Woodland Park Apartments

forestgrump

Resident • 2005 - 2006

Whatever happened to Customer Service?

Without us the "tenants, customers, clients, renters and leasees" the Van Metre Management would have no job to come to, yet when WE go in repeatedly to complain about the basics i.e. (low levels of hot water, computers that actually work in the clubhouse (considering "WE THE TENANTS"pay for this in our rent) lights that work in the common areas, finding a parking spot that's not a mile away from your apt, safety issues in the clubhouse and common grounds.) Van Metre even has a gated community in which the guards are asleep, never stopped ANYONE, or just aren't there. Gated at Van Metre means just that a gate that anyone and everyone can come and go as they wish...<br><br>When we moved in Woodland Park was really nice and after a few years this place has gone to the dogs.... No community newsletters, No type of after hours security, Lifeguards that fall asleep while on duty, No more movie nites on Sunday with Pizza, Property Managers come and go as if this place is a brothel...<br><br>Oh well my opinion is don't sign on the dotted line....I'm moving!!!

deepachoudary

Resident • 2005 - 2006

This is like living in HELL

I am currently living here and will be leaving this place ASAP. You can here the noise when people walk in the apartment above all day. I heard the same from my friend who is living here. The internet connection sucks. You dont have any choice other than taking the cable connection these guys offer.

DullesRental

Resident • 2005

Nighmare on Elm Tree

I'm living at Van Metre in one of the Oakwood corporate apartments. Both organizations are unacquainted with the concept of good customer service. Unfortunately, dealing with two layers of disinterested management exacerbates any problem. Fortunately, my stay is a short one. However, for those of you considering longer-term leases, beware. Parking is a bear. Maintenance is slow to respond, if ever. The "gated" community idea is a joke; in two months I've never needed a pass key to get in because the gate has always been open. Lights in public areas are burned out. Snow and ice build up on the sidewalks became very dangerous. NO ONE is interested.

Dfield

Resident • 2005

Please Help!?

Has anything changed yet here, i was looking at the 2bd/2.5bth townhome from Phase 1 and was really interested until i read these reviews, so if anyone is now living in those townhomes please let me know...ie: hot water/heating and the cable channels/internet as well as noise through the walls. Any advise would be greatly appreciated. Please email me douglas.field@comcast.net or just post a review.

Current Resident 914266

Resident • 2005

Run Don't Walk Away from This Complex

This is the worst apartment complex I have rented in. The management of the place is unresponsive, takes days, weeks, even over a month to return calls or paperwork requested. The so called 'HIGH SPEED' internet service you have to pay for as part of your rent 'SUCKS' and most days is barely better than dial-up. Same goes for the TV service you are charged for in your rent - 'SUCKS'. So far I have been unable to find a true HS internet provider to service the place. Verizon DSL is unavailable, you can not get Cable modem. The gates of the 'gated community' rarely work properly...and the list goes on. If you are reading this review take mine and the many other posters advise and rent somewhere else.

Current Resident 742805

Resident • 2005

You can't read a book by its cover! The management at this property is terrible to say the least. I was summoned to appear at court for non-payment of rent. They made a mistake and it was brought to their attention. I talk to the manager//OH WE MADE A TERRIBLE MISTAKE, DON'T WORRY ABOUT GOING TO COURT. Hello! this is a summons, I must appear unless I have something in writing. I call the court to see if the case is still pending. The clerk says they have not sent us anything to drop the case as of yet. I take half a day off work to go to court and discover that the case is dropped. They drop my case and say that their new computer system made a mistake. Call the office and I guarantee no one will answer or maybe someone will pick up the line but don't answer and you can hear their conversations about the tenants. My teenage daughter could manage this place better. I think Van Metre has nice properties but, the management at Woodland Park is a disgrace to the company.

Current Resident 718408

Resident • 2004 - 2005

I live in Hell!

