Park Crest

Current Resident 67941

Resident • 2008 - 2009

Poorly maintained but some good points

The Park Crest encompasses many buildings spread over several blocks so the quality of apartments varies. The buildings are not well-maintained and problems are fixed as cheaply as possible. Maintenance is marginally competent but polite and tries to be helpful. The managers are responsive during business hours only but forget contacting a manager if you have an emergency outside business hours. The neighborhood (Glover Park) is nice and safe although the Park Crest can be difficult without a car as it's half a mile or more to walk to any stores. But you probably won't have a problem with rats or cockroaches in Glover Park. This is a very dog-friendly complex; if you don't like dogs, don't live here because people let their dogs run loose through the buildings and on the grounds. Overall I wouldn't recommend it due to the poor maintenance, especially considering the apartments are not in great shape and you're likely to run into maintenance problems.

Current Resident 309959

Resident • 2006 - 2008

I loved living at Park Crest. It was a little expensive, so are most of the apartments in DC. But I got what I paid for, my apartment was huge! The location is great too, away from the main roads. I was in a basement apartment, I did have problems with water leaking in a couple times, but maintenance was always there to fix it. I loved the maintenance staff. I thought they were always on their toes, quick to respond, personable, and competant (my new maintenance staff should take some tips from them). There was a bus stop a few blocks away that ran regularly. It was close enough to stores that it was convenient, but I didn't have to deal with the city. I commuted downtown everyday, very easy and cheap. I did private parking since street parking is ridiculous. Private parking was expensive, but I thought it was worth it. I didn't have a problem with noise, but then again I never saw my neighbors. Laundry room was small, but I never had a problem getting a washer or dryer when I needed to. I moved because I worked in VA, and it wasn't worth paying DC tax. Building is old, but nothing didn't work. It was a quiet, cozy neighborhood.

Current Resident 265941

Resident • 2007 - 2009

Love it!

Other then the parking (which is absolutely horrible), living in Park Crest is not bad at all. The neighborhood is extremely safe and the amount of green space is wonderful. Although you are in a cozy neighborhood, you are just steps away from the Glover Park bars, restaurants and shopping. The apartments are no where near a metro but the bus comes through the neighborhood about every 15 minutes to take you straight to Dupont Circle so it is easy, affordable and convenient. It is also a very dog-friendly area, as opposed to the rest of the city! I'm sure some people have had a a few bad incidents with this apartment complex and management group but doesn't that happen everywhere?? Come on people.

Prospective Resident 18191

Prospect • Visited 2008

sdfsdf

dsfasfd df sdd ffds

Current Resident 248812

Resident • 2007 - 2008

Don't come

I've lived at Park Crest for a year. Management is poor with little response to serious issues. The grounds are not maintained whatsoever. If you go by now it's green because it has rained. If you look closely at the grass you'll see that it has many rough patches and is not uniform. Why is that? Because they do not water or maintain the yard at all so during the dry season your grass turns in to yellow and dirt patches. Because there are so many dogs (in my building 6 of 9 units have at least one dog then multiply that by 5 for the connected units in the large building) their urination and waste and smell aren't even dissipated from watering. Halls smell of dirty, wet dogs. The neighborhood is very dog friendly and there's a dog park nearby. I have no problems with dogs, but I do object to the high concentration and lack of maintenance and cleaning that makes such a concentration unbearable. In addition, the laundry services are inadequate. For approximately 45 units there are 6 washers and dryers. There's a small room with 2 and 2 and the larger room is substantially farther away from the majority of the units. In sum, they just take your money. Don't expect any maintenance, up keep or service and you'll be fine.

Current Resident 219930

Resident • 2007 - 2008

HORRIBLE-

I have lived in 4 different apartments during my time in DC and this is by far the worst. The staff are incompetant, rude and quite frankly stupid. They seem to operate under the assumption that the customer is always wrong. I have had roaches in my apartment, my fridge has broken and there seems to be an illegal daycare center operating in my building. Don't make the same mistake I did...

