When the heat comes on, it just blows dust everywhere. Don't live here if you are allergic to dust like I am. I've been miserable!
7. The walls are paper thin. We here EVERYTHING our neighbors are doing. There is constant banging and yelling. If someone in the building takes a shower, you here it in your apartment.
8. Showers....if you wait till after 9 AM on the weekend to shower, you won't get hot water. Also, our smoke detector goes off after every shower if we leave the bathroom door open.
9. Our neighbors are always "smoking" next door and the smell makes it's way over to our place. Plus, they have people come in and out all the time and the door slams every time. VERY LOUD!
10. In the summer we had a gnat infestation in our apartment and they bite! not fun!
11. Don't expect to get all your mail here. The mail carrier is incompetent and mis-delivers mail all the time. My paycheck and tax info was delivered to our neighbors.
12. A package that was delivered to us and left on our steps was stolen. The box was left but the contents were taken. We have great neighbors.
13. The office staff can't do much for you if you need help. They don't know much.
14. Although we pay for trash pickup monthly, the trash is always overflowing and smells horrid. Don't live near it!
15. We live near the playground. The kids are always running around screaming and yelling and crying. You can't enjoy a peaceful afternoon on your porch, or even with your windows open.
16. RATS!! I've seen a few running around outside along the buildings.
17. Squirrels!! We have squirrels that jump onto our porch and eat up our patio furniture and poop everywhere. They stick around because one of our neighbors leaves food out for them.
18. I do not feel safe living here. I don't go out by myself when it's dark. There are a lot of creepy people around here.
19. The washer and dryer room in the basement is gross. Bugs, spider webs, dirty.
I know no place is perfect, but this is by far the worst place I've lived in. I'm very excited to move out!

User Responses
From: Anonymous	Date: 02/23/2009
You have to admit, the DC area is very segregated into pockets of different cultures. There are areas that are bolivian neighborhoods, and areas that are somalian, and areas that are mexican, etc. People tend to move to be around those who are like them in language and similarities in interests. I agree with the poster that if you are not expecting to move into an area that is mainly from another country, it can be uncomfortable. I also live in Hillwood and don't feel like it is "home" because I do not have any commonalities with the people I live around. It is hard to tell this as an outsider looking in, so maybe the poster just wanted to inform people of the population, so those who are looking to rent here know what they are stepping into. As for the other comments about the apartment, I agree that there are some major downfalls. Our walls are very thin as well, and our carpet is bad. The trash is always overflowing and smelly. I have to walk past it every day and am grossed out by it constantly. Overall, I agree with the poster. They were just being honest.
From: Anonymous	Date: 02/25/2009
I can understand the people in this area just fine.... the apartments are not bad... the leaseing office just plan suck...
From: Anonymous	Date: 11/09/2009
I agree with the poster. There are a lot of different cultures in the area. Different cultures are fine but don't stare at me when I am walking down the sidewalk, don't stand outside starbucks and smoke and throw the butts on the ground so I have to look at them. The customer service in the CVS, and Giant are really bad. Just my observations.

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