Shirlington House

Snoopy05

Resident • 2003 - 2007

Decent living

I have lived at Shirlington House for the last 4 years and can honestly say that it has been pretty nice. I am so surprised to hear about this bug issue because I have never experienced it. I started off in the smallest studio that was decent for the time and moved about 2 years ago to a 1 bedroom. I have to agree that the hallways are nothing to brag about and the water is shut off about once every two months (with proper notice) but the apartments are very spacious and affordable. The staff and the maintenance guy s are pretty nice. I m not sure what the grip is about the elevators and garage because they have always worked pretty well for me. I guess you can t please everyone ..<br>If you re looking for affordable/decent living Shirlington House maybe your best bet. I moved from Boston without seeing my apartment first and was and continue to be pleased. I would recommend Shirlington House to anyone looking in the Arlington, Virginia area.<br>

Current Resident 795424

Resident • 2006 - 2007

Management just doesn't "get it"

When something goes wrong in these apts and it's patently obvious, management refuses to dignify your complaint with a response. Elevator's been broken since I got here in Nov, garage doors don't close, cockroaches, plumbing problems; the whole shebang. Maintenance man barges into the apt with my wife undressed and it's ok, we announced the visit. Not even a peep from the Property management company as yet.We're just a cash cow, unworthy of respect or dignity.

Current Resident 808938

Resident • 2007

God no

The bugs are bad the hammering and vacuuming start at early hours(night workers beware). My lease is up soon so i am out of here.!!!!!! They really need to fumigate the place, i have roaches the size of golf balls. i think they are coming in through the gaps in the fixtures.

showertara

Resident • 2006

A good deal-- more pros than cons

I have lived at the Shirlington House since early October. I am leaving this review in hopes that apartment-hunters will benefit from the information, as I relied heavily on these on-line ratings when choosing which places to visit.<br><br>I really enjoy living at Shirlington House and think that I made the best choice for me at this time. I live in an efficiency that is large. My closet size is amazing and I have full size appliances, including a dishwasher. My apartment was completely re-done before I moved in (all new appliances, carpet, paint, everything) and it's in great shape for an old building. I have had NO trouble with bugs. <br><br>It is true that the stairwells and hallways leave a lot to be desired. They are not kept up at all. <br><br>The water and electricity are cut off a few times a month, but always during the day and residents are always given notice at least once starting about a week before. It can cause an inconvenience, but at least you know beforehand. <br><br>Parking isn't that bad. Some spots are really small, but usually you can find one up until about 10:30pm. After that you can park on the hill next to the apartments. I've had to park on the street maybe 10 times in 2 1/2 months and it's not that bad. I don't feel unsafe walking to the building because it's well lit and being so close to Shirlingon Village, I feel like someone is always driving or walking nearby so if I yelled for help, someone would hear.<br><br>The location is great, especially since they are putting in the new library, grocery store, and restaurants down the hill. Getting to D.C. is easy because the bus lines go right by and take you to the Pentagon metro. It's not a bad trip. Most days I drive to my office in Old Town and that's not too bad either. <br><br>The management has never been rude to me or anyone in my presence. I DO agree that the nighttime stuff has no idea what is going on and are not helpful. Most of them are nice, at least. <br><br>Finally, I think that there has been a shift away from year-long leases to ones that are month-to-month since Virginia Management took over. I cannot confirm this, since I made it up myself, but I think that Virginia Management bought Shirlington House from the old company in order to renovate and then rent the apartments at a much higher rate...more along the lines of the rent charged in the area. The condos right next to Shirlington House are really expensive. Up the hill are less expensive apartments, but they probably haven't been re-done. So maybe the prices for month-to-month people will go up more frequently-- I don't know though. I just get that impression.<br><br>Overall, if I had more money, I'd probably live somewhere nicer. But, honestly, I like it (like I said at the beginning-- for now).

