We live in a 2 bedroom apartment on the 4th floor, and could not be happier with this apartment complex. The location, the neighbors, the office staff, the care of the grounds...everything about it has made us very happy tenants.

The office staff has always been attentive, kind, and quick to meet our needs. I am in the office frequently with my dog (they are so pet-friendly), and they not only know my name and my dog's name, but they remember my apartment number. With the hundreds of units that they have, I am always suprised by their level of detail and attention to my needs. I cannot say enough good things about the staff.

The amenities are exceptional: washer/dryer, dishwasher, huge walk-in closets, large soaking bathtubs, a fireplace, and a modern, spacious kitchen. I have become so spoiled that I can't imagine living anywhere else that doesn't have the gigantic soaking tub and the fireplace. Plus, we can see the 4th of July fireworks when standing on our balcony...how many apartments in the area can say that' When we were having a problem with our washing machine, the maintenance man was there the next day with a new washer. If we've ever had a problem, the maintenance men are there as soon as possible, and are fantastic to work with. Plus, it's not just the amenities in your apartment - we love having covered parking, a gym, a swimming pool and a hot tub onsite. We have always felt safe and happy in our apartment, and this is by far the cheapest rent we have paid for the number of amenities we have received in this area.

We chose this complex because we had a dog, and we could not be happier with our selection for him. The complex feels like it is built on top of a park, mainly because of the paved walking trail that circles the complex and the large amount of grass for the dogs to play. The pet waste disposal stations are all over the complex, and we are extremely grateful for these stations, as well as the free bags that the complex provides. It's another reason we are happy to rent here...we have never seen another complex that provides this amenity to dog owners.

I drive to work now, but when I was in school, I used the shuttle to get back and forth to the Crystal City Metro station. Never had any problems whatsoever, as the shuttle was always prompt and clean. As a commuter, I appreciate the proximity to 395 and to the GW Parkway. I can be in Georgetown in 10 minutes, Old Town Alexandria in 10 minutes, or at L'Enfant Plaza in 10 minutes. It's truly the best location you can hope for. Yes, if you are going to DC, you will sit in the 395 traffic across the 14th St. Bridge, but since Route 1 is the very last entrance ramp before the bridge, I have never sat in the traffic for more than 5 minutes during rush hour. I frequently have to be in DC's Superior Court, and it takes me longer to look for a parking spot than it takes me to commute there from our apartment.

We love our neighborhood and think we are really in the best possible location in town. We are across the street from two grocery stores, a great dry cleaner, Starbucks, plenty of restaurant selections, and Target. We frequently walk across the street to grab a couple of items, drop off the drycleaning, or meet friends for drinks because it's so much easier than driving. We even walk to our vet appointments by using the Four Mile Run trail, which runs right alongside the complex.

Speaking of walking, this is an excellent area for outdoor exercising. We frequently walk the GW trail, the Four Mile Run trail or down to Del Rey to grab ice cream or visit the Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings. We get all the benefits of living in Del Rey without having to buy an overpriced home.

We have loved living in this complex and this neighborhood, and will be very sad when we eventually buy a home. We have lived in three different apartment complexes in the Crystal City area, and not only is this one the cheapest, but it is by far the best place we have ever lived. We would recommend this place to anyone who was looking for a place in Alexandria, and hope you will be as thrilled with your apartment as we are.

User Responses
From: Anonymous	Date: 05/18/2008
I agree completely with the fear from the vehicle break-ins. Why didn't management bother to inform residents of this. Negligence if you ask me--they ought to be sued for failing to have the gates actually operate properly, and for failing to inform residents taht vehicles are being broken into. They know about it, but aren't telling people because they just want money from new residents. And they then have the nerve to keep raising rent. I hear the new place by Harris Teeter and across from the Reserve is offering lower rates for a brand new place. Residents need to take matters into our own hands. Start calling the police anytime you see someone suspicious in the parking garage or on the property. Let the police come out and check them out. Don't hesitate, next time it might be our vehicles that are broken into. Management--you are broken.
From: Anonymous	Date: 05/19/2008
Even if the gates were always working, I???m not sure that is enough of a deterrent to keep someone from getting onto the property. That is assuming, the crimes are not being committed by a current resident at the Reserve. We just do not know, because the place does not have sufficient security measures. Apparently the cameras in the garage are only there to view vehicle entering and leaving. As bad as the break-ins are, I???m worried that the crimes might elevate to a higher level. And lets face it; we do not have much protection from that happening. The only thing the Reserve truly has over other apartment complexes is its location. Since moving here, I???ve researched other places in preparation for moving. Most other places do not have the open design of the Reserve. Most of the other complexes have internal hallways and internal elevators, which use current technology to keep out trespassers. Also, their garages are under their buildings and closed off for the most part. Not on the side and open like the Reserve???s parking decks. The Reserve should consider a security guard or at least an upgrade of the current camera system. Someone mentioned suing, and maybe that person is right, but it is sad that the leasing company will have to be sued, just so they will do what we all know is right.

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