This is my third almost going on fourth year of living here. I still like this building as much as when I moved in, and my apartment, too, but as other reviewers have stated, the rent borders on "extortion." Particularly the way it is jacked up year. Of course, you have options ranging from month to month, two months, three months, etc, but if you think the rent is highway robbery per year, take a look at some of the rates if can't commit for twelve months. They're the most outrageous I've seen in this area, unless you go to another Charles E Smith/Archstone building, then it's comparable.

Another thing to consider is utilities, When I first moved in gas, electric, and water was covered. Before my lease was even up for renewal management decided to make everybody cover their share. And not just individually, but if you live in a two bedroom such as I do, they assume a second person is living with you and charge you more than what the single person next door pays.

Well, I live alone, and that blows. And you know what else sucks' For the rent I pay, approximately $2400 a month, you would think I'd have marble tubs and sinks. Really. And that they'd update my appliances. Or that when I moved in my the handle to the microwave was already fixed or the crappy living room blinds replaced.

As for management, never had a problem with them. Flavia, the girl who works in the rental office, is an excellent source of information and will give you the real lowdown about certain layouts when nudged enough. There's also a --- black guy who works next to her who is friendly and helpful. If he's not ---, I'm sorry. Anyway, he is a nice person, too.

But I can why people get frustrated with the ladies at the front desk. The black lady during the weekday is very laid back; however, the rest of the receptionists seem to have a chip on their shoulder. They don't even attempt to act like they enjoy their job. Unfortunately, there's a new lady working late at night and she is hell on wheels. I think Archstone should give most if not all of their receptionists a crash course in how to deliver courteous service. Since I am friends with all of them, they don't bother me one bit. So the key is to be patient with them, chit chat, joke, laugh, and butter them up.

Maintenance is great, no problem there. Prompt, courteous service.

Excellent amount of hot water, and the water pressure is good. Not the best, but certainly not the worst. On a scale from one to ten I'd give it an seven or eight.

The walls seem to hold noise well but I'm in a corner unit so I can't tell you about the reality of having neighbors on BOTH sides. I have surround sound and nobody has complained so far.

Lincoln Towers now has FIOS which is a blessing for me because it's cheaper than Comcast which will allow me to save a few bucks.

Utilities in the winter is OUTRAGEOUS! Management charged me $85! And this doesn't include my electric bill, which averages about the same.

Pet fees are $50 a month - another outrageous fee, IMO! They tear the carpet up anyway after you move, it makes no sense to me, especially when you have to lay down a pet deposit that - if I recall correctly - is non returnable.

Location is fantastic, you don't even need wheels. Parking has not been a problem, either, and I've always found a space to fit my compact car. If you're so inclined, the metro is approximately three blocks away.

The neighborhood is safe, and the building is diverse. Filled with college students and young professionals, and even a few elderly people, of all races and cultures, it's a nice mix.

Now let's get to the pool. Don't let the stupid poster hanging in the rental office of a woman swimming and sporting a diving cap fool you! The pool cannot possibly be deeper than four feet. I've know shallow women with more depth. I wish they'd take that stupid poster away, it's false advertising and trust me, you will feel conned when you discover it's all one huge sham.

Well, that's it, hope this has been helpful. Oh, one more thing - it irks me that my washer's delicate setting doesn't work, thus tearing up a lot of my gym shorts and undies. As I said before, be prepared to spend a lot of money if you decide to move here.

[Actually, I'm going to continue to add more information until my lease is up.]

Utilities have now reached an outrageous number. There is a new fee called Administration Fee which is $3.95 and I don't think I received a memo on this, if so, I apologize.

Here is an example of this month's bill for 4/22 -

Administration Fee - $3.95
Gas Chg - $56.83
Sewer Only - $21.43
Trash Service - $6.75
Water - $12.21

Total - $100.82

Mind you, this does not include electric which arrives separately. Factor in that, parking, and pet fees and my bill approximately comes to $270.

User Responses
From: PenguinsFriend	Date: 04/18/2008
hilarious! The "black lady on the weekdays" is called Sharon. she is there in the mornings and is also an award winning jazz singer. she performs at the Oriental Mandlay in DC on Weekends - ask her about it, I've seen her in action - blow your mind! Lincoln is a great location, I'll give you that. But for the price you'll pay - better to look at moving elsewhere, say, like Courthouse or waiting until Jan to move - you'll get the same property we all get but pay way less.
From: downeskm	Date: 03/19/2009
Great review! Are you still living there? If so, what do utility bills on a 2BR run you this year? I am thinking about moving in but am a bit apprehensive because literally every review I have read has mentioned the costs of living here - everything from ridiculous rent increases after 1st year to hidden fees (like the random admin. fee on your utility bill). Granted, you are paying for location, but I am still trying to price things out to see if what they are charging for the whole package (rent, utils, pet fees, parking, etc.) is appropriate. Thanks!
From: exoticdoll	Date: 03/19/2009
Do you have an email address? I can send you all the information.
From: mclarkwalker	Date: 06/01/2009
Exotic - I am moving to Arlington from Louisiana and will be visiting this property this week. Could you please me the same 09 estimates that you sent downesk earlier this year? Much appreciated!

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