Current Resident 596954

Resident • 2006

BUG problems but they are still ok

I moved in in may and really do not have to many complaints. The only problems i have had so far is that i have had bugs. Upon further investigation i found a big gaping hole by my microwave that was probably the culprit. The fixtures is my apartment are not really put together well(big gaping holes by microwave, sink in kitchen not attached properly and underneath the sinks big gaping hole around the tubes that bring the h20 to the sink. I think they should do a pest sweep and everything would be fine.) The management has been nice , but the parking poor and expensive to get your own slot. The night shift is poor with information. They shut the h20 off and the electricity off a lot so it seems like they have a lot of pipe issues and electrical issues. Location is great.

marlowwl

Resident • 2005 - 2006

A very good deal in my mind

The management here is not that bad. Just the night staff, who are pretty much useless. <br>The apartments are the biggest around for the rent. I live on the 9th floor and I don't have the problems with heat/AC because on a corner you can open windows and get a cross vent. My friend on the 7th floor faces the morning sun and his place is rediculous hot. <br>I haven't had any problems with bugs??? Haven't seen a single one???? If I did I would move out because that's just gross... The hallways look like a dorm hallway and they are pretty dirty. Overall for the price though I smile when I pay the rent because I really feel I am getting a great deal. All utilities are included here... <br><br>As for the noise, I just lock my windows and I don't hear a peep from the freeway. The windows are all new throughout the building. I used to sleep with helicopters landing right above my bed so maybe I am immune to the noise??

disgruntled0202

Resident • 2006

Bad management

I moved into Shirlington and only lived there for 1 month now and so far the management is bad. They don’t know how to treat residents and they treat the residents and guest as though the courts put us there. My locks were broken and they told me tough wait till morning. My toilet clogged and they threatened me that I will have to pay because it my fault. I paid for parking and they double booked my spot and naturally the only time you find out that your parking spot is legally taken is when managements is closed. The Front desk will just tell us tough and talk to management. Management misplaces paperwork and virtually become unreachable. Try complaining to upper management and they will blow you off like you don’t matter. Night shift is pretty much helpless and Ill-equipped to handle anything other then Emergency. So your life complications will have to end after Management leaves because if you have an emergency that doesn’t involve maintence then your pretty much screwed and be prepared to hear the words “tough sir”, “I cant help you sir”, “that’s not my job sir”

Current Resident 408627

Resident • 2001 - 2006

Mixed Bag

I have lived at Shirlington House for five years. I will be finally moving out in November 2006. The location is very convenient and it's a plus that a movie theater and eating places are within walking distance. 24 hour front desk service is an invaluable convenience. However, there are a lot of drawbacks to living here. The lobby area looks great,but is deceiving. The hallways carpets are stained and dirty - They have not been cleaned in the five years I have been living here. Managment turns off the water from 1/2 day to a full day on average every month -ostensibly to do repairs or renovate another apartment. Come-on..an apt bldg with 1200 plus units and all are on the same water line? Although, I can't prove it, I think they do it to save on the water bill. There's a terrible blind spot to your right on the roadway when exiting the parking lot (driving). It has caused many near accidents, and the residents have complained to mgmt, but they have done nothing to fix it. They also have a ridiculous pet rent fee. There's lots more just read the other negative posts.

Current Resident 282114

Resident • 1993

A lot of years have passed.

I lived in Shirlington House for about 4-1/2 years. I moved out to live in the District until quite recently. I am back in Va. on Columbia Pike, but not happy with present apt. I know the apts at SH are very large, even the so-called studios. My apt. was called a Jr. One-BR, and quite large. My only problem was with the AC which was almost non-existent when I moved in, but was finally fixed permanently within a few months, making the rest of my summers there fine. My apartment was on the 6th floor, overlooking the front entrance with fountains which created a wonderful soothing sound for sleeping. I have inquired about moving in again, and taking into consideration all the foibles of people and apartment living, I take the reviews I have read to be a fair indicator that it wouldn't be a bad idea to move back. It would be a shame if the staff were as bad as some people say because the staff when I was there were all terrific. They knew you by name, especially the lady on the night desk who provided a lot of us with some company when we "hung out" at the desk. I will keep watching the site for more comments, and decide.

