Shirlington House

Prospective Resident 880637

Prospect • Visited 2011

Need advice/perspective/information

Hi, I am considering moving into Shirlington House and I would really appreciate honest, detailed (as much as you can provide) feedback concerning the state of the apartment in terms of management, bugs, mice, amenities,etc. I would really appreciate it.

dag264

Resident • 2009 - 2011

Excellent value, friendly people, well-built

Excellent value for your money in a very expensive metro area. I've lived here since October of 2009. I have a 550sqft studio on the 10th (top) floor that I pay $1045 a month for with utilities included. I'm facing north towards DC, but my main view is of buildings and garages in Shirlington (you do get some awesome views of lightning storms from up here). Being in my mid 20's and recently out of college, sure it would be great to live by a metro in Ballston, but to have my own place there would be easily over $1500 or $1600 a month. For that diff, I can take taxis to head out the bars. However, You also have a bus stop right in front of the building that gets you to the Pentagon metro in 7 minutes (you have more options at the transit center down the block). The location is great, too. A 5 minute walk brings me to bars, restaurants, Harris Teeter, and a hair cut place. A little more walking and you're at some great biking and walking trails. The pool open from Memorial Day to Labor Day is a nice touch after work or on weekends...it's usually never too crowded. Maintenance staff is the best and responds quickly to any concerns. Daryl in the front office is phenomenal. When I was checking out this place 2 years ago, he took me into each available studio apartment. One of the best qualities of this place is that I've never heard my neighbors. Thick walls and solid construction goes a long way for a relatively quiet living experience. On the top floor, the air vents do tend to be noisy in the bathroom and kitchen. I've been in many apartments where you can hear everything your neighbors do...this was a pleasant change. Parking is certainly at a premium late at night, but you can usually squeeze yourself in someone. Due to my job relocating, I will probably have to move soon...I'll miss this place.

PJS-FK

Prospect • Visited 2009 - 2011

Good value. Great location. Competent management & staff

I moved to Shirlington House after selling my townhouse in DC to be closer to work and to downsize a bit. I did careful comparative research before moving in and I've had no regrets. It's a great value in terms of rental cost, space, and location. The management and staff are competent, caring and hard working. The place is safe. The center of Shirlington, which is just down the hill, provides most urban amenities. Except at rush hour, DC is minutes away by car or metro. If, like me, you are sensitive to noise, SHirlington House is a great choice. The walls are thick. In nearly two years I haven't lost any sleep and almost never hear things for the apartments above, below and on either side of mine. They keep things clean. I haven't seen a single roach, unlike my past expereince with apartment living. I have to move b/c of my job. If I return to the NO VA area, I'd rent here again.

Current Resident 514389

Resident • 2007 - 2010

Felt safe and comfortable living here!

I loved living at Shirlington House! I moved in when I moved from the midwest. I was nervous being in a more urban area, but I felt so safe at Shirlington House. The parking lot was always well lit, the doors had card access only, the people at the front desk were always helpful, etc. Plus - as a woman living alone, Sterling, the maintenance man always looked after me just like a dad. The apartments offer a lot of square footage and great amenities for the price! You wont find the square footage and security for this price in Shirlington or this close to the city! I'm only moving because my boyfriend and I are moving in together.

