Alexandria Apartments - EOS 21?

Peccavi

So I'm apartment shopping in the DC area right now, and since I've got a possible job lined up in Alexandria, I'm looking at some apartments there tomorrow. EOS 21 is one of those, and it looks somewhat promising (aside from a murder there 2 years ago, but that's one murder in the 7+ years they've been around). Basically, I'm wondering if it's in a bad area of town. Does anyone in the area have enough knowledge of it to tell me my chances of getting shot over a 1-year lease?

adytum

It's not the worst area but it's not like most of the rest of Alexandria, that's for sure.

Lots of terrible reviews for those apartment buildings, though.

For those prices though I think you could probably find something in a better location. Have you looked in Arlington or Falls Church? Or even closer in to downtown Alexandria?

Peccavi

Well, I keep reading that in reviews (that I can do better for the same price), but every complex I look at with similar prices has the same terrible reviews, or blatant management reviews following every bad one. I'll take any recommendations people have, but I've yet to see anything much better that isn't $300+ more per month.

CyberJackal

I used to live near there. It's not the best neighborhood, but it's all right. I never had any trouble with crime, at least.

I think you have to read between the lines with apartment reviews. I don't think I've ever seen an apartment where there wasn't at least one review that said hell itself would be preferable.

Artereis

Lorton is a decent area, too. It's not far down 95 from a blue line Metro stop.

ReindeerGames

I lived very near that neighborhood for a year, and know people who have lived in EOS. There isn't much derogatory to say about the actual apartment, but the neighborhood isn't exactly an awesome place. It isn't a crime issue so much as there is nothing there, and you're looking at a shuttle to the metro, which become very inconvenient for all non-rush hour trips. If you drive it gets a bit nicer, but then it's a matter of where your job is going to be.

I would recommend looking at the Reserve at Eisenhower (8 minutes from apartment door to Van Dorn platform) or Park Place at Van Dorn. I lived at the Reserve and only moved because of a work location move. Equity is a very run of the mill apartment company, but they're established and generally attentive to your needs. Also very friendly staff, which I think is unusual in this area. Also if you like climbing, there is a great gym less than a block from the Reserve.

A little bit more money but where I think is the place to be in Alexandria is anything in the "Carlyle" neighborhood, while is between King Street Metro and Eisenhower Ave Metro. I would be happy to give you any more info if you are interested, but for the sake of not writing an Alexandria novela here, I'll wait to see if you're interested.

Good luck in the search and your job!

ReindeerGames

CyberJackal wrote: »

I think you have to read between the lines with apartment reviews. I don't think I've ever seen an apartment where there wasn't at least one review that said hell itself would be preferable.

I totally agree. Internet reviews heavily favor unhappy customers, and I think apartment reviews are the most skewed. My theory in apartment reviews is maybe 1 in 20 people who are happy will bother to write a review, while angry and displeased people are more like 1 in 3.

It's a great nod to the internet anonymity theory; they would rather bitch to strangers than confront the staff of their building.

Deathwing

I used to live near that area also (in Key Towers near Landmark), and my wife and I actually almost moved into EOS 21 when we moved on. We actually went and saw a place, gave them a check for a deposit, and then I started reading reviews when we got back - I usually take online reviews with a healthy grain of salt, but after seeing the sheer volume of negative reviews there, I went and got our deposit back.

The complex's problems aside, it really isn't the best neighborhood - Landmark Mall is dying slowly, and it seems rundown and rougher compared to the rest of the city. Not that I would really worry about getting stabbed or shot walking around there or anything, but you can definitely do better.

Modern Man

It's a meh neighborhood. You likely won't get shot or anything. But having a job in Alexandria doesn't mean you have to live in Alexandria.

Assuming you'll be taking the Metro to work, Crystal City, Rosslyn, Court House, Clarendon and Ballston are all a short Metro ride away from work. Those are all better neighborhoods, and have a ton more to do around them. If you don't have a car, you'll find your non-work options in that neighborhood are limited.

adytum

The problem is that if you're looking for an apartment by yourself in any of those areas, MM, you'll be paying a lot more. Any of the apartment buildings along the orange line are extremely expensive for efficiency and 1-bedroom apartments.

However, if you're okay with (lots) of roommates you can find relatively cheap digs in Arlington.

It really depends on what OPs financial and personal situation / preferences are like.

biggestmistake03

I will not recommend EOS21 for anyone. It was my biggest mistake and I have to deal with it until the lease is over, sometimes it is better to spend little more money and get the peace of mind. Some of the residents just think that it s ok to dump their trash anywhere and the tooth fairy will come and pick it up for them, some other ones, wash their kids diapers in the laundry . Roaches, bugs, mice, bed bugs, parking lots, let's not forget about the packages that get stolen plus the rude people at the management office

biggestmistake03

Most important, READ your lease carefully ......