I will have lived at ST 3 years this coming May. I can say with confidence that my experience here, being my first apartment, has been a good one. I stay in the Monticello builing, in a studio apartment with a balcony, and have a very nice skyline view of D.C.. I love my space and feel fortunate to live where I do, considering the alternatives, but you do get a bit of the "good and the bad" with a bargain such as this.....

Location-
The location is arguably one of the best on Alexandria. Accessability to 395 in less than 1 minute, 495 in five minutes. Route 7 and 236 west are reachable within munites. Old Town, Shirlington, Arlington and downtown D.C. all within 15 min driving time. There are 2 shopping centers with various convenience stores and 2 fairly nice restaurants (Finn and Porter, CLYDES) within walking distance. So if you dont own a car or you do but its OOC for a while you're not stranded like you would be living in other complexes. Landmark Mall is very close, as well as Pentagon City, Crystal City and Potomac Yard shops

Public Transportation_
There are Metro and Connector buses that run thru ST more than frequently. Depending upon what building you stay the noise and exhaust could become a problem, the fumes from the exhaust especially during the summer. The closest MetroRail location is VanDorn St, about 3 or 4 miles away. The two others are Pentagon City and King St. stops. .

Grounds, Maintenance/Security
ST features 2 swimming pools and a central park area with several BBQ pits and 8 tennis courts. The swimming pools and park area do leave much to be desired, but are adequate. The lots and grounds are kept picked-up and sanitary.

I have yet to call maintenance for any problems, so I cant speak on their prudence in resolving any issue that may arise. But ST does schedule regular maintenance "housekeepng" such as inspecting smoke detectors, changing air filter in the A/C-Heating units, etc... And to thier credit ST is good about posting well in advance any maintenance that will be performed.

One dissapointing aspect to ST's maintenance program is the fact they dont provide long time tenants with the option of having thier apartments repainted or floors re-buffed, etc.. on the tenants anniversary date. After 3 years in the same apartment the stress fractures are starting to show thru the paint job done before I moved in.

Security is more of a visual deterrant. ST does have keyless entry, but that wouldn't prevent an unwanted visitor form entering the building, only because its a matter of waiting for a resident to walk in. Plus the fact there are so many people coming and going, the front desk attendant can't possible keep up with everyone. ST does have patrolling security in SUVs. To add to the security, there is also an Alexandria City police station located on the grounds. On occasion I have seen them patrolling the grounds as well.

Social Activites/Outdoor Activities

Unfortunately, ST doesn't sponsor or hold any social activities for the residents in either thier specific building or for the entirety of the complex.

If you're into parks, running or biking there are several parks within driving or walking distance. Dora Kelly, Holmes Run 1 and 2, GW Parkway, South 4 Mile Run trials just to name a few....

Misc_

ST includes utilities (a huge bonus). Some other amenities are.. A cleaners on-site, mail-valet, 24 hour on-call maintenance, access to work-out room (This also leaves much to be desired, in the Monticello the equipment is 2 treadmills and 2 bikes in 600 sq. ft. room.. its convenient if you dont have gym membership or you want a quick workout without going to the gym), a 24-hour 7-11 on the premises, a BB&T bank on the premises, limo service.

Some of the bad include.... parking (for residents it can be tricky depending on what time you come in, the later it gets the further away from your building you're gonna park).. If you have visitors staying over night they'd better get there early. ST only gives 25 visitor spots per building starting at 5pm.

ST provides 2 washers and 2 dryers per floor, per some 40 apartments per floor. Only a handful of times have I had to wait, but you do have to keep up with the time because of the sheer number of people who need to use the facility. It's expensive too. $1.50 per wash and dry..

ST does have a roach problem. In some cases I've heard tenants having to request management exterminate thier apartments. I think it's a case by case problem, depending upon your neighbors cleanliness and your apartments proximity to the trashrooms.

All in all, my experience living in ST has been a good one. I would recommend it as a good starter apartment per the price plus location vs. the other choices.

Good Luck in your search!

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