Current Resident 953157

Resident • 2006 - 2007

Love it here!

First of all, I am NOT management posting. I lived here for one year 2006-2007 and loved it. I have never had a problem with noise. Again that could be because I lucked out with neighbors. The people that live here are all really nice and friendly. I've lived in other apartment complexes where I didnt speak to anyone the entire time I lived there. It's dog friendly which is really helpful and it's so close to many dog parks, hiking trails and fun bars on Wisconsin. The only drawbacks is that it's only bus accessible. The bus can be chancy even during rush hour. And if you dont pay for parking, that too is an issue. Other than that, I would highly recommend it!! (Oh! I left out maintenance. I've had to call a couple times because my pilot light in my stove has gone out and they've come within an hour or so and they are always very nice). And as for safety, it's in glover park and I think this is even safer than gtown because it's away from the traffic etc of the city.

Current Resident 639875

Resident • 2004 - 2007

Depends on what you're looking for.

I'd thought I'd address some issues that others have mentioned:<br><br>Noise: Not a problem, but maybe that's 'cause I'm on the third floor and/or got lucky with neighbors.<br>Walls, fixtures, tub: All just great! Not sure what people are complaining about. It's actually a pretty elegant apartment. Maybe people don't like it because it's not a new building? I grew up in a condo from the 1920's so I'm used to older buildings.<br>Parking: Horrendous, unless you pay $150 a month, which I finally did because otherwise I'd spend up to 45 minutes circling the neighborhood and then walking 10-15 minutes home. (20-30 minutes after 9 pm, 45 minutes if you get home really late.)<br>Transportation: Nowhere near a Metro. Didn't know this would be a problem until I moved here. Can take bus to Dupont Circle Metro.<br>Laundry: I live on the third floor, and it has always been horrible walking up and down three flights of stairs with loads of laundry. If you don't mind doing this, this shouldn't be a problem.<br>Dishwasher: None in my apt, although I think my co-worker who moved in said she has one?? If this bothers you, then this will be a problem. Bothers my boyfriend a lot, me not so much.<br>Maintenance: Had a problem with the toilet a while back that they couldn't seem to fix, but they did try and finally got it. There was a horrible bug problem, but eventually they went on the roof and cleared off all the bugs and overhanging branches that were causing bugs to fall inside the apartments. Have spider and ant problems sometimes, but they will call in the exterminator if you ask them. (Once the exterminator didn't show up, which wasn't cool because I had to quarantine my cats so they could come in and spray. Maintenance guys have always been really polite and friendly.<br>Grounds: Nicely looked after, I have no idea what people are talking about.<br>Other people's cooking: Come on, guys. I think perhaps you shouldn't be living in an apartment complex (i.e., near other people) if this the kind of thing you find intolerable.<br>Safety: Seems fine. I have heard about a few rapes that occurred right when I moved here in 2004, but the neighborhood is generally safe and quiet. Had to call the police on some neighbors in the adjacent building a few times because they somehow thought a huge beer bash at 2 am on a Thursday on a residential street with lots of apartment buildings was appropriate. Haven't had problems in the past few years. Neighborhood: It's a really pretty residential neighborhood. Not close to any stores. You have to drive or go for a long walk, i.e, it's like a 15 minute walk to Safeway. But it's about a mile to Wisconsin Avenue - a little bit of a hike but not so bad.<br>Rent: Raised my rent a lot, from like $1075 to $1200. They were really apologetic about it! I knew the housing economy wasn't so great, so I sort of understood.<br>Management: Really nice and polite and professional. Only got mad one time when they avoided me due to not fixing the toilet, as I mentioned above.<br><br>May move soon. This is because I think I can get an apartment for about the same rent (or a little more) near my work in McLean, VA that will also have a washer/dryer in the apt., a dishwasher, and free parking. But I worry about all the complaints I see on this website, because it seems like the apartments I'm thinking about moving into have even worse reviews than mine!<br><br>Pet policy: I think cats and dogs are allowed. I believe I paid a deposit and also pet rent for my cats??<br><br>

Current Resident 414943

Resident • 2005 - 2007

Disastrous

If you want to have landlords who do not respect your privacy, your rights and are unsympathetic to your complaints-an all this inspite of a high price- only then consider moving in here. <br>This place and its management is a disaster. I almost went to court against their practicies. This is how they harass their tenents.