jaypea99

Resident • 1999 - 2010

Awesome Place to Live

I lived here for 11 years, and I only moved out when I bought a place. I can't recommend it highly enough. PROS: --Big apartments with lots of space and high ceilings. Especially nice considering the price. --Solid construction, very thick walls and ceilings and QUIET. Never disturbed by any neighbor noise. --Short walk down the hill to Shirlington Village with its restaurants and movie theaters, and further down to the Four Mile Run trail. --Bus stop right outside with frequent service to Ballston and Pentagon Metro. Also a bus station in Shirlington that serves more routes. --HUGE pool with a big sundeck. --24 hour front desk with friendly staff. Fob access after office hours, and a call box at the front door. --Garbage chute on every floor with recycling bins. --Wall-to-wall windows let in a lot of light. --Staff quick to respond to any problems / repair needs. --Convenience store located on site. Oh how I miss that! --Front desk signs for, and holds, packages from UPS-Fedex-USPS etc. --All utilities included in rent. --Separate thermostats for living room and bedroom. CONS (and these are minor): --Parking on weeknights can be a bit of a hassle. Spots tend to be filled by around 10. I recommend paying a little extra and getting a garage or terrace space. --It can be a little tough getting laundry done if your neighbors are inconsiderate and don't pick their stuff up in a timely manner. --They're in the process of refurbishing the apartments, so if someone moves out of an old one, expect water shut-offs while they replace the bathroom and kitchen fixtures. Thankfully these are always during the day while you're at work. --There's a gym, but it's not the fanciest thing you've ever seen. --There's a party room and it's huge, but it's not the fanciest thing you've ever seen. --HVAC is either heat or air conditioning, the resident can't choose, and it seems like every year there are at least a few hot days to bear through before the AC gets turned on. People on the south side of the building (facing 395) have it the worst.

Prospective Resident 787370

Prospect • Visited 2010

Nice apartment

I have a friend that recently moved here and his apartment looks nice. Its has a low price for the area because its older, but its a well kept building. The gym is a joke but I would definitely move here in a heartbeat.

Current Resident 542562

Resident • 2009 - 2010

2010

The front people are nice and managers too, the rude people are old lady and old guy who works there at the lobby. They can be nice and bad, I'd say they are moody. I had to use free elevator for moving my stuff out of my room, the free elevator somehow stopped working. The Mexican cleaners who works there (2 men) said "you broke it" "it was working when we were uptairs", they like to blame on you. I am a resident of Shirlington and they want to blame on the reside who elevator being stopped. I don't see no reason why the are blaming on me. The maintenance came and fixed the elevator in 5 minutes. The 2 mexican young and old ones are afraid of being blamed, that's what I saw it.

Current Resident 771989

Resident • 2008 - 2010

If you can deal with rudeness, go ahead and live here...

I would recommend it but caution you before you sign your lease. For the Shirlington area, your not going to get a better deal for your money. Other apartment communities in the area are way more expensive. I have yet to see any bugs, roaches and mice so that a BIG plus. The problem though with this community is the attitudes or laziness. Some of the staff (Elizabeth) and maintenance (Sterling) can use a good round of customer service training. Whenever there is a maintenance problem or you have a question regarding the community, you get a negative response from these individuals. So, if you can avoid those individuals, you will love it here. If you feel you shouldn't have to, be prepared for the headache because they are the ones that always show up. You almost want to say "if you do not like your job, quit." Beware.... After your first year on a lease, you are month to month. No more year leases. The pipes leak frequently because the Plumbing is so old. Outdoor parking gets full quick so you almost have to pay $40 per month for assigned parking to avoid parking on the street. The washer and dryers constantly take your money so you are better off going to a laundry facility.

tonysopranosong

Resident • 2007

I miss Shirlington House!

I only moved out as I bought a condo (still in Shirlington!!) or else I would've stayed forever. The location can't be beat. Shirlington Village is the best place in my opinion to live in all of Arlington. It is packed with restaurants of varying ethnicities, the movie theater and Signature theater, bike/running trail, dog park, etc. The building itself is older, but in Arlington, that means spacious compared to anythign built after the 1980's where they just crammed in as many units as they could. I had a 1 bedroom, but the 2 enormous walk-in closets in it meant that I did not have to pay for a separate storage facility for all of my junk! The staff was always helpful and friendly and greeted me by name. Maintenance issues were resolved within 24 hrs. or less (I only had to call twice in 2 yrs. and it wasn't for anything major, just blown fuses). Parking was plenty and free outside. I only purchased underground garaged parking when I purchased a newer vehicle. The pool is huge and well-maintained. In the 1 or 2 instances where we did get any snow, the walkways were cleared early enough in the morning to be safe for folks leaving for work. The convenience store in the building even has dry cleaning service, which is a huge plus. The only negative thing I have to say is that on occasion, the laundry room was crowded and I had to wait until the next day to do laundry and soemtimes the machines are broken for a few days at a time. Overall, you will love living here.

britade

Resident • 2008 - 2009

I'll miss my apartment and baseball!

