It is an OK place to live. It is near the metro and at the time I moved in, it was the cheapest option, but it did had (and continues to have) a serious roach problem and I feel unsafe sometimes. After the end of my lease the rent was raised, so I think I might be able to find a nicer place for only slightly more. After a year it goes month to month. I haven't bothered to look though and moving is such a hassel... so, it has some good and some bad. It does have personality, most of the residents are friendly, and it's a darn sight cheaper than the highrises in the area.

Parking- its free, but difficult to find late at night and not secure. There is no visitor parking, although you can get visior passes in advance.

Construction- I live right next to the new construction. I moved in October 2006 and was told that construction was M - F between 8 and 5. It's right outside my bedroom window and I can assure you this is not the case. During the week it starts about 6 or 6:30, on Sat around 7 or 8 and there is the occasional person on Sundays. I read in another review that the writer expected it to be done June 07, however the management told me it was a 3 year project (and it looked as though they were just breaking ground when I moved in).

Community/Safety- It is a diverse community, which I find attractive. There are a lot of (immigrant) families and the community center offers ESL and daycare. There is a park behind the complex with a playground and there are also lots of guys who get together to play soccer. Sometimes I feel safe and other times not. As the other posters say, there are regular visits by the police but in my experience they are there more often in response to a call than on regular patrol. I overheard the police interviewing some residents in the courtyard about a robbery at gunpoint one night and 2 weeks ago the people in the building across from me were throwing items through the glass in the window. I haven't seen any drug deals, but there are a fair number of folks who hang out outside when the weather gets nicer.

Location- Great location, near metro and buses. For me it is a 12 min walk to Court House. It is a little far from Safeway or Giant though (about 20 min).

Trash/bugs- They did install a larger trash bin, but it still overflows. This happens most often the night before trash day. Also, there is a code on the trash bin door, so if people forget what it is I think they just leave there bags next to the bin. There is only one bin, but the complex is relatively compact so you won't have to walk too far. I have never seen a mouse, but there are lots of roaches (in my building anyway). The problem seems to come and go, when I first moved in it was TERRIBLE. They were everywhere- I came home one night and there was one crawling across the bed, they would swarm the cat's food dish, and I would go through at least one can of raid a week. And they were all sizes- big and small, with and without wings... The problem got slightly better (management will treat once a week if you call them), I would see some but not nearly as many. Then it got worse. And now it is somewhat better (I see one or two every couple of days). I don't think I'll ever be completely rid of them. I see them occasionally in the hall. Apartment smells of bug spray constantly. No, I did not bring them with me, this is the first time I've ever seen a roach (dead or alive).

Noise/Amenitites- The apartment is sturdy, but not the most well taken care of. The walls are thick, but I could still hear my neighbors shouting/music blaring and the kids who live upstairs have one of those dance-a-thon video games. Not fun. The apartment does have a washer/dryer and a dishwasher and utilites are relatively cheap. The heat/air conditioning is very quick. Cheap carpet killed my vacuum cleaner.

Management- No complaints here. Their hours kind of suck though.

Grounds- pretty well lit/well kept. Trash is picked up daily and the common areas are cleaned daily. My building and another building form a U shape, which makes a nice courtyard.

Pets- one time pet fee, no pet rent. Cats only.

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