ANYTHING Is better than VAN METRE. I am Not Renewing and will be out after the contract term is over.<br><br>Here is my Story.<br><br>Never Made a Late Rental payment, All Bills paid on time, Full amount, Always. No Pets. No Kids. Live in 2BR 2BTh.<br><br>1)Avg time it takes for maintenance to respond is 30 Days.<br>2) If you arrive after 10 Pm, Good Luck in finding a parking spot.<br>3) Weekend guests, Forget finding Guest parking spots on saturday nights.<br>4) Do not expect ANYTHING in the Computer room- Copiers dont work, printing either<br>5) Nothing ever is done abut Stomping feet in the middle of the night!!!<br><br><br>The list is endless...I hope this helps...Find ANY OTHER Place...AVOID VAN METRE HELL!!!<br><br><br>

woodlandparkPOS

Resident • 2004 - 2005

What a joke!

Since I was a freshman in college I have rented a new place every year (about 6 different places) This place was absolutly the worst. If you are forced to live there keep track of your rent and water bills becuase the main office won't. Accounting tends to make mistakes at least once a month and they will notify you by shoving a paper in your door with no explanation just a dollar amount of how much you owe. Oh, don't forget to take time off from work to make your regular visits to the accounting office to get your file straightened out. If you want to save time bring your own file because they average about 20 minutes to find your file.<br>WORST PLACE EVER!!!!

Ron_NYC

Resident • 2004 - 2005

Towing Company: (703) 464-5599

Many vehicles are parked without passes, and the towing company does not inspect often enough. So keep the towing company's number in your speed dial and don't hesitate to call if you cannot find your parking spot. They tow after 9:00 PM.

Current Resident 86907

Resident • 2004 - 2005

reviews aplenty-good and bad

The fact is, I think that a lot of things about this property could be improved. Most of all at the management level. These site staffers (all except for the manager who is never here-where the hell is the manager????? I've been in that office a billion times yet I've never seen him/her) are just worker bees. I never blame the little guys-the problem seems to stem from the idiot boxes at corporate. <br><br>All of them should be fired from the VPs to the regional VPs or managers or whatever they call them, if the Van Metre owners know what's good for them-or their little company will continue to be what it is-SECOND RATE. <br><br>Over 20 dollars I received a "pay or quit notice" instead of a phone call to verify my account (which is corporate). It isn't the fault of the people on site, those letters have to come from the top (idiot box form letter)-and written like they're SS officers who will come and drag you away to your nearest labor camp. Unfortunately for them, I'm a corporate client and I will be sharing this info with my company. They won't be using this property again. Frankly, I'm surprised to see any of these idiots made it into upper management with the customer service skills of 15 year olds. <br><br>I like maintenance because they're friendly and helpful. It's a new site so there were bound to be problems, but every maintenance request I've had has been taken care of. Most office staff are nice and try to be helpful, but once again, corporate policies usually seem to tie their hands. <br><br>Basically their problems are at the corporate level. CLEAN HOUSE at corporate-and hire people from customer service disciplines instead of business drones and maybe you'll have happier residents.

NewtoVirginia

Resident • 2002 - 2005

This community definitely has its good and bad points

We have resided at Van Metre Woodland Park since October 2002, when only the first phase had been completed. For several years we experienced problems with the hot water and received all kind of answers as to what was wrong. Finally, it was determined that a new water heater was needed and was replaced. Some of the amenities like ceiling fans which were advertised were not included, when asked about this, it was stated that the sprinklers were too near the location for the fans. It would appear that this would have been realized before all of the units were finished. This should not be advertised. With regard to parking, I find it a bit much that one has to pay an additional $150 for a gargage. Fortunately, our gargage is adjacent to our townhouse, whereas some individuals have to go to another location for their gargage. The constant change in office personnel is of a concern. Also, services that were previously provided are no longer provided, i.e. newsletter, color printer, movie tickets. There has also been a tendency to provide inaccurate information. While the home buying plan is a good one, not everyone wants to or can afford to purchase a home in the $400.000 range. It would be great if the townhouses with some modifications would become condos. At one time there was talk of a Phase III; however, you can never get an exact answer. Though Van Metre is supposed to have a good reputation for its construction, I find that in Phase I, a lot better work could have been done. For example, the kitchen and bathroom cabinets and drawers would have been much better with handles, as many of the edges are very sharp. I am sure this would not have been a hugh expense. It appears this was done in Phase II. When questioned about having handles done in my unit, I was told that the cabinets would have to be removed to do this. Come Now. With the number of other properities that are being built in the area, Van Metre would want to make a better effort at upgrading its amenities and its overall townhouses and apartments. <br><br>I believe that some of the tenants need to be more responsible. Not hanging towels, etc. out on the balcony. This is not very attractive and does not enhance the neighborhood. Also, many of the pet owners need to be more deligent in cleaning up after their dogs.<br><br><br>Van Metre Woodland Park is in a wonderful location, as it is accessible to many major roads and shopping venues. <br><br>Should there ever be a Phase III, I would strongly recommend a different design.

