I can't believe I lived here for 4.5 years. Probably 2 years longer than I would have liked, but it did improve in some ways and I got used to other things.

There are two buildings in the complex; I was in the 2001/2003 N. Cleveland St. unit. The disadvantage to 2506/08/10 N. 20th is you have to trek over there and down some stairs to get to the laundry, and there are only three washers and dryers for both buildings. The good news is that the machines all work now (I was wearing a lot of damp clothing from 2001-03).

Pros: Cheap for the neighborhood. Clarendon and Court House walkable, including Metro rail and bus. Parking multiple cars is not a problem at this complex (not so at the crappier Ancient Oaks, adjacent). Lee Hwy, I-66, and GW parkway are all right there. The Custis bike trail runs right by it (I was able to bike to work occasionally). Property manager Tony D. was responsive to problems and fixed them quickly. Good hot water, gas stove, some new appliances (probably when the really old ones break). Floorplan was pretty big; we fit a lot of crap into our 2 BR. The immediate neighborhood looks sketchy, but it's deceptively safe.

Cons: INADEQUATE HEAT, almost inhumanly so. Non-adjustable "radiators" don't actually do a whole lot of radiating. It's highly depressing to realize you're paying $1000 for an apartment but can't feel your toes on the coldest nights. Very thin windows and poor insulation too, so electric blankets and space heaters are a necessity. Has hardwood floors, but they're very old and creaky. I heard every step my upstairs neighbors took, and being stealthy at night is impossible.

Tony's wife is extremely grouchy. I don't believe I have seen her smile. Or laugh. Ever. She's very brusque and doesn't appear to like being bothered by tenats. Deal with Tony instead, if at all possible.

Overall: Recommended with the above reservations. Good spot if you're a college student and/or you have a lot of stuff and don't want to spend much money to live near (but not in) a cool neighborhood. I thought about moving a couple times after getting pissed about the heat, but everything else nearby was smaller and/or more expensive without being significantly better. Just keep in mind that if you're looking for something modern, this isn't it; it will take a little bit of DIY initiative to make it livable.

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