We were impressed with the community when we first saw it. From the outside this place looks great, and the prices were very nice. It sounded like a great deal, a one bedroom den, for 1200 a month in Fairfax. The complex is surrounded by trees and is very well maintained.... on the outside. After moving in we quickly learned that the outside is all the complex cares about. I could rant and rave about all the struggles we've had with the complex and would probably be able to write a short paper on it but I'll give me you the main problems:

- Very Old
If you get a non upgraded unit the appliances are at least 20 years old. The oven sets off the smoke alarm all the time, the dishwasher is about as effective at washing dishes as a water sprinkler, our clothes smell WORSE after washing them, and the fridge is always making funny noises. The vents have about 20 years of dust, and tobacco build up in them. Allergy sufferers beware.

- Poor insulation
This place leaks like a sieve. One month I had a 180 electric bill. If you put your hand on an exterior wall during the winter it feels like an ice cube.

- Pests
Living on the first floor I expected to see more pests than usual, but not like this. We were invaded with crickets, and ants on multiple occasions. Spiders are a constant problem. We had work done on our balcony with a few months of moving it. They quickly did the demo for the work within a few weeks of construction beginning. It is now a few weeks before we leave and the just finished, still can't use my balcony technically. Anyway while we were waiting for work to be done a family of squirrels moved into our ceiling. We "enjoyed" our new neighbors for at least a month before they were evicted, only to be invited back in when they tore done the barres to continue construction.

- Questionable business practices
My wife and I had left the country for business and pleasure for a month over the summer. Upon returning we received a 80 water bill. If you're wondering how much water that is it is 14,000 gallons of water. The next month we received another 70 water bill, followed by 70, and finally 50 before we returned to our 15 a month for the past few months. It turns out there is a focet attached the the exterior of the building for maintenance. Well this maintenance line is actually attached to OUR meter. And for the months in question they had been watering their new sod on the opposite side of the building. Eventually we were refunded for 2 of the three months in question after several months of quarrellings with the staff.

Oh and during the construction of our "new" balcony the construction workers attached their heaving power tools to our electrical outlet.

-Pop corn walls
If you are tall are put your hands above your head at night be prepared for them to go through the "cheese grater"

Phew, well maybe I did write a paper, but believe me I left a lot out.

In the end do your research and know what you are getting into. The "upgraded" units may have new appliances, carpets painting and tiles BUT the windows are still very old, the vents are a wreck, and you've got popcorn. Plus, they are more expensive. You can get into a better complex for the same price as the upgraded units in the same area.

User Responses
From: Anonymous	Date: 10/23/2008
Thanks very hepful
From: Anonymous	Date: 03/20/2009
I used to live here (It was called the Oaks then) about 14 years ago. It was very nice then, but I'm not sure how it would be now. I'll take your work for it.
From: emmilely	Date: 07/09/2009
Everyone keeps saying "you can get better in the area for cheaper" but I have yet to see anyone list a place that's better. Does anyone know of the places they are referring to?

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