Renewing my lease
From:
-Anonymous-
Date posted:
4/19/2004
Years at this apartment:
2003
-
2004
I'm glad I didn't read these reviews before I moved into Avalon.
My husband and our two dogs have lived in a 2-bedroom, 2-bath (for under $1600) for almost a year now. For the most part, we have been happy here.
We only have one car, so parking has not been a problem (we use the garage), though I can see how parking on the street would be a pain. I work in DC and appreciate the covenience of the free metrobus ride to the Pentagon every morning.
We also love our location: just minutes from downtown DC, Shirlington, Crystal City, Ballston, Clarendon, Del Ray, and Old Town Alexandria. We are also very close to Pentagon City Centre and Pentagon Row (which has a Harris Teeter and the very yummy Lebanese Taverna).
My husband works out of our home, and has not had many problems with noise or our cable internet connection. And he tells me our mailman is extremely nice.
Our dogs have also been pretty happy here. We would never let them off leash in the neighborhood because of the traffic (and yes, we do get lots of traffic from non-residents cutting through to get to 395), but we take them to the dog run a few times a week. Plus, there are some great dog parks in nearby Shirlington and Del Ray. Our vet is also nearby, in a beautiful, brand new office in the Giant shopping center. There's also a new upscale pet boutique in the "market" area of the community from which we now buy organic dog foods and treats. There seem to be plenty of "dog bag" stations, but hey, you'll have irresponsible dog owners at any apartment complex.
I use the gym almost daily (and used the pool frequently last summer) and only have a few complaints--not enough towels or water in gym; saw some women drinking beer IN the pool once. The pool always seemed pretty clean, and the lifeguard often checks ID. I work out early in the morning, so I don't usually have to battle for any gym equipment. But it can get pretty crowded in there in the early evening and on weekend mornings. My husband and I also belong to the Gold's Gym in the nearby shopping center (next to Giant), which is very nice.
I would concur with some of the comments regarding the staff and the package situation. But we have had no problems with maintenance personnel. We had a few interesting maintenance "emergencies" (yes, the apartments were cheaply built) and both were fixed within an hour; plus we received follow-up calls from the management.
We have not experienced any crime problems. I often have to walk my dogs after dark, and generally feel pretty safe. There are a few streets on the edge of the complex where I wouldn't walk alone at night. And yes, the complex backs up on some poor neighborhoods, which you will have to drive through to get to the complex from 395S. I think the worst part about the neighboring communities is the traffic. I definitely haven't noticed "gangs" terrorizing the complex, unless you count groups of kids on bikes, playing football in the green, or waiting for the schoolbus. I'm frankly shocked at the racist comments I've seen posted on this site. And I'm very happy that the posters have left/are leaving my neighborhood.
We are renewing our lease for another year. We will probably leave after that, but only because we would like to buy our own home. Overall, I feel we were lucky to find this place.
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