Apartments in fairfax (city) (Jefferson: apartment complexes, rentals, condos)

[iphoneeee]

Folks can you give me some personal recommendations on good apartments in fairfax city? looking for 2 bd 2 bath in the $1800 range.

I have tried looking reviews online but unsure about their authenticity.

thanks.

[saganista]

Do you need to be in the city proper? What is it you are trying to stay close to?

[iphoneeee]

I'm trying to stay close to the mclean/tysons corner area. I heard fair oaks/fair lakes is a good area in fairfax?

im moving from out of state so not too sure about desirable spots in fairfax. (have only been there once).

[saganista]

Yes, Fair Oaks/Fair Lakes is a very nice area indeed. Commuting to Tysons could be a little iffy from there though. Unless you go at odd hours, the obvious routes will all be packed with traffic, and many back roads will be as well. That's not to rule it out, just saying that the commute will be a factor.

[iphoneeee]

Any particular apartment complexes that you can recommend in the fair oaks/fair lakes based on personal experiences or perhaps hearsay from friends/family?

Yeah I understand the commute will be rough but I'll tough it out. It's hard to find a 2bd 2 bath apt in a nice complex in the mclean area in my price range (though im looking in CL for any condo rentals since they run marginally cheaper).

Thanks.

[NOVAEER]

I lived in Camden Monument Place a couple years ago and it was nice. I believe it's in your price range as well.

[saganista]

Their are dozens of them and still new ones opening up. I've had indirect experience with Camden which was fine. They have at least three properties in the area -- Fair Lakes, Monument, and Fairfax Corner -- but the entire area around the Fairfax County Government Center is wall-to-wall apartments, TH's, and condos for miles. There's a good amount of green space, it's walkable in many parts, shopping and all sorts of other amenities are everywhere, there are lots of yuppies, but also lots of families. Finding a second bath in an apartment may be hard. Much easier to find in a small TH or condo. Those could challenge your $1800 some, as would a top-of-the-line 2-BR apartment.

[CapsChick]

Fair Lakes/Fair Oaks are not actually in Fairfax City, they are in Fairfax County. There are plenty of nice apartments out that way. I lived in a 2BR/2BA at the Jefferson at Fair Oaks for several years (up until 11 months ago), it's one of the older complexes but it's small, the apartments are renovated, and they have good management. The rent was quite a bit less than $1800. I've lived in several others out that way, too, including Archstone Momument Park.

The commute may suck but it's worth it, I love that area. From my apartment at the Jefferson, I could walk to Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax Corner, Fairfax Towne Center, and Fair Lakes Promenade. Plus you have Wegmans right there - that alone is worth being the neighborhood. As well, you have easy access to 66.

You might want to look up apartment ratings online, but remember, people typically only use the internet to complain, not to compliment. I definitely recommend a visit to check them out before you decide. Also, be sure you know all the added fees they may throw your way.

P.S. If you rent at the Jefferson, spring for a garage. They are definitely worth it! I think you can probably still get the 2-BR + garage for under $1800.

[ATLGAL]

My daughter is a student at George Mason. She and three other girls lived in Fairfax Square. I would NOT recommend it. From the back-flow of sewerage into the apt (which happened be4 they moved in. In all fairness, the complex did change the carpet, but the underlying wood floor was not changed. And the carpet was only changed after I raised all kinds of heck about rescinding my co-signature). They had several infestations of bed-bugs. The apt was treated several times. After the 2nd or 3rd time, the girls wanted out. The only option was a more expensive 'townhome', for which they would not reduce the rent, nor would the help the girls move. When they moved in, all of us parents were there to help with the schlepping. Then there were the roaches, which, unfortunately, have come home with her. Yuck. Lots of spray later, I think we're good.

From what I found when my daughter was looking, if the online photo's only show the pool or club-house, like at FS, ask yourself why - b/c the apts are crummy, that's why!

FS is less than 5 miles from GMU, but it could take upwards of 40 min to get to class in the morning.

Stay away from this place.

[iphoneeee]

Originally Posted by CapsChick

Fair Lakes/Fair Oaks are not actually in Fairfax City, they are in Fairfax County. There are plenty of nice apartments out that way. I lived in a 2BR/2BA at the Jefferson at Fair Oaks for several years (up until 11 months ago), it's one of the older complexes but it's small, the apartments are renovated, and they have good management. The rent was quite a bit less than $1800. I've lived in several others out that way, too, including Archstone Momument Park.

The commute may suck but it's worth it, I love that area. From my apartment at the Jefferson, I could walk to Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax Corner, Fairfax Towne Center, and Fair Lakes Promenade. Plus you have Wegmans right there - that alone is worth being the neighborhood. As well, you have easy access to 66.

You might want to look up apartment ratings online, but remember, people typically only use the internet to complain, not to compliment. I definitely recommend a visit to check them out before you decide. Also, be sure you know all the added fees they may throw your way.

P.S. If you rent at the Jefferson, spring for a garage. They are definitely worth it! I think you can probably still get the 2-BR + garage for under $1800.

thanks CapsChick. I ended up settling on "Arbors at Fair Lakes" apartments. There actually quite close to the Jefferson and run by the same mgmt company (Bozutto). The rent there was abt $75 less per month for a comparable 2 bd 2 bath vs the jefferson. I do agree with you, I love the location! so looking forward to moving into the area.