Manassas Apartments (Manassas Park, Raven: renters, condos, transfer)

[naqvia]

Hi,

I will be moving to Manassas, because I will be attending GMU - Prince William's Campus. However, I am kind of confused, because I have heard mixed reactions in regards to the area (ghetto, un-safe, loud, quiet, etc). I need a quiet, affordable 1 bedroom apartment. I am looking into these complexes:

Manassas Meadows
Battery Heights
Ashton Glen Apartments
Amberton Apartments

Does anyone have any other complexes in mind? Please let me know asap, as I have to move in August! Thanks.

[knopfler]

I've heard sketch things about Battery Heights but can't point to anything specific.

You might want to also check out Ravens Crest and Chatsworth Manor.

[naqvia]

My budget is 1000 and below for 1 BR.

[eikalilos]

I don't live too far from Ashton Glen -- they seem decent enough.
Have you visited any of them?

[msjack]

You can always check apartmentratings.com to see what others have said about those apts.

[SCtoNC]

I moved from Manassas almost 18 months ago but I rented from several complexes over the last 10 years in Manassas. I can't say that I was ever thrilled with any of them, unlike where we are in SC now. Here is some guidance though - and be sure to check apartmentratings.com also.

1. Battery Heights - not bad, never rented there. Part of it is condo's, so you may find an owner wanting to rent. The rental part is Ok - haven't been in a rental unit in over 15 years, but the were decent then. Reasonable space, decent amenities. Now close to LOTS of stuff, unlike when they were built.
2. Manassas Meadows - ditto.
3. Chatsworth Park - lived there 3 years. TOO expensive. Lots of problems. Mgmt changed 3 times while we lived there, rent went up dramatically each renewal. Last time was $75/month increase (5% is the max they increase). Pool frequently had people who would get in it in shorts & a tank top w/ a bra under it - I talked to mgmt, they said, that's their culture, can't do anything about it. Had neighbors smoking pot on their decks, mgmt did little about THAT. Grounds were OK, maintenance poor and management/staff was mediocre, manager was RUDE!
4. Ravenscrest - expensive, older, but ok.
5. Ashton Glen - OLD! Not bad, but an interesting mix of renters there - trying to be politically correct here.
6. Mason's Keepe - too expensive - management was OK but one guy there was rude if you challenged them about anything - fees, etc. The train is LOUD there, pool was nice, computers were nice, gate out front was broken 50% of the time. We had a problem with some kids on the playground and our friends had to have a mediation session w/ the kids parents & management and they wanted to have our friends move to another building (at their expense for the "transfer fee") if they couldn't get along - all over a 5 year old who didn't live there and the babysitter let them run around unattended!
7. Rosemary Ridge (maybe the name ?) - Rosemary Dr & Ashton - they seemed nice, but they are next to Coverstone and unless PWC has done something about Coverstone & that area, I wouldnt' pay that to live in Coverstone.
8. Ashton Ridge - lived there in 1998 - very spacious, nicely designed. Management was awful and we moved out after 1 year - we also wanted a dog larger than 20lb limit that they had at the time.

There was a new place in Manassas Park, but I can't recall it's name. They were a bit expensive, but I think they converted to condos recently. There is another complex across from Raven's Crest, can't recall it's name either - I'd shy away from there. Not such good reputation in the last few years we were in Manassas.

One of the best places I rented in Manassas was a condo in front of Chatsworth Park apts. There is no complex name, but the streets are Bayonet and Stonewall Brigade, et al. You can sometimes find a sign in a window "for rent". They are nicely designed - the bottom floor is one, one-floor unit, and upstairs it's two, two-story units. We were on the bottom, 2br/2ba w/ a FP (1150 sq ft). Nice light in the back w/ the windows. W/D in unit, nicely designed all-around. Great neighbors (in our building) and the two units upstairs we never heard (and he one guy had a great dane!). I'd recommend looking there, but it's very hit or miss. Since there is no name, that I'm aware of, it's hard to find them in the paper also.

Good luck in your search!

[knopfler]

Originally Posted by SCtoNC

One of the best places I rented in Manassas was a condo in front of Chatsworth Park apts. There is no complex name, but the streets are Bayonet and Stonewall Brigade, et al. You can sometimes find a sign in a window "for rent". They are nicely designed - the bottom floor is one, one-floor unit, and upstairs it's two, two-story units. We were on the bottom, 2br/2ba w/ a FP (1150 sq ft). Nice light in the back w/ the windows. W/D in unit, nicely designed all-around. Great neighbors (in our building) and the two units upstairs we never heard (and he one guy had a great dane!). I'd recommend looking there, but it's very hit or miss. Since there is no name, that I'm aware of, it's hard to find them in the paper also.

Good luck in your search!

I believe they call that complex Stonewall Brigade...I second that it's a very, very nice area. It's right down the street from where I live. Condo rentals in Sentry Ridge or the condos off Lacy St would fit the bill much like your experience.