Old Review below. New review: I still like the interior of the actual apartment unit, but I've had three major problems come up that are so obnoxious that I can no longer recommend this place:

1. Parking - when I first moved in, parking was occasionally a problem but not too bad. Now that the place is more full, parking is TERRIBLE. If I'm not home right at 5:30, I can count on parking no closer than five buildings over. This is especially fun if I have groceries or have just come from a brutal workout at the gym. Ugh. And funny how the tow trucks seem to tow people who don't cause problems, but ignored the motorcycles that took up 4 prime spaces all winter long.

2. Noise - again, not bad when I first moved in. But now, between my neighbors within the building and the playing kids outside the building, I feel like I'm living in a circus. And the thing is, nobody is being loud or obnoxious on purpose--there's just not enough insulation in the walls.

3. Groundskeeping - the staff doesn't have the grass mowed frequently enough, and it can get so high that it becomes infested with ticks and fleas. I had to pull a tick off my leg the other day. Kids play in that grass, it's not safe!

Update (Sept 2009): The groundskeeping has gotten a lot more regular since my last update. Parking and noise aren't any better, but I've had some interactions with the maintenance crew and they're great.

Old review:
Been here a couple of months now. We've been very satisfied with our apartment unit and the staff in the office. The rent we're paying (about $1500 with the incentives) is insanely cheap for the area, especially considering how nice our unit is (recently remodeled, apparently). Sure, you can pay $1100-$1200 for a two-bedroom in one of the old, nasty high-rises in the area, but the community at Encore is much more pleasant and pet-friendly than Southern Towers and the other nearby big complexes.

The units really are lovely: granite countertops, new appliances and fixtures, and nice carpeting. Closet space is a little tight, but it's not too bad. As other reviewers have pointed out, the entry halls are very loud and echoing, and you can hear people in the hall from right next to your front door. This isn't a big deal for me, but my dogs like to bark when they hear people walking in and out, and I specifically picked a third-floor apartment so that we wouldn't be right next to the entry door for this reason.

There is one issue that I've noticed, and that's parking and crime. We deliberately chose a unit in a "cul de sac" where there are a bunch of other buildings, and it's very well-lit. As a result, we've personally had no problems, either with finding parking or with break-ins. However, people all the way at the end of the cul de sac frequently have trouble finding parking right next to their units after 6 pm or so--kind of a hassle when you have groceries. Also, in other parts of the complex there is very limited lighting, and there have been a few car break-ins since we moved in. If you get a chance, drive through the complex at night and see where the light and dark parts are. I should point out that I've never personally felt threatened--I've walked my dogs in all parts of the complex at all times of day and night, and never felt nervous.

One other minor issue is trash: the complex and grounds always stay clean, but the trash bins fill up in a hurry and then people just start piling their trash bags near the bins. It's not awful--the trash pickup always seems to come just as things are about to get dicey--but it's not as convenient and clean as it should be.

I've got to point out in all fairness: the whole DC metro area kind of sucks when it comes to crime, trash pickup, and cleanliness, so Encore's problems are certainly not unique in those regards. Aside from those issues, we've had a good experience here and feel like we're getting our money's worth. The location is outstanding and the access to public transportation and highways are great, the units are lovely, and the office staff has been pleasant enough. I'd definitely recommend this place, just make sure to try and get a unit in a well-lit area.

User Responses
From: Anonymous	Date: 07/07/2009
I lived here 1 1/2 years and I agree with everything you have to say. I will also add that I've had two mice in my apartment within that time (and so has my neighbors). The good thing is that I haven't seen any bugs since I've been here. Yes, the inside is gorgeous compared to other apartments/highrises in the area...but please make sure you choose a top floor if you don't have a high tolerance for people stomping around... My neighbors talk so loud I have to blast my TV just to tune them out.
From: Anonymous	Date: 10/23/2009
I agree with this post. The noise will keep up for hours at night! I think my upstairs neighbors are stompping around but they are not! I hear them vacuume, talk, open/shut doors. I hate it here, the sleep I have lost should be terms enough to break lease.

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