I've lived at Archstone for two years and have enjoyed reading all of these comments. Overall, it is a good place and I've been happy.

Regarding all the complaints about maintenance: maybe it was like that once, but I have had to call several times and have received immediate responses. I really like the 24 hour emergency answering service.

True, the garbage dumpster, the gates, and the fire alarm situations suck, but they are getting better. The gates always work eventually and now that they are leaving the dumpster's door open the pile up problem has been reduced. The problem was that many people were too lazy to open the lid. I'm not, but I have to admit that getting too close to that smell induces a good old fashioned gag. Still, I always do my best to get in in there (I'll only throw it on the pile if there is no way to get past the pile up).

Regarding nose-in-the-air neighbors: welcome to northern Virginia. It has nothing to do with Archstone. The people in this entire area are d-heads. I hate the region more each day because of the abounding arrogance and rudeness. Frankly, I think part of the reason is that many of our nouveau riche neighbors are stupid rednecks trying to wear fancy city clothes.

On the other hand, someone recently left their garage door open for three days. I noticed that there were bicycles, a baby stroller, a tennis racket, and other nice things in plain view - night and day. Still, on the third day I noticed that all that stuff was still there! If this were southeast D.C. the garage would have been empty and some bum would have pooped in the corner to add insult to injury. So, maybe the people here do have some redeeming qualities after all.

We initially had a problem with noisy neighbors and paper thin walls. However, the noisy neighbors are gone and we are in peace. Thank goodness. However, I sometimes see/hear loud parties in other buildings. In fact, on New Years Eve one drunk party a-hole on the second floor of another building pissed off a balcony. His urine splashed my jeans while I was walking by. I was mad, but that is not typical of this complex. Again, that wasn't Archstone's fault.

One final note to show why I'm happy here. A while back I forgot to pay my rent. I know, that sounds like a load of crap, but I actually forgot. On about the 7th of the month I suddenly remembered and called the manager's office in a panic. He was very cool about it, said that I was a good renter with a good history, and he gave me a one-time waiver of the penalty fee. Archstone really earned my satisfied customer loyalty that day.

My only word of advice to newcomers: don't rent an apartment near the garbage dumpsters. Other than that small thing, you'll be happy.

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