Current Resident 823190

Resident • 2005

145 reviews that should tell it all

If you look at reviews posted for other herndon area apartments this one (with one other exception) Woodland Park has over 3 times the amounts of reviews..Predominately bad....for a very good reason. Maybe part of my issue was that I didn't ask all the right questions like, does dedicated T1 really mean dedicated T1, how much would it cost to upgrade from basic cable (YIKES!) How secure really is gated community.<br><br>Besides the normal nuisances of limited parking and VERY thin walls the most frustrating part of my experience so far has been the $60 I pay each month for lousy internet and very basic cable. No one seems to be able to help solve the internet speed problem and it's frequently down. MDUC (the service provider) has horrible customer service, I guess because they get paid regardless of how bad it is. <br><br>Van Metre should withold payment from them until they live up to their agreements....but I guess that would take money from Van Metre since they get a percentage of the fees we all pay for this lousy service.

satguy

Resident • 2004 - 2005

avoid like the plague

I lived at Woodland Park for a year, and from the looks of this message board it doesn't need anymore negative reviews. But I might as well chime in and give my honest opinion before I move to a better place.<br><br>My overall experience at Woodland park was pretty bad. But actually, half of my complaints are with the other residents, not with the management.<br><br>The management seems pretty inept. Whenever I went into the office with some issue, they were either busy with tons of other residents with their own complaints, or it was hard to find a manager. I felt like a moron standing around in the lobby waiting for someone. Some of their managers were pretty rude too, even though I tried to be calm when I had a complaint.<br><br>The gates were either never down, or someone had decided to drive through them. I swear, 80% of the time one of the gates was bent like someone had rammed through it. At night, it was hard to find a parking spot. I complained to the night guard, asking if they can tow people without parking passes. He was barely able to respond in broken English that they don't tow people until after 1:00am or something like that. Super.<br><br>One night I had my car vandalized. Someone had thrown a rock through the windshield. When I told the management, they downplayed the whole thing and said it was "probably just kids". Gee, I feel much better.<br><br>One day someone crashed a car into one of the buildings. I'm not talking about next to the street, I mean next to the parking lot. So someone must have flipped out and rammed the building. There was broken brick everywhere. Living in this place is really an adventure.<br><br>The trash compactor is disgusting. The other residents must be total -------, because they are too stupid to OPEN THE DOOR and PUT THE TRASH INSIDE. There was always a giant pile of garbage next to it. Read the other reviews to hear from people who lived next to it.<br><br>Noise was a huge problem. If for some reason you decided to live here, get a place on the top floor, or you'll be awake all night with the sounds of footsteps.

Current Resident 616761

Resident • 2005

Living in HELL!

Where to begin...I moved in on Feb 11th. Spent all day moving, all I wanted at the end of that day was a hot shower. Too bad for me! Not an ounce of hot water! Carpet was filthy when I moved in with stains and burn holes. Was promised they would come steam clean them...never happened. Screen door is torn, promised a new screen...never happened. 2 weeks after moving in discovered that the kitchen sink had a leak. Took a couple days, they came and fixed. Worker seems like it was a major ordeal and I was taking up his day by making him do some work again..he was the same guy that came and fixed the hot water. Cable TV did not work when I moved in. Took several weeks of MDU and woodland park staff argueing with each other that it was each others problem to fix. Finally bought myself a computer. Called MDU to activate a port. Didn't work. Had them activate a different port...didn't work. Took entire afternoon of MDU and woodland staff in my apt to fix the problem. Mind you this took about a month from start to finish to get up and running. The recent problem is the heavy rain storms. I love on the 2nd floor of 4 floors. Explain to me how water "pours" in through my ac ceiling vent in my bathroom? Management thinks I am crazy...but I witnessed it. And they are doing nothing to fix it. So when I knkow it is going to rain heavily, I pick up my rugs and throw down old towels to soak up a bout a gallon of water. FUN! I hear every bathroom visit my neighbor upstairs makes. Not to mention I think he is part elephant. Other tenants are white trash. They spit gum out on stairs, dump trash in parking lot and have no disregard for your vehicles. Want dents and scratches? live here! This places sucks. I cannot wait to get out.

