After two years at the 'hell-hole' aka 'The Worst Apartment Complex in Alexandria' aka 'The Alexandria Apartments' (see http://www.aptratings.com/rate/v/703212266622304/alexandria ) Archstone Van Dorn is like heaven!

The office staff are professional and friendly if a little arrogant, although some might just say it's confidence.

The complex has a covered car care centre with free water, and a 50c vacuum that is powerful, and lasts long enough do your car in one go if it's not too dirty, and assuming you don't own a gas-guzzling tank.

The security gates to the complex have yet to be activated, although this should happen any day. For some strange reason the pedestrian gates also have the same electronic locks, even though it's possible to walk onto the site without passing through the gate as one of the buildings by the entrance has an open breeze-way.

Talking of breeze-ways, these are a really good feature. They're common on the newer apartment complexes, but having lived in an apartment where your front door opens onto a corridor in the hotel style, I'm now a big fan. It's nice to be able to step right outside from your front door.

Another great feature of this style is you actually have a front and a back to your apartment with windows on both sides. One side normally overlooks the car park, while the other faces either the woods (premium view but worth it - see below) or a courtyard that contains benches and gas grills.

The wood view is definitely worth the price premium as it's quiet and relaxing when on your balcony which incidentally has a wood deck, apart from the 1st floor which I believe is concrete.

We've only been in our apartment 2 weeks, and already we've seen Cardinals, Deer, Rabbit, and Squirrels. All this and only 2 minutes from the belt-way!

Talking of the belt-way, some of the apartments overlook I-95/495, and the established hedgerow does not shield the noise. When you view, go out on the balcony and see for yourself.

Our building is short on parking spots right in front, but there are plenty 50 yards away. Hardly a hassle to have to walk!

As someone else here stated, the appliances are on the cheaper end of the scale, notably the fridge and the oven. The full size washer and dryer is a big plus. No more trips to the laundry!

There are PLENTY of power outlets even in the 1 bedroom apartment, although the location of the telephone and cable sockets leaves something to be desired.

We appear to have a heavy-footed neighbour above, although the chances are it's more to do with the thin floors and poor insulation. Haven't heard anything from the adjacent apartment or neighbours below.

The pool is shallow, and quite small, but then this is a smaller complex compared with the 1100 unit behemoth we lived at previously.

Other amenities include a free cyber cafe with free coffee, and a cardio-gym with some free weights. Free shuttle bus to the Van Dorn metro is also useful, although when the weather is cooler, it's only a 15 minute walk. I did the up-hill walk back home from the Metro, and it's not recommended for the elderly or those with heart problems...phew...

Unfortunately there are no shops on site which is a shame, as the nearest convenience stores are an inconvenient walk away.

Dogs and Cats are allowed, although they do charge over the odds for pet rent and pet deposit.

As stated above, the location is perfect. Pull out onto Van Dorn St., and you're right by the on ramp to the belt way. As long as you don't have to drive down Van Dorn towards the metro or Landmark, traffic isn't too bad either.

Overall highly recommended!

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