If you don't have time to read the whole thing, here's my bottom line: there are better uses for your money; for example, setting it on fire, investing in potatoes, getting your dog braces, etc. Don't move here. Lack of communication: My calls and emails often go unreturned. I don’t try to talk to them that often; however, their lack of effort into returning my calls/emails is my primary reason for writing this review. Water cost: The water is crazy expensive. Ashley Park’s setup is unfair. My water bill, for a tiny one bedroom apartment WITHOUT A WASHER/DRYER runs on average of $85-90/mo. Here’s the kicker: it’s not based on our actual use. They add up the cost of water for the whole community and divide it between all the apartments. If my apartment had its own meter, I guarantee the bill would be half or less than what we pay now. See the attached screenshot for my actual statement. Apartment falling apart: Don’t let the online pictures deceive you; this apartment is not a good-looking place to live. Needs remodeling. It’s the most expensive apartment I’ve ever had and it’s also the smallest and most outdated. I’m 25 and am sure the last renovation of my Ashley Park apartment occurred before I was conceived. The panels on the cabinets are separating and curling. There’s a moldy smell in the bathroom cabinets that was there when we moved in. Carpet is at least 10yrs old and came with the bonus features of stains and melted candle wax. The floor sinks in the bedroom in one corner, which is super fun. I will say that Maintenance is pretty good about responding to repair requests and emergencies (like when our heat and air have gone out at least 3x in the 5 months we’ve been here). Weed: Now this one is more tenant related; however, the apartment hasn’t done their job in addressing it. Several people in our building smoke weed. It makes our apartment reek and makes us uncomfortable. I’m somewhat progressive; however, smoking indoors in an apartment whether it be cigarettes or weed is just disrespectful to those surrounding you. I’ve brought this to the attention of the leasing office a few times. Usually they don’t respond. Once they said, “since this is not a smoke free apartment, we can’t say anything.” Last time I checked, it’s illegal to smoke weed in Virginia. I’ve called the nonemergency police a few times about this. The apartment doesn’t seem to care that their failure to address this issue makes others uncomfortable. They can send a threatening letter about charging people with pets $100 if they don’t pick up their pet’s poop; however, they can’t send a letter about the marijuana problem? Unacceptable. Forced cable tv: The management team will do a great job at sweet talking you about this to make you think they’re doing you a favor. It’s on your rent statement as “MAA connect” (see attached screenshot). Whether you want cable tv or not, you will pay this $45 monthly. Now they try to talk you up on the benefits because you’re technically paying for amenities, not a Comcast bill. Not only do you get “free cable,” you get the opportunity to pay your rent online. $45 for cable and paying rent online is not something I want forced on me. I’m a millennial. I stream tv via internet on Hulu. I don’t have a desire to watch cable nor have I ever paid for cable. I can write a check, so the online rent “amenity” is not worth paying for either. I suppose paying online does prevent me from walking to the lease office and stepping in goose poop, so there’s one bright side :) Goose poop: You may be intrigued by the lovely pictures of the fountain and ponds posted online for Ashley Park. Well, my friends, there are geese that live in those ponds. We have a dog who requires at least two long walks a day. I kid you not, Ashley Park is a minefield of goose poop! The staff does not attempt to clean it. The sidewalks and grass are covered in it. And if your dog is like mine, he/she will try to eat the poop that the property fails to clean. Unrelated thought: people will steal your packages just about every time. So prepare for that inconvenience. Bottom line: After 5 months here, we look forward to when our lease ends. Whereas we had planned to live here for a few lease terms while we save for a house, our experience at Ashley Park has made us laugh at the thought of renewing a lease. So yeah, don’t move here.