Current Resident 401745

Resident • 2005

Keep shopping

I'm not sure what makes this a luxury property. The clubhouse is nice but that's about it. Everything in the apartment is standard, nothing special from appliances to bathroom, you can find the same anywhere. <br><br>This gated community is rarely "gated". You are sure to find a way in at one of the gates.<br><br>The "high speed" or dedicated T1 internet is horrible. I have opened several tickets but get the same response each time...It's because of the # of users at night...Well what's the point of adverstising a dedicated T1 that never slows down no matter how many users get on it if it's a lie.<br><br>Also the property staff are quick to tell you about the great deal $60 for cable and internet. What you may not know if that the cable is basic Direct TV and if you want to upgrade to more channels, you have to have a satellite dish installed, pay the full price for the upgraded service and installation and still pay the 60 each month to the apartment complex. <br><br>The gym is definitely not "luxury" and kids are always running around after hours either in the gym or in the business center.<br><br>Parking wasn't too bad when I first moved in, now if it's after 7pm forget it.<br><br>I can hear my neighbor's phone ring, sometimes parts of conversations, and I hear every shower and flush of the toilet from upstairs....Lovely when you're trying to relax or sleep.<br><br>I can't wait until my lease is up so I can move.

Current Resident 79159

Resident • 2002 - 2005

I like it!

I've been living here since 2002 and do not have any complaints!! If I had any maintenance issues, they have been handled in a timely matter - 24-48 hours tops. They've gone through changes in the office but I think that it's for the best! New management has been very nice and caring. The business center has been a headache this year but they've fixed the problems and are working on keeping kids out of there. They should look into a card access only or something like that. <br>Beautiful clubhouse and fitness center. I think that it IS a 5 star property. I enjoy it!

byrongregory

Resident • 2005

Water noise, horrible internet, and unhelpful staff

I moved in almost a month ago and it took forever to get a gate card that actually opened the gate (athought that's usually not a problem since usually you can find one of the gates broken.<br><br>Also, same complaint as others, I hear every flush of a toilet or shower and afterwards I hear dripping sound in the ceiling which I assume is a leaking pipe.<br><br>Internet service is horrible and (114kpbs download at night) when I called MDUC they said it's because of heavy traffic so don't believe the advertising that you get the same speed all the time no matter how many log on... that's a lie. Also, they only hook up the internet to one room in the apartment so don't be faked into believing that just because all the rooms come wired for internet service that it works... you will need to buy a router.<br><br>Unfortunately, I signed an 8 mo lease but I am counting down the days until I can leave this place.<br><br>There is only one staff member who has ever been helpful so but I can't remember his name. All the rest are either rude, incompetent, or both.<br><br>Parking's ok but

Current Resident 804654

Resident • 2004 - 2005

Absolutely disgusting

We are counting down the days until our lease is up!!! We looked at the new buildings as they were being built and signed a lease for a specific building. When we moved in, a dumpster had been put in right in front of our door. Since day ONE garbage has piled up and overflowed - a lot of it blowing into our apt. We have complained and handed in pictures, but of course they won't do anything. We can't open our windows due to the smell and we won't even open our blinds because who really wants to look at piles of garbage? The company only comes once a week to empty it. On top of that is the insane amount of noise that it makes - we have had to resort to using earplugs so that we can sleep through the night. I read one of the reviews that mentioned a "knocking" sound with the pipes - we have that in our apartment too - which also gets loud enough to wake us up in the middle of the night. Add to that the fact that the doorknobs fall off of our doors constantly - and we have to fix them ourselves because they refuse to come down to our apt. anymore. The office staff talks a nice game, but when it comes to taking action, they blame someone else or just flat out ignore you. It has become our personal mission to make sure that everyone who asks about the community knows what we have been through. We pay WAY TOO MUCH to live in such filth. Noise is also a problem - wake up at all hours of the night to the phone from our neighbors' phone ringing, them coughing, basically anything they do I know about. It feels like they are in the same room!