I moved into Shirlington House in March of 2008 and left just last week. Just as I was preparing to move to this building, my work took me overseas for a couple of months, but Darryl from the management office was incredibly helpful, he kept in touch with me via email and even helped me to get all the paperwork sorted before my return so my move-in was painless. As for the apartment itself - I loved it. The size compared to cost was tremendous for the area; I only needed to call maintenance twice during the entire time I was there (and they fixed the issues within 24 hours); its location is just about perfect - a five-minute walk to Shirlington Village which is packed with restaurants, a very good coffee shop, a couple of really good bars, and the cinema - a real flea-pit but it shows the movies that you won't find in the multiplexes. It's also within very easy reach of Washington, Alexandria, and all the major roads in the area. The management staff were always available and helpful and the desk staff were pleasant and efficient - in such a huge building, it was really unusual that some of them knew so many of the residents, I was knocked out when I arrived home one evening and the lady behind the desk said, "we have a package for you here" - she just knew who I was and which apartment I lived in. I'm now overseas again, and the only things I will miss are baseball and my apartment! If I ever get back to the Washington area, this is the first place I will look to live.

Current Resident 743052

Resident • 2009

Not a Bad Place to Live

I lived in the Shirlington House from November of 2007 until December of 2008. For the most part, it was a pretty decent place. I'll make a list of all the pros and then the cons. PROS The rent was relatively inexpensive for 1 bedroom apartment in Arlington. It cost me $1216 when I first moved in, and increased to $1258 shortly before I moved out (standard increase in Arlington). The good thing was that they did not make me sign another year lease, as I went month to month after my first year. For the most part, the staff was pretty helpful. The community manager Darrell was a great guy. I was out of town on business at the beginning of the month and forgot to pay my rent before I left. Even though I was five days late, Darrell did not charge me extra, because he had never had an issue with me paying late before. I thought this was great, as most Property Managers would have collected the extra 10 percent. There is a market on the main level that has just about everything you need, and is open every day from 10:00 AM until 9:00 PM (except Sundays, closes at 6:00). If you are getting home late from work and don't feel like cooking much, you can always find something in that store to tide you over for dinner. The layouts of the apartment are pretty standard, yet large in size as well. Typical apartments in Arlington have a standard shape, but these apartment have a little bit more character to them. On top of that, there is all relatively updated appliances. There are several access points from every side of the building. Depending on where you live in the apartment, there is always one close exit/entrance nearby. For the most part, you rarely see doors jammed open, and every door you have to open with either a key or access card, therefore the place is pretty secure(aside from a parking garage which I will get to later). The location is incredible. I can't tell you how many times I would walk down to Shirlington Village to visit the shops and restaurants. There is something for everybody in Shirlington Village. On top of that, the complex is right across the street from Route 395 which gives you easy major highway access. Surprisingly, there is not very much road noise. The parking situation for the most part was pretty good. There were only a few times I had to park on the street, but mainly because I got home late in the middle of the night. The pool is very nice and well maintained during the summer. The hours are pretty good as well. Large pool with a lot of beach chairs. CONS Although the staff was relatively helpful and pleasant, there was sometimes a language barrier. At times it could be difficult to communicate because their English was not incredible. On top of that, there are a few security guards the work the late shift that would often time fall asleep at the front desk. The place is so large that it is easy to get turned around and lost. This is especially difficult when you have guests. Eventually you do learn the twists and turns and hidden entrances, but it can take some time to get used to. The garage door to the covered parking(although I never paid for parking there, I chose the free outdoor parking) was broken quite frequently, and the door was left open. At times, that meant anybody could slip into the parking garage in the middle of the night. Although it is a fairly safe neighborhood, it was not safe to me that the garage door would stay open for months at a time. It is not fair for the people that paid to park there. Not that this is a big deal, but there were times when I would get home at 6:30 PM and the mail still had not come yet, or they were just putting the mail in. I know this sounds a bit petty, but I've never been in a complex where the mail had not delivered by then. This is obviously not the Shirlington House's fault, but more so the postal delivery route. Just a minor annoyance more then anything. The lobby itself is in very good condition, however the hallway carpet and walls are not in the best of shape. A few of the hallways even had a musty odor to it, and it appeared the carpets had not been cleaned in quite some time. On top of that, there were times when lights would flicker on and off throughout the day for weeks at a time. It appears that the maintenance staff did not mind this. The gym is not very impressive. Having said that, I used to own a gym at one point in time and therefore I was spoiled with the equipment I once had. However, although the equipment is in decent shape, there is not much of it and it is in a very tiny room. An apartment complex with a few hundred rooms should have more then three treadmills and 2 crosstrainers. On top of that, there were no freeweights whatsoever. However, there is one plus, and that is that the gym is 24 hours and is monitored by a security camera. Another con, although it is nothing specifically negative about the complex, is that there is no easy access to a metro station. The closest metros are in either Pentagon City or Ballston. However, shortly before I left there was a MetroBus hub that was built in Shirlington that took passengers directly to Pentagon City and Ballston metros, so that is certainly a nice addition to the area. In summation, I have lived in Arlington since 2002. I have lived in a oomplex off of Columbia Pike called the Arlington Overlook/The Wellington Apartments (not much good comes from Columbia Pike, Wood Lee Arms off of Lee Hwy (not bad, better then Columbia Pike), and then most recently the Shirlington House. Of the three complexes, the Shirlington House was the best hands down. It had several amenities that the other complexes didn't offer, most specifically the easy access to Shirlington Village. It was a safe neighborhood, and fun to be around. I recommend this place to anybody who is looking in South Arlington.

