In NOVA, looking to get a rental closer to work - what's with the roaches? (Alexandria: apartments)

[siskomartel]

Hey everyone,

First off, I'm posting because it looks like there are a bunch of great people on here that are willing to offer good advice, so I figured I'd throw this out there. I'm in Alexandria, work in Sterling, near Dulles, and am looking to move in October nearer to work. Here's what I'm looking for:

- close to metro (doesn't have to be walking distance)
- 1 bedroom, max $1,200 a month
- close to the W&OD trail (I'm a runner, trail seems like a gem)
- don't need to be in the center of it all, but I am single in my 30's so something with a bit of activity
- some place that's not too noisy, clean, and well kept up

So here's the problem. I've been looking at Fairfax, Falls Church and Vienna areas. Doing the research, I see apartments that meet my price range, but when I dig deeper (apartmentratings.com for one) I see story after story of crappy landlords, super thin walls, and roaches - even stories about mice, rats and bedbugs! Now, I get that apartment living has downsides, but this seems a bit over the top. Especially when I see condos through individuals for the same price or even cheaper.

My question - where do you live, or where have you lived, and what are my options? I have to move in October, and I don't want to get into a place where I'm going to be miserable. Are apartments really this bad at my rate? Should I not even consider a complex, and just go with a private home? Is Reston an okay place for getting into the city every so often, even though it's a trek to the metro? I thought I was past the roommate part of my life, but if that's the only option... Basically, I'm flexible, I'd just like some feedback from some real life situations.

Thanks so much for any replies/advice/etc. I really like Nova (been here 3 months so far), and would like to continue my run of good luck here.

Thanks!

Jonathan