Cadence

Resident • 2005 - 2006

It's all right

I've only lived at Shirlington House for 7 months. I chose the spot because of the area - everything you could need is really close by.I thought when I moved in that I was getting a good deal - I have quite a bit of space for a studio and the layout is unique; my apt.was clean and neat, with new appliances upon move in. Maintenence is timely and polite and the front desk staff is very nice. However, there are several things I'm dissatisfied with: The air is not really fresh - you have to set the thermostat down to nearly 55 to feel any cool air (plus get a fan) and in the winter, your heater has to run at least 3 hours (plus a space heater) before you will notice the heat. I live near an exit and while the people in the hall don't bother me, the doors slam shut. Imagine hearing that all night long!I've also gotten some strange looking bugs in my apartment - just one or two, but they were not your normal insect. I moved here from another state around 11:30 pm. They towed my car that night before I could get a parking decal - then I had to go and get it from the pound the next night. It was a nightmare. I pitched a fit and they eventally paid for the towing. Also, a couple of months ago, they changed management companies and no longer do leases, just month to month. Over all, it's a pretty nice place to live, but I would definately search the area before making this your final choice.

Current Resident 27600

Resident • 2001 - 2005

Decent place

The Shirlington House was a decent place to live, and served me well for four years. My one bedroom apt was very large for what I was paying in rent, and the staff was always very friendly and also responsive to any maintenance requests. My apt faced 395, but the biggest noise issue I had was with the bus/truck/whatever yard right outside my window. <br><br>While the apartment itself was adequate and met my needs, my biggest issue with the Shirlington House was the parking. If you return home after 10:30pm or so, you'll find it tough to find a spot in the lot! Of course, a little walking never hurt anyone, but it's not fun driving around the surrounding roads as a single gal looking for a place to park. Plus, if you have any visitors, DON'T have them park in the SH lot or they'll get towed!! Not wanting to take a trip to the impound lot, this made me spend a lot of time at my boyfriend's (now fiance's :)) place! <br><br>All in all, the Shirlington House isn't a bad place to spend a couple years. The location is wonderful, the apartments spacious, and the staff is friendly and accommodating. Just be careful about parking...

Current Resident 80858

Resident • 2003 - 2006

Not bad

We have been here for 3 years and generally like it. Great pool. Clean and nice apartment with lots of windows.<br>One thing I wish they would work on is being more enviro-aware in landscaping and maintenance. I wrote the management a letter a while ago asking what pesticides are used and where because we get notices that pesticide applications are done every Tues. I never received a reply. <br>Also requested that faucet in laundry be turned back on and never was. think they don't like residents using it but we are paying enough rent to be able to rinse something in a laundry tub.<br>Really those are my only complaints so generally pretty good. Nice staff.

Current Resident 161210

Resident • 2005 - 2006

Roach problem

I keep my apt clean and food is always put away and there are still roaches everywhere! <br><br>Beside the roach problem, it is unbearably hot on the 8th floor in the winter time. I didn't even turn on my heat all winter! It was dry and had to even keep my windows open sometimes b/c it got so hot and there was no way to control it! Also, since my apt faced 395, it was way too loud to have a decent night's sleep when the windwos are open.<br><br>It is also very hot during the transition month where there is no AC available. Your best bet is hope for a cool couple of months before they turn on the AC, which is generally in the month of May. But they are liable to be late on that as well. <br><br>The management team is horrible and slow to respond to anything. They don't respond to complaints at all and they are constantly making mistakes with what they tell people and it's never their fault. <br><br>But the service staff (ie front desk, maintanence) are very nice and good. <br><br>Location is excellent! But with all the other problems, it's not enough to make me stay another year. I am glad to be moving out of here. Maybe I'll get some decent sleep for once!

Current Resident 645337

Resident • 2004 - 2006

Hot Water Problems

Over the past 12 months or so, we've lost hot water about 5 or 6 times. Several times it went out before I went to bed and was still out the next morning. My bath consisted of a wet towel and some deodorant. However, it has always been restored by the time I returned home from work. No mention of this is ever written about in the bi-monthly newsletter.<br><br>The apartment I'm in was completely refurbished before I moved in. New kitchen and bathroom and new carpet. Rent is very reasonable and location is good. However, since Shirlington is rapidly becoming the next Ballston, I suspect rents will probably start to increase. Some of the common areas could use some sprucing up, especially the hallways on the first and second floors (which are underground). The lobby is on the third floor. Parking is adequate, except the lot usually fills up by 11:00 during the week. I have to spend an extra $40 per month for a garage parking space. Those spaces are assigned. Acess to public transportation is good. Metro buses run to and from the Pentagon every ten minutes during the morning and evening rush hours.<br><br>Except for the hot water problems, the maintenance staff has always responded quickly the few times I've needed them. <br><br>For the most part, I have been satisfied living here, but the hot water problems are quickly becoming the deal breaker. I recently renewed my lease for a third year but will not renew next time if these hot water problems persist.

jrltulane

Resident • 2003 - 2006

Nice place, inexpensive

I lived there for 3 years and found the place to be safe and pretty nice. The pool is great -- hardly anyone uses it. My kitchen and bathroom were totally renovated and really look nice. They have been turning the water off about 1 day every 5 weeks as they upgrade the pipes, but you get advance notice and it's usually from about 10am to 5pm.