rhianatta79

Resident • 2009

Great Place to Live That I Will Miss ALOT

I lived in Shirlington House for a year and I absolutely loved it. I never had a problem with anything whatsoever. I was 10 minutes to Georgetown, Old Town Alexandria and DC. Shirlington village itself is a cute place and I used to hang out there a lot. The apartment is huge and although I lived in a studio, it was as big as a one bedroom apt. It was full of light, warm and cosy, it can't get better. The rent is very reasonable and the utilities are included. It was a lot of fun to stay there and I feel so sad to move out. I am moving to another city and that is why I had to leave. I would come back to Shirlington I ever had to come to DC area again.

Current Resident 914511

Resident • 2008 - 2009

My apartment is one of the things I will miss most about living in Northern Virginia!

Shirlington House has proven to be a great place to live. My apartment is spacious, clean, and bright; I found the management staff very helpful and maintenance quick to respond to any issues. As a single female who travels frequently, I have always felt that I and my belongings were safe. Reserved parking spots are available at a good price in this area-it has been wonderful not to have to dig out of snow and ice over the past two years. It is a fantastic value for the Northern Virginia area, and the location is ideal for work in Arlington/Alexandria//DC. I enjoyed living in a "walking community" just up the hill from the shops and restaurants in Shirlington Village, and the apartments are in great proximity to Clarendon, Crystal City and Pentagon Row shops, Old Towne Alexandria, all the Arlington monuments and memorials, and DC. I am relocating for work, and this apartment is one of the things I will miss most. I would live here again if I return to the area!

ladyonthemove

Resident • 2006 - 2008

Didn't Want to Leave

I lived at Shirlington House for 2 years and I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT. Given the location and the size of the apartment, you will not find a better deal in the area for this price. Yes, it is an older building but my apartment was renovated with gorgeous applicances, a see-thru bar, and ceiling fans. I liked the convenience of having the little grocery store in the building (for the occ needed item I forgot to pick up while out) and being within walking distance to shops and entertainment in Shirlington Village. Maintenance always handled my work requests in a speedy fashion and I absolutely loved the staff. Given that I am female, young, and single, they really looked out for me, especially if when I had a family incident that required my attention. I've read previous reviews about staff but that was not my experience. I think that you get back what you put into it. My only issue is limited parking but that's to be expected in NoVa and you do have the option of purchasing a parking space (which I did), so it's no big deal in the end. I would definitely recommend Shirlington House. Had I not been forced to relocate because of work, I probably would have stayed.

