I've just renewed a lease, not because I like giving away money for rent, but because housing is unaffordable and equally outrageous.

But back to Rose Hill. They [rentals] are small. I have a 2BR (<900 ft^2) and ran out of room quick when moving in. Closet and storage is at a minimum (not sure how they define "huge" at their website). Private balconys are NOT. No outside storage and local "self-storage megaplex" will charge hundreds of dollars in monthly rent for a small storage space of about 240 ft^3.

The place was built, what appears to be, decades ago, so it shows its age. The property owners seems to make good-faith efforts to keep it up aesthetically in grounds keeping and exterior painting. The interiors are plain, drab white. Over time, the receptacles, hinges, door jams, etc were painted over. Acoustically, it is terrible. The floors creak when the upstairs occupants walk, as does mine. They [upstairs] have a small child that runs wild, it sounds like the ceiling will come crashing through at any minute (same kid also allowed sink to overflow upstairs and water came gushing out through receptacles, vanity lighting, causing the GFI circuits to go crazy). Music, TVs, screaming, normal converstaions, etc, all passes through the walls and ceilings. Wheels and tracks of sliding doors leading to the small balcony are worn-out. Maintenance keeps lubing instead of replacing a few simple parts.

Windows are double-pane, energy efficient. However, the insulating gas has escaped some windows and those now have a calcium-like deposit that has formed on the interior of the glass, obstrucuing the view.

Parking is adequate. They will begin reserved parking soon, for a monthly fee of course. Not sure what brought that on.

I've seen more irresponsible pet owners than usual. Most allow their pets to defecate and don't pick it up. Not good for the kiddies that run around. Nothing worse then unknowingly stepping in pile of dog crap.

Kitchen amenities are up to date, but feature the very bottom of entry-level appliances. The range hood vents into the interior instead of exhausting outdoors. Kitchen is more like a kitchenette in an efficiency unit.

Washer/Dryer is a stack unit, again an entry-level appliance. The gearbox makes an unusual whirring noise, because you can hear everyone else's when they're washing clothes too.

Bathroom is quite small; value hotel-ish like. No exhaust vent, so it steams up quickly. There is a HVAC vent and another vent that does nothing except deposit dust and debris, which has to be cleaned daily from the bathroom floor, tub, sink, and commode.

Expect about a 17 percent increase in rent after lease expires and stay on from month- to-month. Expect about a 4.5 percent increase if a new 12-month lease is signed.

Other amenities: clubhouse, pool, fitness room, tennis courts, and basketball courts.

"Toto, we're not in Kansas anymore," if the complex were in the south, it would be section 8 housing(that's public-assisted housing, boys and girls). On the other hand, if I were paying what I pay here in rent, I could be a luxurious home, town home, or upscale apartment. That's the price you pay for living in the NCR.

Can't say I've experienced any pest infestation, but that doesn't mean a filthy neighbor has, nor do I sit up at night and see if any roaches are scurrying about. I have noticed a rat that darts back and forth along the ground amoung shrubs at the backside of the adjacent building; reported to mgmt. They [mgmt] do ask that trash be removed daily and "professionally" treat the place semi-annually.

I would not consider it for any long-term arrangement. As much as I hated to do it, we chose to stay another year or until the housing market crashes, or bursts, and everyone flippin' houses and homeowners with ARMs and interest-only mortgages start filing bankruptcies. More suited for people with minimal material possesions.

Seems to be a quite complex, except as noted above. I haven't seen any vandilism or criminal activity. They have a night watchmen as well.

The ol' adage "you get what you pay for," is true here. Sure, there are upscale places, but so is the rent. All I can say is, if you're coming to the NCR and plan on buying a house inside the NCR, make sure you are financially able. Single family homes start at $500K and up. Nice Townhomes $400K and up.

User Responses
From: reachforthestars	Date: 04/06/2006
Awesome review.
From: Redskinsrulez	Date: 05/20/2006
Built in the early 60's. Welcome to the DC metro area cause this is how it is. You make comment of everything being entry level appliances, It is a rental apt you realize which typically doesn't stock top o' line things. I must be real lucky because I have exhaust vent in bath and most all my appliances are brand new. My building is real quiet as is my end of complex. Compare to other prices and apts this is a pretty good place. I have lived in apts thruout the Metro area and believe me there are some real " winners" out there or some nice places if you don't mind paying thru the nose for them.

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