Condos across from Huntington Metro

[ptoguy]

Thanks katemc1! One more question, if you don't mind. How is the construction of the units, and insulation between adjacent units?

The kitchen appliances and rooms in general look very nice from the pictures, but hopefully that's the case in person as well and that they're not too cheaply built. Is there more concrete used in these high-rise condo units to provide more sound insulation? I.e. can you hear your upstairs or adjacent neighbors?

[ptoguy]

So I had a chance to go to the midtown condos the other day. I thought they were well constructed, and spacious. However, I'm not too keen on the surrounding neighborhood, which I wouldn't feel to comfortable jogging around in the early morning, or coming back from work late at night. Granted, it's right across from the Metro, but it may take awhile for that area to pick up.

I'm looking instead at a studio at the Meridian at Eisenhower Station, in Alexandria downtown. Brand new construction, almost 700 sq. ft for a large studio. $1440 with 1 month free, comes to about the same price as the midtown unit.

Some other properties, e.g. carlyle square apartments, come with free utilities (except electricity) every month. Does anyone have a rough estimate of how much they pay for utilities in a high rise? Insulation might be somewhat improved in a high rise than a paper-thin walled apartment...?

[alexandrian]

In my 1 BR in a similar building, the utility costs are:

Water--$20-25 per month
Electricity--$35-40 per month most of the year, $70-80 per month during the summer. Probably would cost less if I remembered to turn off the A/C before work every day
Gas--$25 per month most of the year, up to $50 during the winter depending on how cold it gets.

[ptoguy]

Originally Posted by alexandrian

In my 1 BR in a similar building, the utility costs are:

Water--$20-25 per month
Electricity--$35-40 per month most of the year, $70-80 per month during the summer. Probably would cost less if I remembered to turn off the A/C before work every day
Gas--$25 per month most of the year, up to $50 during the winter depending on how cold it gets.

Thank you alexandrian! Those are very helpful numbers.

[ptoguy]

Went ahead and decided to lease a 638 sq. ft apt. at the Post Carlyle Square property, for $1750/month with 1 month free. It was a bit more expensive than the Meridian at Eisenhower Station expanded studio that I looked at earlier today, but while the studio had a great price/sq. ft ratio, it was really dark (facing the N-NW direction), and the extra bedroom was more like a cave.

On the other hand, the Post unit had great floor to ceiling windows, was facing W/S-W, and had a much better view, natural light, and surrounding environment. A bit pricey, but worth it for the extra digs IMO.

Thanks everyone for the help!

[typist_j]

How do you like Midtown?