Current Resident 86619

Resident • 1995 - 2008

A great place to live

I have lived here for 14 years. The building was built in about 1962; that means sturdy construction, thick walls, real walls. The windows were all replaced recently and most or all of the apartments have been recently renovated. Big picture windows are great; the rooms are very, very spacious. The staff is excellent.

Martha1948

Resident • 2005 - 2008

Good Value

We have lived here since Nov 2005. Overall we have been satisfied. Mantaince crew responds quickly to problems. Quiet, near shops, theater, library and restaurants. Public transportation is good. Parkin is usually not a problem. Most of the staff is helpful. We have lived in much more expensive apartments with no better service. I like having a laundry room on each floor. Very seldom do I have to wait for a machine. Sometimes the machines eat up your money but it is still inexpensive. Good excersise facilities. Convenience store on premises. There is a rental guest apartment that is resonable that we have used for out of town guest. You can get delivery food service from many many places. Some people do not understand that in an apartment building you get convenience and give up some things that you might have in a single family home. Just think, you do not have to mow the lawn, do the maintence on your apartment and in this place you can do without a car if you need to. All places have there ups and downs.

Current Resident 528055

Resident • 2006 - 2008

Highly recommended

My wife and I have lived in Shirlington House for the last 2 years. Our overall experience here was excellent. While the building is old, it is well-kept. Our apartment had new carpets and repainted walls. The kitchen was newly-renovated and spacious. Even though our apartment faced the highway, it was quiet as the windows are well insulated. Our neighbors were excellent (generally married couples without children and upper-middle class). The apartment manager and staff are also very professional, friendly, and helpful. The area is very safe with joggers and dog-walkers seen throughout the day. About 5 minutes away is Shirlington Village, an up-scale area with 20 restaurants, a movie and art/play theater, a newly-built library, and an up-scale supermarket (Harris Teater). There is also a bus stop just outside of the apartment with convenient access to the Pentagon subway station (10 to 15 minutes) and Ballston Station (20 minutes). A newly built bus station will also provide easy access. Overall, I highly recommend Shirlington House as an excellent place to live.

sweetface2233

Resident • 2007 - 2008

In my 10 years of renting, I have never lived in a WORSE place.

DO NOT RENT HERE. I have neighbors that have been screaming all hours of the day for the past 5 months. I have contacted the management office numerous times. They haven't done a damn thing. One of my neighbors has admitted to not being on the lease. I have addressed it w/ the office and they have done NOTHING. This place is like a god damn zoo. The walls are paper thin. You can hear your neighbors TV. Be prepared to park on the street if you come home after 8pm. Then you get to walk down a very dark street and parking lot. You are required to have a parking sticker on your vehicle, or else it will be towed. However, half the damn cars in the parking lot have no stickers. Probably from all the people living here that aren't on the leases. While I'm at it, don't ever ask anyone at the front desk for help w/ anything. I think they are just there to keep the seat warm. They have no answers and one receptionist actually said to me, after I had a question about the laundry room, "Don't ask me, I only answer the phones 2 nights a week." Also, the laundry machines on every floor will eat your money. If you have 2 loads of laundry, make sure you have enough money to do 4. You are guaranteed to lose money on every load. I hope you take baths. If not, be prepared to switch to them. The water pressure is so low that you'd get more out if you stuck your mouth to the shower head and sucked out the water. It takes twice the amount of time to rinse my hair here than at the gym, at a friends house, or in any other place I have lived. The heat is turned off on May 1st and the air is turned off on Oct 1st. So, from Oct through the middle of Dec, you sweat your --- off. WORST PLACE I HAVE EVER LIVED. MOST UNPROFESSIONAL MANAGEMENT OFFICE. If you rent here AFTER reading this review, don't say that it didn't tell you so.