Current Resident 793897

Resident • 2004 - 2005

Recommended

I have been here a few months and have had few problems. Parking is fine, we never hear any neighbors - we have the top floor though so maybe people hear us. My only complaint is that the pipes make noise. Like if someone is showering in my apartment and i'm trying to sleep - there is a knocking sound. Other than that I love it.

Current Resident 653994

Resident • 2005

After 1 month, we're ready to move

Be warned. We moved in a month ago and our toilet is leaking. The management staff has been unresponsive. The Internet service (you are required to use it) operates only 60% of the time. The security gates NEVER WORK. The staff is a bunch of lazy, obnoxius smart you know whats. The floor plans are nice, but that's all that is nice. Go to the Co. of Fairfax's website and you will see all sorts of complaints from residents. I wished we had known about the website in advance. Unfortunately, we signed an 18 month lease until we can build our dream home, but we're considering breaking the lease and taking legal action. We were actually considering buying a Van Metre home - NO WAY.

liveinherndon

Resident • 2004 - 2005

The Real Story

This apartment is fine, but there are some things that really need to be attended to. <br><br>First of all, I read some of the previous comments and they all mention the staff. In my experience, the staff is LAZY. The staff never has time to do anything for you...they are always swamped with other issues. You have to called two or three times to get an aswer to a question. <br><br>Next, the grounds of this complex are nice and well maintained except for the security gates, snow removal, and trash. The gates are always broken. The guy who sits in the security building who is supposed to check cars and call for permission to let non-residents in, lets every car go through and salutes them as they drive by. They make little attempts to clear snow and with as many steps as this place has, they are always dangerous because they get covered with snow and ice. As for trash, it is always overflowing.<br><br>You have to take the good with the bad in this complex. If you have the time, really look around at all of the options you have in the area.

rockvilleresident

Resident • 2005

Note to employees writing these reviews...

I don't live here at Van Metre. I came to this site to read reviews. For all the staff that are obviously chiming in and writing BS reviews, I won't even waste my time in looking at Van Metre. Here's a little tip, if you're going to try to up your rating by giving yourselves positive reviews, try not to do a whole ton of them in a row. All the other reviews a drastically spaced out, most weeks and months apart. Then all of a sudden on Jan. 18 2005 there are like 4 reviews with practically the same substance and nearly the same ratings. Give me a break! If you're going to be unethical, try not to be so damned lazy and write your reviews more spaced out and take the time to write in a tone a REAL PERSON would use. You know, same some positive and some negative things. Just a little tip.<br><br>And for the record, I really am someone whose out looking to move to the reston/herndon area. And I really won't be stopping by because of what I've seen here. If you work for the management and don't believe me and would like to talk with me, email me at viphotou@yahoo.com with your name and number and I will be happy to give you a call and talk things over with you.

hiprenter

Resident • 2003 - 2004

Woodland Park Experience

My experience at Woodland Park has been excellent. From the time I moved in - 2003 - the present. The staff is friendly and responsive, the current Resident Manager is responsive and accessible, and the grounds are well-kept. <br><br>The pool is particularly nice with the waterfall. The computer center is neat, however, it could use an additional computer.<br><br>I would HIGHLY recommend it.

Current Resident 206323

Resident • 2004

Its good except space problem ...

I stay here with my husband for past 8 months and i felt its good enough , not bad at all.Actually sometimes u have problem with maintenance stuff,sometimes u need to call them twice or thrice but they fix it properly.But they do their work always,had a good experience.Parking thing is u always get place to park but sometimes if u come late then its full then u need to search for a place,but i think its everywhere,but not a huge problem its good.Then here one problem is of space.Actually the living room seems to be small and closet size bit small,tht is a problem.safety is good and staff is bit messy sometimes not always.Rent is bit high according to the space of apartment.Overall i feel its a good place to stay.Hope u wont regret staying here.

Current Resident 183135

Resident • 2004

Seven Positive Reviews in two days? VM is reading

What a bunch of crap. The employees have noting better to do than write positve reviews oin this site. The place is not very desireable and I heard one of the mangers stabbed herself.