Current Resident 304180

Resident • 2006

Terrible management staff

To say that the management is very unprofessional, is a HUGE understatement. It takes at least two reminders to get anything repaired. Problems go unresolved for months. I've tried on numerous occastion to resolve problem with them and they completely ignore the problem. The higher management won't even take my calls to complain. I've even thought of calling the better business bureau or the Arlington Tenant-Landlord office for legal assistance. The staff downright rude to residence and do not know the definition of customer service. I strongly advice anyone to avoid this property.

Current Resident 20094

Resident • 2003 - 2006

I have been here for 3 years now.....

.....and overall it's pretty decent. I have had my maintainance issues (clogged drain, dishwasher shorting out) but they were handled in a quick and professional manner. The front desk staff is just that. Nothing more, nothing less. Never had much of an issue. Now the property manager...that's another story. An attitude adjustment and ego check are sometimes in order. As far as my apartment, i cannot complain. it is pretty quiet even though i face 395. the new windows worked wonders there. Pool has alot to be desired. Unless you are a hermit and only go to the front loby for the paper you won't have to worry about parking. You need to work the night shift in order to park anywhere decent after 3 in the afternoon. Decent place for your money if i were to be asked for my two cents....

Current Resident 22634

Resident • 2004 - 2005

This place is a dump!

Yeah, its got a good location and its slightly cheaper but there's a reason for the cheapness! The front desk staff, particularly the sales staff, are the rudest, most unprofessional of any apartment complex I've ever lived. This place hires very cheap labor to fix up apartments so they look nice when you move in, but the materials used (i.e., paint, rugs, tile, etc.) are cheap also. So, normal wear and tear on these things is tripled and the sales staff blames it on you and makes you pay for it when you want to move out. Also, the air quality in the apartment is terrible! Just wait until you see the large gathering of thick, black, goopy dust on your ceiling fan, any regular fan in your place, and encircling your furniture on the floor, a stain on the carpet caused by their dirty ac units but they'll blame you and tell you that its your responsibility to clean the carpets before you move out. My carpet started bubbling up in the center of the apartment caused by a leak in the ac unit, there were ripples throughout the apartment in the carpet. I'm just waiting for them to blame me for that too!<br><br>Don't do it! Remember the old adage, you get what you pay for! This place is cheap at first but they will get you in the end!!<br><br>Oh, and when the lease is up, if you want to stay but don't want to sign a new lease, they make you go 2 month to 2 month, a Mark Winkler policy, which is different than Landlord and Tenant Law of month to month. And don't expect to prorate rent for the last month! They make you pay to the very last day, even if you have to move before then.

Current Resident 93221

Resident • 2003 - 2005

Not bad for the $$ and location

I lived in the Shirlington House for a few years and overall, it was a decent, no-frills apartment community. <br><br>I found that the rent was very reasonable for the area and the apartments were incredibly spacious. The renovated units are gorgeous and are pretty bright and sunny (depending on which side of the building you are on).<br><br>A lot of people have written negative posts about the office and maintenance staff. I always found everyone to be incredibly friendly and helpful. I got to know Angela, Felisa, and Elizabeth and always found them to be pleasant. <br><br>The only drawbacks for me were no access to Metro (without a bus) and no central air conditioning. Also, the hallways were dingy and smelly and the carpets needed to be replaced badly, but I guess that's community living.<br><br>If you're on a budget and want to have a spacious, upgraded unit, check out the Shirlington House.

Current Resident 109744

Resident • 2005

Great value for the price - we're very happy!

