I actually created a yelp account just so I could make this post there, and I decided to repeat it here too. And no, I have absolutely no relation to River House management. I looked at a lot of these sites before I signed a lease here in June, which I was hesitant to do considering some of the reviews. After two and a half months of living here, I'm glad to say that none of my concerns from these posts proved true.

These buildings are great, especially for pet owners. My apartment is in excellent condition, and the grounds are maintained very well. There is plenty of green space, which is perfect for dog walking. The pools are really nice and always staffed by a lifeguard. The gyms are in good condition and equipped with everything I would want. The location is also perfect for me since I don't have a car. It's right across from the Pentagon City mall/metro, with a grocery store and pharmacy right across the street.

Concerning the management, it should be noted that a new management company took over in June right before I signed my lease, so perhaps that accounts for some of the differences in my experiences here. I've only had positive experiences with the management, and the two times I've reported maintenance issues in my apartment, they were promptly addressed. The management staff has also always been very polite and friendly with me, but again, I had no experience with the previous management.

Also regarding the mice/rat comments, I've had none on the 7th floor of the 1111 building, nor have I had any other type of insect/pest problem. I also haven't heard of anyone else making any complaints, and I haven't seen any when walking around the grounds.

I really do think I get a lot for the price here compared to other buildings in the area. Some people complain that utilities aren't included, but I guess I never expected them to be included. It's true that the bills seem costly at times due to how they're divided, but I still think the total amount I pay each month between rent and utilities is a bargain for what I get. Perhaps it's because it's summer now and the pools are open, but I often walk around here feeling like I'm on vacation.

And now for any skeptics, I repeat that I do not have any affiliation with the river house management other than being a satisfied customer. Having read a lot of these reviews before I moved in, I realize now that I almost decided against this place because the ratings were so low. Had I done so, I think I would have given up on the best apartment option available for me and my dog.

User Responses
From: Anonymous	Date: 08/16/2009
I have lived here for four years...and I lot of what you say is true...however...the security is not good...they canceled the drive around security..and cars have been stolen and broken into...and there was a mugging Aug 10 at 9pm in the grace murray hopper park...5 thugs trying to steal the purses of two young women....we need the security patrol back..and a walk around person too
From: Anonymous	Date: 08/17/2009
Wow. This guy seems to be pretty proud for getting absolutely raped on rent. New to the DC area, are we?
From: Anonymous	Date: 08/17/2009
Bozzuto is the new Management Company that took over a few months ago. If you look at the reviews of their other properties, you see a trend of poor customer service across their entire business. Looks like they rely on properties in prime locations which allows them to remain afloat despite poor service.
From: Anonymous	Date: 08/17/2009
I think this is a fair review for someone who has extremely limited time in the apartment complex. I have never lived in an apartment where utilities were included, and the residents from the pre-Kettler/Bozzuto era complain CONSTANTLY about everything. As for the responses, the 'drive around' Security was good for visual effect only since they spent most of their time on their cell phones parked by the tennis courts, but that being said, it did work to some extent, it kept non-residents from illegally parking, using the tennis courts, etc. There were car break-ins and even a car stolen while the 'integrity first Security team' was in place. As for 'getting raped' on rent - PLEASE. The River House is cheaper than the Metropolitan, Pentagon Row, and the other complexes in the immediate area while also having lots of green space and outdoor areas to take advantage of. It is also in line with market prices of large apartments within 5 minutes of a Metro and so close to downtown DC. I have a friend in DC who pays $200 for outdoor, non secure parking, and she has to pay for her gym and she lives no where near a metro, so her 'cheap' 1 bedroom ends up being more expensive and inconvenient than the River House 1 bedroom in the end. River House parking is only $25/month and includes tennis, gym, pool, etc all within 5 minutes of the metro and 5 minutes driving to downtown DC. If you look at the reviews of ANY management company, they all suck. Take the initiative and go speak with Bozzuto, you will probably find they are responsive.
From: Anonymous	Date: 08/17/2009
I'm the original poster, and in response to the "getting raped on rent" comment, the answer is no, I'm not new to the DC area. I've lived in the DC area six years, and this is actually the least I've ever paid for rent for a one person apartment. As I mentioned in my post, I don't have a car and need to live near the metro. If you look up the rent prices for studios and one bedroom apartments in buildings of comparable quality near an Arlington metro stop, I think you'll find that the River House prices fall in the less expensive end of the range.

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