I used apartmentratings.com quite a bit when researching apartment options so I wanted to add my review once we had been in our new place for a while.

We have been living here less than a year but are very happy with our choice. The pros: largish apartments, very well-kept building, 2 blocks from the metro and in the "heart" of Ballston (if there is such a thing). Close to the library, shops, restaurants, parks etc. The location is wonderful although Ballston suffers from a not-great mall. The building is managed well and kept immaculate. The apartment cost seems to be a fairly good value considering the size of the apartments, location, quality of building. There is a large indoor pool kept quite warm. Our family uses it regularly. Good sized balconies. The furnished units are also quite comfortable (we were in one of these before moving to an unfurnished). And it is a very quiet building.

Family-related considerations: We were looking for a kid-friendly place and although I wouldn't say that RT is itself especially child oriented, the nearby parks, library, indoor pool and the excellent schools (this area is served by an excellent elementary school (Ashlawn) and the bus drop off/pick up is right in front of the building) make it a very do-able and even pleasant. We use the metro on weekends to go to the mall. Very convenient! There are also a couple pre-k's within walking distance.

The cons: I will preface to say that none of these would cause me to not recommend RT but you may feel differently. Older building (maybe not as attractive on the outside as some of the surrounding newer complexes), fyi - the elevators do not seem to be the problem they once were, Dittmar management (they seem to run a tight rule-following ship but it is a nameless faceless corporation), very limited guest parking, utilities not included in rent, electric stove (not gas), some street noise - but hey, that's city living and they do have double glass doors on their balconies. The biggest con is the work out area. It has very inconvenient hours (3pm-9:30 pm weekdays) and it is truly a mystery why Dittmar wouldn't spring for a 24 hour card access to the workout room. The pool has the same hours. There is however a large Gold's Gym 2 blocks away and we have resorted to joining it. Finally, altho I really have grown to like our front desk staff, they are an assortment of cranky retirees - some more cranky and/or more competent than others.

So, there are pros and cons to living at RT and I don't have a long perspective but in general this is a quality building in a good location with a few quirks.

User Responses
From: Stephjr1	Date: 01/13/2009
The weight room has card access beginning at 5:00 am.

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