4801 Connecticut Avenue Apartments

This is an old building with character and a wide range of residents. I lived here for two years during law school and only moved because I got a job in a different city. There are definitely pros and cons, but overall I would move back in a heartbeat if I came back to DC. Pros The location is really great, there's a bus stop right out front and the Van Ness metro is .6 miles away. I lived here while going to law school, and it's only .8 miles from WCL. The atmosphere is also lovely because it's quiet. I never really felt like I lived in a 'city' because it was there was no city noise once I was inside. But you still have the convenience of restaurants .2 miles away (I studied at Politics & Prose often). It's really a residential area and I felt safe walking my dog at any hour. I loved looking at all the cool houses and being able to walk past embassies. Bill and his team are wonderful. I adored Tina, Robert, Rolando, Juan, Lisa, and everyone else. They don't put up with crap, but if you're decent to them they will go above and beyond for you. Bill and Tina were so helpful throughout my stay there, I really miss them. The residents were also fabulous. There were some grad students, young couples, families, and people who have been there for decades. I actually made friends with people in the building, especially the dog people, which is unusual. The rooftop deck is gorgeous! I loved going up and watching the sunset or having dinner with friends. Good street parking, but not great. I would have to circle the block at certain hours to find a spot. But permit parking is only $35 per year, so that was nice! Cons DO NOT EXPECT TO EVER HAVE ALL 3 ELEVATORS WORKING. I don't know how they haven't fully replaced the elevators yet. One, usually two are down. This was my biggest issue with the building. I learned to just factor in extra time for waiting for the only working elevator. There were definitely people who smoke in the building (both weed and cigarettes) and that smell would permeate certain hallways. It usually wasn't in our apartment, but sometimes it would come down the ventilation on rainy days and I could almost taste the nicotine. There's not a super convenient grocery store, so if you don't have a car that could be annoying. Or you could take the bus with your groceries.

PROS/STRENGTHS: Good price point for location in DC and Utilities Included 10-15 minute walk from Metro (less than 5 minutes if taking L1/L2 to nearest Metro), very close to Bus Stops as well 10-15 minute walk from Giant and 15-20 minute walk to Safeway in Chevy Chase DC, also walking distance to Tenleytown, restaurants, and even somewhat close to a library(s) Spacious Apartments (Not huge, but by no means small in my opinion) 24/7/365 hour staff/Maintenance Onsite and (generally) responsive Rent Controlled (at time of this review in 2017) Has multiple Elevators (a PRO in my opinion), Laundry (BONUS: Vending Machines) and Trash are onsite and inside complex AC/Heat in units is decent (in my experience), decent water pressure Hard Wood Floors, and decent appliances (fridge, microwave, stove/oven) Almost forgot to mention the Roof deck has a nice city view and one of the bigger ones in the area. CONS/THINGS TO IMPROVE - Possibility of hearing noise from other units from above, as well as from side (depends on neighbors) - Washers, Dryers, Vending Machines, and Elevators all break somewhat often and/or have noticeable quirks, should be upgraded/updated in future? (one of the elevators always goes to top or bottom level, no one presses the button(s) for this to occur) - While AC/Heat Unit is decent, can only use one or the other 6 months out of the year (I personally can overlook this in general, but have come across places where the vents can handle both year round) - Have heard many complaints about certain divisions of staff (some staff are approachable/friendly/responsive, other members could stand to be more approachable/responsive, stating what I have heard from many other tenants...) - Roof deck and a few other parts of the complex are NOT handicap accessible at time of this writing (due to this being an older building) - Be careful if you do move in and decide to transfer to another place and/or move out, there is apparently a checklist that has fees attached to it for failing to meet certain 'criteria' (we are talking normal wear and tear... getting for not sweeping before move out, seriously?) - Also, above CON was not mentioned to us upon move in, you have been warned... Overall, decent place to live! Like any place, comes with its strengths, challenges, and quirks. 3.5 out of 5