Current Resident 142027

Resident • 2005 - 2006

Noise!!

The noise issue would have to be my biggest complaint. We could hear ever step (and nearly every breath) from our neighbors above and to the side of us. We really didn't have a bug problem, which was a blessing, but this building offered few bells and whistles and needs desperately to be updated. As far the neighborhood, parking was tight and relying on the bus was a pain, but I always felt safe.

wavegirl14

Resident • 2006

HORRIBLE

These apartments are AWFUL! The apartments are totally the luck of the draw. Mine was ok in comparison to my neighbors (horrible floors, bug problems). The noise level is awful--during the day the music is BLARING adn you can hear EVERYTHING from the hallway inside your apt. The lobbies reek of everything from lysol to food that was cooked last night by a neighbor upstairs, or any combination of things like that. <br><br>The managers are AWFUL! They completely lie to you in order for you to sign the lease--the only thing they tell the truth about is the rent price. Any questions you ask them, be prepared to hear the best possible scenario--and then check it out later for the truth. There is one assistant manager that is a total creep--from the way he looks at 20-something females (like he's mentally undressing you) to the fact that he makes up things (like income requirements, information about parking, transportation available, etc.)<br><br>My roommate and I have been here for 3 months and are already looking for a new place and subletters. STAY AWAY!!!!

Current Resident 114315

Resident • 2005 - 2006

Not worth it

Park Crest was worth it while I lived there. But when I looked into starting a brand new lease (after only one and a half years) the rent had increased $500.00 per month. That's not worth it. The building in old, and can be charming, visually, but I can't recommend the complex. There is lead paint. They have you sign a waiver acknowledging this....and it does peel in the bathroom and chip off when you hang pictures. There were cockroaches all over the kitchen - and I wash and dry my dishes all the time. After our THIRD call to the management, they said they scheduled someone to come - they never showed. The exterminator showed one day out of the blue, two weeks after the scheduled days, and told us that we should have received instructions from the management on what to do in preparation, we never got anything. They sprayed to exterminate, and assured us that is was ok to remain in the apartment and we didn't have to wash our dishes or throw away the food. It sounded sketchy. I still have cockroaches. <br>In keeping with pesticides, they spray the lawns, and it's a "pet-friendly" community. You should not spray pesticide on grass where dogs will be walking. That seems obvious to me.<br>The public transportation is terrible. The buses are reliable from 8am to 9am, and that's it. If you try to go downtown on the weekend, plan to wait for 45 min for a bus, as I have done on numerous occasions. The bus from down town has not showed at all, for 60 min. That's not Park Crest's fault, but something of note for the location. <br>I can also hear my neighbor watching TV at 2am.

kkuchenb

Resident • 1993

Nothing changed in 20 years

I lived in Park Crest my senior year at G'town 1988-89. It sounds like nothing has changed since those days except the price. A one-bedroom was $625 in those days. Not really cheap even then. We end ENORMOUS cockroaches that would appear out of nowhere. Very disconcerting. I could hear the downstairs neighbor having sex. And there was no place to park one's bike, bad transportation access. But being a chain-smoking student who didn't own a car, I found the place suited me fine, and for proximity to campus, it's not bad.

Current Resident 442547

Resident • 2005 - 2006

Good place to start...

