Ok. So admittedly, I have not lived here yet. BUT! The reason that I signed with this place is for their 2 months rent free special on a renovated 1 bedroom apts, I believe they also have this special going on with alot of their other apartments. I also like taking that special up front without the pro-rated deal, because come lease re-signing time, I'm not interested in seeing a HUGE hike in my rent (based on market prices). My reservation fee was $100 (to be applied to my first months rent) and my deposit was zero $$ with credit check. Howevever, because I work for the government, they waived the app fee, knocked off $400 off of my first month's rent, AND gave me a $200 discount on my amenity fee. Talk to Raphael when you come in, he was awesome and did his best to get me a good deal! With that said, I did get a unit convenient to Army Navy Drive and also got on the ground floor with a "terrace door" which costs an extra 50 bucks I think (but being a regular outside smoker this feature is key for me, so I didn't mind paying the extra). I liked how close to all that street parking this unit was, but I'm also not blind (or deaf) to how loud it will be being that's it's right next to 395. I've heard alot of complaints about how thin the walls are, and being a regular apartment dweller, I'm used to this. BUT, I'll be keeping an ear out for unusually thin walls. There's still some expectation of privacy living in an apartment complex that I think is reasonabe for folks to have. And I also called Raphael about this random inspection stuff. He's assured me that they are not inspections, but quarterly maintenance visits (bound by law) to check the smoke detectors and replace filters and that they provide you with written notice about the visit before hand. Based on some reviews that I've seen, I'll definitely be looking out for any shady goings on with that. However, so far the deal looks really good for me. I'll be sure to write an update after I move in (after the first week of October). I'll be honest, it is a bit pricey and storage will be an issue, but this place had everything else that I was looking for: feeling of safety, free shuttle to the metro, ground floor (garden style, i.e. not a high rise) with convenient outside access, pet friendly, one free parking pass, nice gym, upgraded appliances, and a great move-in special with no deposit; so for me, the rent price was worth it.

Hope that helps! I'll be keeping my fingers crossed that my move in and subsequent residence there reviews wil be just as up-beat! :)

********************************************************************************
UPDATE (almost 3 months later): Ok so.... Moving in was awful. I was informed 2 days before the move that the apartment I was suppose to move into that the tenants refuse to vacate. I really liked the location of that unit and was completely devastated. As a result, I had no choice but to take one of the units on the side where they are doing all those renovations, but I really hate all this construction. Management tried to be apologetic, but in the end they said their hands were tied.

So here's my low down on the brand new renovated apartments. I have seen a mouse, I have seen 3 roaches in these past 2 1/2 months, the walls ARE very thin, and despite the promotions, the monthly rent here is really high. Having new appliances are nice, but as long as they work, I'm not that picky... BUT, I still like the neighborhood, it's super close to town, the shuttles are great, our neighbors are great, our apartment came with an extra bedroom closet (great for the boyfriend) and I love having a terrace door with convenient outside access (I'm an outside smoker with a dog, so this is really a big plus for me).

I don't think this place is for everybody. And I do agree that management needs some better organization and learns how to 1. not make mistakes, 2. respond better to the mistakes that they do make, 3. maybe realize that this is not the only gig in town.

However, for me, it suits my purposes for now. I don't know if I'll renew next year. I'm not opposed to picking up and moving for a better deal. But it's convenient, friendly, and safe and those are big pluses for me. Management has set traps for the mouse, I've sealed all my food, I plan on bombing for roaches when I go out of town for the holidays, and my neighbors are pretty great so we try to be courteous about the noise. And that's all we really can do to make the best of things, as they've at least got a year out of me.

Hope that helps!

Your thoughts? Post a response to this review. Display my response: with my username anonymously Responses appear below reviews and one response per user is permitted.

   Free estimates on moving trucks      Find apartment share/roommates