Current Resident 193965

Resident • 2007

Great place to live

The apartments are well kept, the grounds are neat and clean, no bugs, and a very good location to hop on the bus to the Pentagon or into DC. Lots of restaurants nearby, a pool hall, movie theater, library, and a Harris Teeter. Only drawback is that the staff at the front deak on average are difficult to deal with, and aren't as knowledgeable as they should be, but considering you're there to live and the problems are few, this is really a minor annoyance.

Current Resident 795111

Resident • 2004 - 2007

Been here almost 3 years, and love it!

The only reason I will move out of Shirlington House is to buy a place with my boyfriend next year! My apartment is bigger than anyone else's I've been to, with lots of light and windows, it was newly renovated when I moved in, and I've never had a problem. Management and maintenance are fine. Love that my utilities are included in my rent--one check to write! The only negative is the lack of laundry in unit--I have to go down the hall, and sometimes that's annoying. But in the grand scheme of things, nothing to be upset about. And seriously, can anyone beat this location???? I walk to the shops and restaurants in Shirlington Village, and it's a 10 minute bus ride to Pentagon Metro station.

Current Resident 438041

Resident • 2005 - 2007

Ummmmm. No!

Although the apt has been nice the staff and management just DO NOT own up to their responsilbilities. They are rude. Not only that but the maintenance men(not all of them but the majority) make you feel stupid when they come to your apartment. Like everything that has gone wrong is your fault. The patios have standing water with terrible drainage.

Current Resident 431312

Resident • 2006 - 2007

Wonderful Place, Great Price

I have lived in Shirlington House for a year. I have never seen a bug in my apartment. The only time the freight elevators don't work is when someone locks it off to move. The three main elevators are always working. The concierge signs for packages, which happens almost no where else. I hear little to no sound from adjacent apartments, the walls are concrete. They are renovating the apartments as people move out so there can be construction noise during the day but most people are at work. They are also replacing the plumbing and the water is off here and there. This is done only during the day and is always back on by 5pm. The price is incredible for the location and utilities are included. I read some of the complaints in previous reviews and I guess you just can't please everyone. When are they supposed to make improvements to the property if people are complaining about noise during the day. Use some common sense.....

maurisoccer19

Resident • 2007

GOOD APTS AND LOW PRICE

I MOved to these apts 3 months ago and i can say that by far this is the best apts that i have lived in. The Roomd are big , the kitchen has its own big microwave and there is no signs or roaches or any other insect. Managment people are always helpful and they are there 24/7. unlike other apts that the managment office closes at 4. i can pick up my packages at anytime which is good for the people that put the overtime at work and then later need to pick up something from the office. the gym is spacious and they have new equipmen there. I woudn't trade these apts for other apts in arlington.I am happy with my family in these apts. also there is a little grocery store/video reantal/cleaners so you don't really have to go out much and relax at home.

Current Resident 66405

Resident • 2007

No water No electicity Loud Apartments

They have been shutting the whole water system down with no note or anything to tell us. They say it is going to be shut down for a certain time and it is longer. i pay out the nose for a place that I cannot even take a dump in cause they shut the water off. They shut the electicity off unexpectedly and are very loud pounding on walls with hammer with no warning whatso ever. Pay a little more to live somewhere nicer. they have a door that is soposed to be secured i lived here a year and it is still broke. Parking is a nightmare. they put new laundry rooms in that charge twice the amount for less space in the washer. One of the "new" washers broke on me tonight and they wont fix it.

Current Resident 428074

Resident • 2006 - 2007

Good deal for the price

The Shirlington House is a great apartment complex for the money. It is relatively inexpensive compared to the other apartments in the immediate area, especially since all utilities are paid for. Have never had any problems with the management and the maintenance service is pretty fast. I would recommend the Shirlington House if you are looking to be in the Shirlington area and don't want to spend the prices of the other apartments in the area.