I lived in this complex for one year, only because it was the only place that I could afford that was available at the time. I had relocated from Pittsburgh shortly out of grad school. I lived in a studio apartment at the time. All the utilities are included in the rent, which is great. However, you have no control over the heating/cooling. That is, once they turn the heating on, it is on to stay until May. Not that bad except when it is 85 degrees outside in October, and you really could ude some a/c. When I was there, they actually turned the a/c on three weeks earlier than normal, because of an early heatwave and 95 degree heat. I was very grateful for that, as I thought I would have to suffer with only a fan. So, I guess they are flexible when needed. Also, the windows are hard to open, and stick a lot. Don't know about larger apartments, but that was the case in my studio in the Stratford. I liked that there was security 24 hrs in the building. It made me feel safer. Area outside, not so safe at nighttime. Use common sense and be weary of your surrounding if you are femele and living alone. I heard a lady was mugged in the parking lot when I was living there. It was just a purse snatcher, no weapons or force used, but that is enough to keep me on the lookout. I also liked that there was a laundry room on each floor, there are only 2 washers and dryers per floor though. My advice, don't do laundry on the weekends unless you have too!! They also like to do fire drills on a regular basis, and at times with little notice. The windows offer a great view of the area. It is just minutes from Old Town Alexandria. I moved because I found a place in Manassas, which is closer to where I work, in Chantilly. Oh and the roach thing, the one thing that bothered me. There would be roaches coming through the spaces behind the cabinets, and I don't leave opened food out and cleaned up my dishes for the most part. I tried using raid, whiched worked at first, but a few weeks later, more roaches. I never made any complaints to management, as I knew I would only be here for a year. Overall my experience living here was okay, though I hardly knew any of my neighbors, since they were either not around or not very friendly. Being from the suburbs, hi-rise living isn't for me, but it was a cheap place to live for NOVA. The maintenence was quick to respond the one time I called them to fix a loose toilet. Was fixed by end of day. If you like urban living and are looking for a cheap place to live, this is definately worth trying out. Just look out for the roaches!!

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