I am half of a low-20s couple who moved in to an executive efficiency apartment in early September. It's basically a one bedroom without the wall, but over $100 cheaper per month. It's huge - we actually don't have enough furniture, where we though we were going to have too much. We've been very happy so far - we've yet to hear our neighbors, the apartment is completely renovated (new appliances, carpet, cabinets) and very clean (We have yet to see a single bug of any kind!), and the staff has been friendly and helpful. We've met a few of our neighbors, and they are very friendly - they seem to be mostly young working couples like us. <br>The apartment is also walking distance from Shirlington Village, which has numerous bars and restaurants, a post office, a movie theater and more. I did a lot of comparison price shopping prior to selecting this apartment, and I am amazed at how cheap it is - everywhere else I looked in this price range, I felt scared and uncomfortable and the apartments were dirty and small. I am a young female, and I feel very safe walking around the parking lot and the halls, which was very important to me. <br>The only bad things we've experienced are that parking can be difficult to find after 11pm - you usually have to park on the street beyond the lot. We have yet to not find a parking spot, though, we just have to walk farther. Also, the halls are kind of dingy and the elevators are old. We had to move our couch up the staircase because it wouldn't fit in the 60's era freight elevator. There is no metro in the area, but you are right on 395, and there is a shuttle to take you to the Pentagon Metro. We are also on the side that is right on 395, so when we have our windows open, we can hear the traffic (especially at rush hour!). I would suggest that people looking at Shirlington house get an apartment on the side away from the highway to avoid the noise. <br>

ckimball

Resident • 2004 - 2005

i'm very happy here

I just renewed my lease and I am very happy here. One nice thing is they offered me a coupon for a free housecleaning just for renewing my lease. <br><br>Apartment living isn't perfect, of course. It's community living, with all that entails. I have found the service to be really good. Every time I have had a question or maintenance issue, it has been addressed quickly, professionally, and to my satisfaction. No one is perfect, and I get no pleasure in jumping all over people like some of these other reviewers. I used to work in an apartment building myself, so it really bothers me to hear these negative reviews just complaining about the staff. It makes me think the complainers are probably not very nice in person--you get what you give. We're all in this together, folx. (The staff probably doesn't get paid enough to put up with all the complainers.)<br><br>Anyways, when I moved in, they offered to plant some privacy bushes around my patio. I thought that'd be great, but I wasn't going to hold my breath. Well, not three weeks later they had planted nice bushes that have turned my patio into a lovely haven. <br><br>Part of apartment living is having occasional issues with utilities--but they always send a notice around if they're going to shut the water off due to the wonderful renovations they're doing. Sure, sometimes it's a pain, but they're making the apartments nicer! Small price to pay. <br><br>I appreciate the little touches--they upgraded the lighting fixtures in my hallway, and they are always trying to make things nicer. Everyone always has a smile. Oh, and they installed a tiny fitness center which is much appreciated!<br><br>I wish to high heaven that I could have a little puppy, though. That will ultimately be the reason I'll leave. I want to have a dog really badly. I know I could have a cat but I am allergic to them and I would love to have a pet.<br><br>The second reason I'd leave is because I get tired of schlepping my laundry down the hall. I'd love to have W/D in the unit.<br><br>Parking can get a bit difficult after 11pm. I've had to park about half-a-mile away on the street late at night and walk home. I don't like that at all.<br><br>I wish they would empty the trash out by the convenience store more frequently--several times a week it is overflowing and bits and pieces get blown into my patio area. Not sure if that's the store owner's job or maintenance, though. I usually end up just picking up the trash myself. I keep meaning to say something, but I get sidetracked. I'm sure if I said something that they would address it. They are very reasonable and appreciate such things being brought to their attention.<br><br>It is always very quiet here and I hardly ever hear my neighbors. Everyone seems to keep to themselves. I do a lot of work from home and enjoy interacting with the staff and saying hello as I go about my day.<br><br>If you're looking for a clean, safe, affordable apartment home, you can't really do any better than this place for location and price. You can walk down the hill to Shirlington Village in five minutes. Very convenient. It's a modest building, not four-star, but very tidy and well kept.

arlyrenter

Resident • 2005

Thank goodness there are still decent rentals in Arlington

I moved here after being booted out of the awful Brittany. What a relief! halls are clean, elevators work, management is competent, my AC works. I feel like I'm in paradise. Drawbacks: No WD in apartment, reserved parking costs extra.

Current Resident 515129

Resident • 2004 - 2005

I'm not staying!