After a year at Park Crest, we're moving out for a few reasons...<br>-Old Buildings: The water temperature fluctuates so often, you're in the shower for 25 mins waiting for the water to cool from its boil... Made life miserable! <br>-NO dishwashers and laundry got to be annoying going up/down stairs.<br>-Parking is a nightmare!<br>-Loved the community, but there isn't easy access to metro... the bus gets annoying.<br><br>Despite minor pitfalls, it was a fabulous first place to live. The community is so nice, the walls are thick enough to not hear dog barks, and it was cozy! I'll miss it!

Current Resident 285005

Resident • 2006

Horrible.

------. Can hear my neighbors' every move. Can't wait to move out.

ricklee

Resident • 2003 - 2006

Really Enjoy Living Here!

I have lived in a Park Crest building on Davis Place since December 2003. Sure, there are the typical issues involved with living in the city such as noise and parking and they are not going anywhere, nor are they within the realm of control of the management of Park Crest.<br><br>I have had a lot of landlords all over the country and the staff here is, hands-down, the friendliest and most accomodating. They are quick with requested repairs and respond to all issues in a very timely manner.<br><br>The apartments are charming. Not a ton of frills in terms of the amenities that you associate with new construction, but roomy, well maintained and very clean common areas. <br><br>The grounds are very well kept - lawns mowed, nicely landscaped, greenery in the beds etc. They have recently begun adding trees to the medians on the streets and other amenities such as dog waste clean up stations. <br><br>If you are looking for a place with all of the features of new construction, move into new construction. The charm of these apartments does include issues with consistent water temperature in the shower but only at peak usage times. But this sort of issue is to be expected in this type of housing. <br><br>If you are looking for a quiet little corner of DC and are interested in charming older apartments with a great staff, I recommend taking a look at Park Crest.

Current Resident 562087

Resident • 2005 - 2006

Don't even bother

I have lived at Park Crest for 14 months, and am anxiously awaiting my move-out date next month. The rent, although compartively cheap for DC, is ridiculously high for the amount of 'apartment' you get. You can surely do better than Park Crest. Sure, amenities are included in the rent...but when your hot water barely works, there's no central air, and the heating system just downright sucks, what do you actually end up paying for?? I've spent too many winter nights freezing and too many summer nights sweating in this apartment. <br><br>The apartments are old, plainly put. The walls are paper thin. There is no storage space whatsoever in these apartments. The kitchen is a joke, and cabinet space is limited. The bathroom tub is DIGUSTING AND OLD. Forget about ever taking a bubble bath...you do not want to sit in these tubs, they are old, dirty, stained, and nasty. <br><br>Security is nonexistent. Sure, we all have our key cards, byt the door only locks if you pull it shut very hard (which about only 4 out of 10 people do).<br><br>The worst thing about the Park Crest is the transportation situation. If you own a car, and do not plan on forking out over $100/mo for a parking space, prepare to battle the other Glover Park residents for street parking, especially during the evening hours. It was NOT uncommon for me to come home at nine PM and have to park literally over a mile away from my apartment. I don't mind the exercise, but a female walking alone down these dimly lit wooded streets is just asking for trouble.<br><br>A couple of good things: My lease just eneded and now I am going month-to-month. Suprisingly, my rent only went up $45...not too bad. Also, I've read other reviews complaining of the managements staff and maintenance folks. I can say that I've never taken issue with any customer service issues.

Current Resident 578364

Resident • 2005 - 2006

luck of the draw

While I have had many insect problems in these much older buildings, I have come to believe that it is really just the luck of the draw in terms of whether you'll end up with an apartment with bug problems. Some people I know in these apartments have not had nearly as many bug problems. So it's up to you whether you want to take that chance or not. <br><br>I have to say though their expedience in maintenance problems has greatly improved since I first moved in. I had to call the emergency maintenance recently and they arrived within 15 minutes with the problem fixed.

