Well, I figure since I've been using this site so much for my apartment hunting that I should contribute by rating the apartment that I am currently in. Keep in mind when you read these reviews that you are mostly reading from people who are dissatisfied about something and need a forum to vent. I don't think the Ridgeleigh deserves its current rating of 57% (I'd say its at least in the 70s). With that being said, here is my review.

Parking for the most part is sufficient and I can usually find a spot in front of my building, but occasionally I have to park a little further away (but very far) if I come home really late. The office recently changed its parking policy and now has towing enforcement, although I have yet to see a tow truck patrolling the grounds.

The management has changed a couple of times over the years. This hasn't had much impact on me however. They have been doing a lot of renovations to most of the units and to the club houses. I have a unit that has not been renovated (since I was living in a unit before the renovations took place). I checked out a model of the renovated place and it looked really nice. I'm sure that they rent out those units at a premium rate though. I am not sure if they still have un-renovated units available for renting at a lower price, but it would be a good question to ask if you are trying to stay within a certain budget. My interactions with management have been minimal at best, so I can't really knock them. The appliances in the un-renovated units are pretty decent... not state of the art, but not antiques either. Also, I've never seen any critters in my apartment. Trust me, if I did, I would not have stayed here for 3.5 years!

The shuttle service is decent for the most part. I haven't ridden it in a while but a few years ago I used to ride it daily and it was pretty reliable. This distance to the Van Dorn St. Metro is walkable in a pinch (I've done it a couple of times). I think it took me about 20 minutes or so and I'm a fast walker. There is a stretch of the walk that is dark/unlit, so I wouldn't recommend walking by yourself at night. I think it's an $8 cab ride from the station to the Ridgeleigh. The metro is the only point of interest that I would say is in walking distance. However, my radius of what I consider walking distance (around 1.25 miles) may be different from yours. Another option is the Fairfax Connector bus system which has several stops nearby, one of which will take you on a straight shot to the metro.

The Kingstowne Shopping Center is a short drive down Van Dorn St (Safeway, Giant, Blockbuster, restaurants, retail, etc). Van Dorn Plaza is also nearby and has a bunch of stores as well. The Ridgeleigh is located right in between two malls (Springfield and Landmark). Its location provides easy access to I-395, I-495, and I-95, so it's a good jumping off point in any direction.

There are plenty of sidewalks to go jogging or an evening stroll after work. There is a very residential feel since there are other complexes lined along the road. I feel very safe living here. I've never had any issues with my car being broken into or vandalized. It has a generally clean and safe atmosphere. The neighbors are cordial but it seems that everyone keeps to themselves. The community seems to consist of mostly families and young professionals. Occasionally there will be a noisy neighbor but I think that will be true anywhere. I rarely have an issue with noise late at night. The grounds are very clean. There is also a station for you to wash your car and vacuum it, which is pretty convenient.

Cons: Recently maintenance really half-arsed a repair. I believe this to be an aberration though, because I've previously been satisfied with their repairs. They are usually pretty quick to respond though. Also, there are no receptacles for outgoing mail at the actual mailbox in the buildings. You have to go across the street to the US Mail box. Depending on where you live and how often you have stuff to mail, this might annoy you. Also, depending on which unit you live in, the trash bins might be a bit of a walk for you as well. The mail and the trash issues are minor though, but just something to think about. Also the floors in my bedroom squeak fairly often. The neighbors below me must hate me, but lucky for me I live on the top floor (so I'd recommend a top floor apt if you're sensitive to noise). It would be nice if there was a little more lighting in the parking lot, although surely someone would complain because too much light was entering their apartment from the outside.

I have lived here for the past 3.5 years and I've never come home thinking "I hate this place". But then again, I've never come home saying "I love this place" either. Overall it's average, and if you're low maintenance and don't need anything fancy then you'll be fine here. I would recommend this place. I hope this review helps you in your search.

User Responses
From: Anonymous	Date: 03/30/2009
Thank you for your review!! Very helpful!

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