Ive been here for almost a year and let me tell you its gotten worse! At first it was great, friendly people at the front desk, responsive management, and great service men. But now I guess I am old news. No one in management cares that you have a complaint they show no interest at all. They really do not call you back in a timely matter. They all seem affended and quick to tell you that you are wrong. You feel as though you are wasteing their time just asking a simple question. You walk by the office during normal business hours and the management is loud, unprofessional, and they act as though they really dont want to even get up to help you. They seem tied up and occupied with each other and their own personal business. You can tell by the way they act that they do not even what to be there.It is like the residents are just paying for them to all have their little social time, it really does make my blood boil.The front desk (weekday ladies) are wonderful, and really they are the only ones that act professional. They are the only ones that you know you can go to for a straight answer or even a timely one. It's a real shame that there are so many unhappy people who live here. You can talk to a few other residents that live here and they will give you an earfull, and I must say it can be overwhelming at times! It is also too bad that the upper management group does not see what they are losing out on. By having such a un-impressive group in that front area I can only imagine.. I know that I'm not the only unhappy person here. I would hope that someone would see it and put a stop to it. I'ts really bad and I dont know how the management group is surviving with their business these days. But its really gone down hill, just as the building and the staff has. It really is a shame because Shirlington is a great area. The apartments here are much larger than most and it truly is a nice place, but again management really does make it or break it. And many of my problems that I had months ago still have gone unanswered. I really dont think I will have any problem giving my notice to leave.

Current Resident 557754

Resident • 2004 - 2005

Don't do it - there's better places out there!

I hate this place! They turn the air off in first week of October and don't care if you have asthma attacks because of the 90 degree, uncirculating heat in your apartment from Oct through Dec. Their pool furniture is disgusting, old and dirty. Stained, smelly carpets in the dimly lit hallways, which make you feel like you're in The Shining. Rude, unprofessional sales and reception staff, particularly during the week. Did I mention NO AC in October! You might think its fall, but after the sun has been shining into your apartment all day and you only have two windows that open, it gets pretty hot! Plus, the traffic from 395 below your window is always nice to hear at all hours of the day. Tiny mites and fleas in the rug in your apartment and bugs that fly around in your place, bugs you've never seen before and they keep coming back no matter how many times you've sprayed or had the property mgmt bring in a bug service. By the way, the bug service sprayed in my place and left a "bug mat" under my couch to catch anything they missed, and they didn't tell me about it. Two months later, as I'm moving my couch I find this thing COVERED with ants, mites, fleas, miscellaneous bugs. DISGUSTING. No ventilation in your apartment. Even though the walls are pretty thick, it doesn't stop you from hearing the brats down the hall screaming at 7 am everyday. Lastly, I was hit by a car AS A PEDESTRIAN in the parking lot, where there are no crosswalks, by another tenant, and the only witness in the lot was a maintenance guy for the building who didn't speak English and who decided to "look the other way" to the incident. I can't wait to get out of here!

Current Resident 530937

Resident • 2004

decent

I moved in here August 2004 so that I could live closer to my job in DC. I'll be honest, when I was looking to move closer and try to keep my rent at a reasonable price I knew I'd either get an apt for lower quality or smaller in size. It's hard to downsize your apt, so I went with lower quality. My apt here is much larger than my last, but the quality of the building and the apts is not as good. I do live in a newly renovated apt, but there are still flaws. I really don't know what the other residents are used to for sounds, but I can hear EVERYTHING from my other neighbors on either side of my apt and above me. This has taken ALOT of getting used to. I never heard my neighbors before I moved into these apts. <br>The maintenance here is decent, but they took months to replace on simple item in my apt after making the request several times. <br>The parking here is so-so. When I first moved in I had trouble finding parking a few times and had to park out on the street, but I haven't had much trouble since. There isn't any guest parking which isn't great when you have company over late.<br>I have not had any safety concerns since moving in, but I don't really see the effectiveness of the front door being locked at night with someone sitting at the front desk. A person can just buzz to be let in and they come in with no questions asked.<br>The office staff are friendly during the day most of the time, but sometimes they seem a little arrogant. The evening staff who sit at the front desk really aren't helpful. Shortly after I moved in, I asked how late the little mart in the building was open and the guy had no idea what the hours are. You'd think that someone working at the front desk would know a little bit about the building they worked in.