Current Resident 77650

Resident • 2004 - 2005

Great place to live

No problems living here like some of the other reviewers. The staff are friendly and usually respond very quickly to maintenance requests. We requested a new broiler pan for our stove and they brought us a new stove, 2 days later! We've had some mildew problems with the bathroom wall that messed up some stuff in the closet and they promptly fixed the problem and reimbursed us for the damaged items. People have to realize that it is a city apartment in an older building, which means that it has a charming appearance, but has some problems. If you are used to city apartments, as we were (coming from Boston) then you will probably like it here. But if you have lived in luxury high-rises your whole life, you probably won't like it. But for the price and the nice neighborhood in walking distance to Whole Foods, CVS, Starbucks, Liquor Stores, Dry cleaners, and several bars and restaurants, it's great!

Current Resident 73186

Resident • 2005

Everything is fine with me

After reading several views, it is my understanding that it is a crapshoot for the apartments. I currently have been living there for 5 months and haven't had any such problems with bugs or slow maintenance. I am on the first floor, and the only problem I have had is crickets in the summer. But as anyone will tell you, if you live in a cricket area, they will find a way into your house. I spent 20 years in Long Island in a very nice house and they still got in.<br><br>People have to remember that you are living in a big city, and not everyone around you are as clean as you might be. I think that may be one problem with the buildings, the tenants. Apparently, according to some notices I have received, there are very dirty tenants who don't have any regard for their neighbors. Unless you live in a doorman building, this will be a crapshoot.<br><br>In conclusion, I came from NYC and I love the difference in space and accomodations. The rent is great for the space, and utilities a plus. I hope this review was helpful.

Current Resident 578333

Resident • 2005

Bugs, bugs, bugs

I am currently 7 months into my lease at Glover Park and I am positive I will be moving as soon as my lease is up. <br><br>Like someone else said, don't be fooled by the nice grounds or charming apartment with shiny wood floors. These are old, poorly maintained apartments. <br><br>I live on the top floor and have been having bug problems for four months. I am a very clean person so it's not a matter of leaving food or trash out or not cleaning the apartment regularly. First it was spiders. I had the same type of spider reappearing and literally making a strand of spider<br>web across my livingroom--that I walked through! Then I had a problem with a beetle infestation. I have since been sleeping away from my apartment since they said it would take at least 2 WEEKS for the problem to subside. <br><br>A place that has the pest control scheduled to come on a weekly basis is probably not for you if you don't like bugs. <br><br>The parking is awful, the staff is nice but usually very slow to respond (I waited 2 months for a towel rod in my bathroom). No matter how much they try to seal those windows, bugs always get in. <br><br>The only real pluses about this place are the allowance of pets and the price including all utilities.

Current Resident 484403

Resident • 2005

i love my apt

It's really spacious for what i pay. I live on the top floor and i NEVER hear my neighbors. I've lived in my place for six months had a few maintenance problems and they have always fixed things promptly. Once wasps got into my apt (my fault i left a window open) and Im very allergic to their sting. I called the office and in less than 15 minutes someone came over to get rid of them. I was impressed. Parking can be a pain at night but anywhere in DC that's true, so i don't think it's unusual. I definitely recommend the apt.

Current Resident 33167

Resident • 2005

I like it here

After reading some of the other comments, I'm a little perplexed. Sure, this place is nothing spectacular, but it's a bargain in DC, so why complain? My apartment is huge, all utilities are included and I've never had a pest problem (I've lived here for two years). My friends are shocked when I tell them how much I pay for the amount of space that I have. Sure, the building is old and there's no dishwasher or added amenities, but if you just need the basics at an affordable price, this is it. Management is a little flaky at times, but any maintenance requests I've had have been resolved in a quick, efficient and extremely friendly manner. I looked at several units at park crest before moving into my current apartment and some are in MUCH better shape than others, but my apartment has gorgeous wood floors, new appliances (except the stove) and relatively new windows. I think this is a great place to start off in DC. The only downside I can think of is parking, like most of DC, it just sucks!

