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Old 04-04-2014, 02:52 PM
 
3 posts, read 5,001 times
Reputation: 10

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I'm looking for a studio/efficiency apartment that is within a 1-hour commute via Metro to Gallery Place Chinatown. The maximum I'll be able to spend on rent (including utilities) is $1150/month. I have a car and will need a parking space but I do not want to use it for my daily commute. Those are pretty much my only requirements.

So far, I've been limiting my search to the Alexandria and Falls Church areas. I have looked at Southern Towers which look great in pictures, but have poor reviews due to issues with pests. I have also looked at Grandview Apartments which is within walking distance to some shopping areas on Leesburg Pike, but again all the reviews mention pests, and I believe they accept Section 8 tenants which might be a problem. Someone on this forum mentioned Mason Hall which seem like the best option right now because it has mostly good reviews on the ApartmentRatings website, is located conveniently in Old Town, and within walking distance to the MetroRail (no bus transfer needed!).

Are there any other cities that I should be considering in my search? Any places I should avoid? Does anyone have any personal experience with any apartments within my budget in the NoVA area that they'd recommend that's decent for the price?
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Old 04-04-2014, 03:30 PM
 
Location: Tysons Corner
2,772 posts, read 4,319,029 times
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Why would section 8 tenants be a problem?

If your budget is $1150 in this area then theres a decent chance you could get affordable housing assistance as well... not sure why you would judge someone elses need for housing help.

To more directly answer your question. I'd highly suggest a room mate which gives you much better options, but if you must have a studio to yourself, you can also look at Potomac Towers in Arlington, also look along the yellow line in Huntington area.
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Old 04-04-2014, 03:40 PM
 
53 posts, read 66,046 times
Reputation: 49
Capital Plaza Apartments on E street near union station. Sell the car and walk to work. Or pay extra for a space in the garage.
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Old 04-04-2014, 03:49 PM
 
Location: Philadelphia
1,051 posts, read 2,474,867 times
Reputation: 963
I'm actually moving into Southern Towers in a few weeks. I don't trust the negative reviews on Yelp or wherever, but I toured the place several times and I have a couple friends that live in the complex, plus there are a ton of amenities there.

More places to check out are the Foxchase Apartments, Broadstone Van Dorn, and Glebe House.

Good luck.
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Old 04-04-2014, 03:59 PM
 
3 posts, read 5,001 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by beatlecrazy View Post
I'm actually moving into Southern Towers in a few weeks. I don't trust the negative reviews on Yelp or wherever, but I toured the place several times and I have a couple friends that live in the complex, plus there are a ton of amenities there.

More places to check out are the Foxchase Apartments, Broadstone Van Dorn, and Glebe House.

Good luck.
Did you rent a studio and what will you be paying for rent? What building did you like the most when you were touring the place? Did they have many vacancies? I may give them a visit this weekend.
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Old 04-04-2014, 04:54 PM
 
Location: Town of Herndon/DC Metro
2,825 posts, read 6,894,788 times
Reputation: 1767
Quote:
Originally Posted by beatlecrazy View Post
I'm actually moving into Southern Towers in a few weeks. I don't trust the negative reviews on Yelp or wherever, but I toured the place several times and I have a couple friends that live in the complex, plus there are a ton of amenities there.

More places to check out are the Foxchase Apartments, Broadstone Van Dorn, and Glebe House.

Good luck.
I visit a friend in ST somewhat regularly.(thinks its the Stratford, not sure) I have not seen Roaches/beetles and my friends place is bugbed clean.

I would live there if I was single, not menopausal (can't control the AC-Heat) but I'd be on a lower floor. There is an elevator on the fritz somewhat regularly but friend swears there always one open and working.

Now I have seen really gross bugs/mice visiting other people (Circle Towers comes to mind)

Try reading this: [URL="//www.city-data.com/forum/northern-virginia/2043709-looking-apartment-what-look-out.html"]//www.city-data.com/forum/northern-virginia/2043709-looking-apartment-what-look-out.html[/URL]
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Old 04-04-2014, 07:00 PM
 
Location: Huntersville/Charlotte, NC and Washington, DC
26,700 posts, read 41,753,896 times
Reputation: 41381
I'd look along Columbia Pike. I have a condo rental that is $1100 with utilities paid. You can get a deal if you are quick and observant.
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Old 04-05-2014, 04:12 PM
 
8,982 posts, read 21,173,971 times
Reputation: 3808
Quote:
Originally Posted by The Dissenter View Post
I'd look along Columbia Pike. I have a condo rental that is $1100 with utilities paid. You can get a deal if you are quick and observant.
Yes, there's always the option of looking at condo rentals which can often (but not always) be more affordable than comparable managed units in the same neighborhood.
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Old 04-05-2014, 06:21 PM
 
979 posts, read 1,776,548 times
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Every apartment complex I've ever lived in had online reviews complaining about the pests (bugs), but I personally never had an issue. And I would be the first to complain, as I am irrationally afraid of anything with more than four legs. I've lived in a garden-style apartment in Manassas, a high rise in Alexandria (Tower 2000), and a townhouse, and I probably couldn't even identify a roach if I saw one because I've just never had them around.
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Old 04-05-2014, 06:22 PM
 
Location: Town of Herndon/DC Metro
2,825 posts, read 6,894,788 times
Reputation: 1767
Quote:
Originally Posted by jillybean720 View Post
Every apartment complex I've ever lived in had online reviews complaining about the pests (bugs), but I personally never had an issue. And I would be the first to complain, as I am irrationally afraid of anything with more than four legs. I've lived in a garden-style apartment in Manassas, a high rise in Alexandria (Tower 2000), and a townhouse, and I probably couldn't even identify a roach if I saw one because I've just never had them around.

^^^ that.
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