Kingstowne Alexandria Condos? (Fairfax: rent, movies, to live)

[CT356]

I'm helping a relative find housing in the northern Virginia area. She's looking at some condos in the Kingstowne area of Alexandria and I thought it would be worth checking in with folks who are familiar with the area to see if there's anything she should be concerned about.

She's scheduled to look at a condo at Tiers At Manchester Lake. Is anyone familiar with this condo development? Is this part of the Kingstowne area safe for a young woman? I'm not familiar with Alexandria so any info you can provide would be greatly appreciated. I just want to make sure she ends up somewhere safe.

[farplaner]

Manchester Lake is next to Kingstowne but technically not within (so you don't get to use Kingstowne amenities). As for safety I don't think there's anything to worry about there. I live in Kingstowne and been to that side many times and never felt unsafe at all.

[CT356]

Originally Posted by tongyang

Manchester Lake is next to Kingstowne but technically not within (so you don't get to use Kingstowne amenities). As for safety I don't think there's anything to worry about there. I live in Kingstowne and been to that side many times and never felt unsafe at all.

That's really good to know in terms of safety. As for the amenities, I think she mentioned the condo had a pool, tennis courts, etc. What amenities would she be missing out on if she ends up at Manchester Lake, as opposed to Kingstowne? Thanks again.

[farplaner]

Does the condo have a gym as well? If so then I can't think of anything.

[CT356]

Originally Posted by tongyang

Does the condo have a gym as well? If so then I can't think of anything.

I'm not sure if it has a gym. I'll have to check with her. I do recall her saying the rent was something like $1800 for a two-bedroom condo. Does that sound right for that area?

[gomason]

Sounds about right.

Community amenities are a pool, basketball courts, tennis courts, and a gym. The pool is over crowded and closed half the time for "health concerns" anyway so not a loss. I like going to the Fairfax Rec Center around the corner too.

[CT356]

Originally Posted by gomason

Sounds about right.

Community amenities are a pool, basketball courts, tennis courts, and a gym. The pool is over crowded and closed half the time for "health concerns" anyway so not a loss. I like going to the Fairfax Rec Center around the corner too.

Thanks for the info. It sounds like the condo communities in this area are safe places.

I know she plays tennis. Is it fairly easy to get a court in these communities or is there generally a wait?

[slduvall]

Originally Posted by gomason

Sounds about right.

Community amenities are a pool, basketball courts, tennis courts, and a gym. The pool is over crowded and closed half the time for "health concerns" anyway so not a loss. I like going to the Fairfax Rec Center around the corner too.

Are you referring to the Kingstowne amenties or the Manchester lake ones. Kingstowne has two pools, two fitness centers. I don't think half the time is correct statement.

The area has plenty of walking trails, available to anyone, and there would easy (walking) access to stores, movies etc. Not sure how the tennis courts at Manchester work (if they have them) the Kingstowne ones are rarely busy.

[gomason]

Originally Posted by slduvall

Are you referring to the Kingstowne amenties or the Manchester lake ones. Kingstowne has two pools, two fitness centers. I don't think half the time is correct statement.

The area has plenty of walking trails, available to anyone, and there would easy (walking) access to stores, movies etc. Not sure how the tennis courts at Manchester work (if they have them) the Kingstowne ones are rarely busy.

Kingstowne. I used to live across the street from the pool & gym off of Hayfield Road. I've seen much nicer community pools.

[slduvall]

Originally Posted by gomason

Kingstowne. I used to live across the street from the pool & gym off of Hayfield Road. I've seen much nicer community pools.

I'll give you that, there are better. But don't forget there are two. The facility off of Van dorn is bigger, both the pool and the gym.

One thing I would point out to the OP is that if they rent a Kingstowne proper condo they have access to everything that the condo offers, as well as the whole community.