Current Resident 412175

Resident • 2005

I love it here!

This is actually the second time that I have moved into Park Crest--and I only moved the first time to move into a house in the same neighborhood. Regardless, I beleive that most people who have written negative reviews about Park Crest first have very little experience with DC, DC apratments, and DC apartment prices. Glover Park is a fantastic neighborhood, and I have lived in Van Ness, Cathedral Heights, Mount Pleasant, and Adams Morgan. It is safe and young, with restaurants and ease of getting anywhere else in the city. Home prices, therefore are astronomical, as are many of the apartment prices. Park Crest is a bargin for ALL of DC, but it is a STEAL in Glover Park. So, all of that aside, the apartments are very well cared for, albeit a little older. I have never had a problem with noise and the hallways and grounds are immaculate! The apartments are sunny and very spacious. The kitchens are a bit older, and there are no dishwashers. As well, there are window units instead of central air, but that is normal in many buildings in DC (and the window units are supplied and utilities are free). The places that I lived in Adams Morgan many years ago was much more expensive than what I pay now at PArk Crest and I had to pay utilites, provide my own AC units, and we had pest problems!! I have NEVER seen a pest at Park Crest of any kind. I can't say enough great things about it. We love it there! The negative posts here must be from those who have not shopped around or are just a bit out of the loop. Park Crest is great for anyone, students, yound professionals, families--we have them all. Oh--and Rock Creek Park is directly behind us, so so much to do!!!<br>

Current Resident 50560

Resident • 2005

Decent - but that's all

Some of the past negative comments are true, but most are not. There are about 44 buildings at Park Crest, so depending on which one you live in you may or may not have the same experiences as everyone else. In my building, it is so quiet I can hear a pin drop. I can't hear my neighbors except for some occasional footsteps, and I've never had a problem with noise outside on the grounds. I think the apartments are reasonably priced, but I haven't been here a year yet so I don't know what the yearly increase for my rent might be. Right now, I pay $995 for a 1 bedroom, plus $110 for reserved parking, plus $30 for my dog's half of the rent, for a total of $1135 which includes utilities. I would probably move if there's a significant increase next year since I think that as of now, I'm getting what I'm paying for. Any more costs would be asking too much. Parking is not an issue for me since I have a reserved spot that I was granted the same day I signed the lease for the apartment (no waiting), and $100/mo is pretty standard in DC. I do have to admit that if I had to park on the street, I'd go nuts. During the day it's not so bad, but when everyone comes home from work or on weekend nights there can be a problem. It's not unlike most places in DC, however. Parking is a problem anywhere in DC and I think it's a plus that Park Crest even provides the option to have reserved parking if you're willing to pay. The grounds and the interior of the building where I live are clean, but nothing spectacular. There's a cleaning crew that's around all the time so I never have a problem with trash laying around where it shouldn't be, and you can tell (smell) that they mop the floors all the time.<br><br>Ok, so now for the negative aspects... The staff (administrative and maintenance) are mediocre at best. They are all very nice, but can be very frustrating to work with. My guess is that they are understaffed. Maintenance issues are resolved incredibly slowly, and some of their policies regarding fixing things are just plain dumb. Administratively (specifically the accounting), I question if they know what they are doing half the time or if they use an abacus instead of modern equipment to do their accounting. I think, in all, if you like your privacy and would rather not have to interact with management for minutiae then you might be disappointed. I, myself, am a bit tired of rolling my eyes everytime I get a notice or phone call from the office and I've only been living here 2 months.Laundry is ridiculous. There aren't enough units per building (something like 2 washers/2 dryers for 18 units??) so I usually end up taking my laundry out.<br><br>All in all, this is a place that is pretty basic in terms of needs. If you're looking for a place that will "wow" your friends and have you thinking you'll live there for years and years, this isn't the place. It's a place that is ok for now, but i will likely move when my lease is up.