We have lived at Reserve since it was built, formerly a Trammell Crow property called Alexan, since 2002. That means we have seen it all. For prospective renters to our community here is what you need to know.

1. Anyone who complains about the rental costs is a fool. This place is no more or no less expensive than anything else in this area. Northern VA is an expensive place to live. Rents here range from about $1,400 - 2,200 a month extra's like a private parking space, private garage, and you are responsible for all utilities. Here is some useful info - Reserve uses what's called "sub metering" to bill for water usage. This is legal in VA. It means you get billed for the average water usage based on total consumption of the building divided by the numbers of residents. Not the actual water usage for your unit. Therefore, the water bills tend to be very high. Expect to pay about $100.00 a month for the larger units and about $50.00 for the smaller ones.

2. Noise - this is a variable thing and depends on which type of unit you select. We have had no noise issues but we live on the top floor in the mid-rise units. From what others have said to us over the years it appears that the garden style units have more noise complaints, perhaps because their main doors face the outside directly.

3. Staff - The staff here is also very varied. Some good, some bad, some just okay. The current office staff tends towards the good side and the current maintenance team is the best that the community has had. The turnover is huge though. However it there today will be gone in a short time frame. This is because of Equity's need to cover so many properties. It is a bad policy and they should keep good people at one site for as long as possible but they don't.

4. Parking - The management changes the parking policy as often as they change staff. Which of course is the point and in direct correlation to the constant turnover. This confuses the residents and guests. There is abuse of the parking policy from all sides. Some residents use the garage spaces as a storage place for unused vehicles while the towing companies take advantage of the parking confusions to tow whenever they are short of revenue. the best advise is to go with the flow and not expect to much with regard to parking.

5. Condition of apartments & site - this is a good area for the Reserve. The units are generally well constructed for apartments and the premises is well kept. The amenities are basic but functional.

6. Security - This has been a problem from time to time. Acts of theft have occurred in spurts and are generally the result of guests and friends of a few residents who may also be involved. As those individuals move out the occurrences disappear then reappear when another punk moves in. Equity has taken some steps to try and resolve this problem. They installed surveillance equipment, which was not part of the original community, and have recently brought in local Alexandria police as residents to the community through a program. There is also a large number of "military brats" here. This generally means unsupervised minors whose parents are deployed running a muck. However, these are things any community would have to cope with.

7. Residential Life - This is what you make it. The staff could do a better job of trying to involve residents in the community. The problem of course is that by the time each group gets to know each other the other moves on.. This is a very transient community in all facets and it shows. Like the man said - if you want a friend in Washington - Buy A Dog.

User Responses
From: goosey0810	Date: 02/28/2008
Also as a resident I completely disagree with all of your opinions. This compelx is more then amazing. You should not have to lower your standards but maybe think about what your asking for. If you hate apartment living so bad then buy a house and the only one that you can complain about is yourself.
From: Anonymous	Date: 05/27/2008
I have to agree with the responder of this message. I think that it sounds as though this one person complains a lot and that quite honestly, that the staff just couldn't do anything to please him. And also, a dozen managers since 2002... not half bad! There are other opportunities in the company, maybe they left to promote. I think this review was a little excessive. I'm looking forward to becoming a part of the community.
From: Anonymous	Date: 01/18/2009
The amount for the water fee is not true. I live with two other roommates in the largest floor plan on the property and our bill usually runs between 15 and 35 sollars per month based on our own INDIVIDUAL usage. Also, while my gas bill sucks right now because of the winter months, Gas and Electric are based on our own idivivdual usage as well.
From: Anonymous	Date: 01/22/2009
Are we even reading the same review??? The person wasn't complaining! I feel that they were stating the facts from their perspective with very little "complaint" at all. If anyone bothered to really read the message, you would see that the individual complimented the property by saying that its definitely affordable for the area. The author also stated that the amenities although basic, are good. He/she also noted the improvements in security and that residences should just go with the flow as far as parking is concerned because, "it is what it is"!!! You guys should go back to English 101 and learn how to interpret ones tone.
From: Anonymous	Date: 01/29/2009
For the people who posted reviews on 1/18/09 and 1/22/09 please go back and take a look at the dates of the reviews written before yours. They were written at the beginning of 2008 when the original post complained excessively about this place. The poster has since changed his post to be more objective and posted it at the beginning of 2009. That is why the first 2 responses to his post look like they don't belong. I know this personally because the 2nd post was mine.
From: bMod84	Date: 02/22/2009
Thanks for the clarification! With that said, I am seriously considering this place and would really appreciate some honest feedback and/or advice!!! Please tell me what you know! =D

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