The Bradley Braddock Road Station Apartments

I have always resisted writing an online review, but I must make an exception here because it’s the least the Braddock leasing office team deserve. I have mainly dealt with Nicole, the Property Manager, in my three years here, and gosh, I would have her manage anything! No-nonsense, ultra-professional yet talks like a real person, and a great human being! She is always on top of things, and she just gets things done with no fuss! There are also thoughtful touches that make the place friendly and homey. The building is kept in tip-top condition throughout. The cleaning staff too deserve much credit. The lobby area was recently refurbished and looks very well. Everything just works as it should—it’s just all common sense and the team clearly have oodles of it! The apartment walls are thick and it’s very quiet (except when the leaf blowers are outside, but just shut the windows). I am easily irritated by noise but managed to finish writing my PhD thesis in the apartment in complete peace and quiet! Neighbours also seem nice and friendly, no rowdy parties. I am leaving soon as I am moving to Boston for a new job. I so wish I could take the apartment with me! Nicole and team, I am going to miss you!

I lived in the Bradley for a year and a half, and I enjoyed my time there. The management was great, the building was always clean and smelled good, the amenities were enjoyable. Prime location, it was so close to Braddock Metro, an easy walk to the waterfront, to Old Town, and even to Del Ray. Monica was the GM when I was there, and she was always delightful. So was everyone else, and the maintenance staff too!

After living here for almost a year, I still love the location and the property itself is great; however, the management and as a result, some of the amenities that are supposed to be provided, have really taken a turn for the worse. The office & concierge staff used to be very friendly, responsive and accommodating, but that is no longer the case. Often times, the concierge doesn't even look up from the desk (let alone says hi) when residents enter/exit the building. We've been told for months that the concierge would become 24/7 once the building became closer to being full, but instead, they have recently reduced the concierge hours. And the worst part is that management has not been communicating these changes to residents. We've had to find out the hard way by not being able to get visitor parking passes or to pick up packages (which they only sometimes notify us have arrived now instead of the texts & emails we used to receive almost immediately upon delivery) during hours in which these services used to be available. Even simple things like making sure the water cooler in the gym is filled/functioning and keeping the coffee/water/soda station in the lobby stocked aren't being done. I don't mind paying a lot for high-quality services (that's why I moved here in the first place), but it's frustrating to still be paying the same rent when amenities & the quality of services continue to dwindle and the management doesn't seem to care.

Pros- Close to the metro and a couple of restaurants! The neighbors are generally nice. The pool, gym, and common area are all nice. Cons- The crime! The only two shootings in Alexandria in 2015 both occurred 1-2 blocks from here. My patio furniture was stolen from my first floor unit. I see drug deals occur in front of my door. I go out on my patio (standing now of course) and get harassed by crackheads on bicycles and drunks constantly. Both layers of doors remained open and unlocked for over a month. When management was grilled they said the parts were on order. Nothing was done to temporarily remedy the problem, or to monitor the area. No notice to residents either. Emergency call box never works. If you are locked out of the doors after midnight (ie. walking a pet) you are out of luck. There is only a concierge until midnight. There is no way to call anyone from the call box on either side. Visitors and deliveries cannot call your apartment. This malfunction is helpful if you have a pesky ex you don't want coming around. Maintenance- Everything that can will break. The maintenance man is attentive, however, everything is "under warranty" and cannot be fixed. My AC was broken for over a month this Summer. I continued to put in maintenance requests for 2 months. There is a trash room on one floor that is constantly locked. Fellow neighbors will just pile trash up near the loading elevator. As a result, there is a HUGE ant problem on my floor. The fire alarm next to my unit goes off continually, and goes off for hours on Wednesdays as part of a test. If you live anywhere near it you will not be able to sleep or maintain your sanity. Parking- The garage is rough. Built for Fiats and Smart Cars. The spots are tiny. There are three small visitor spots but good luck fitting into them. Price- The price is high for the surrounding area. Billing is frustrating. Charges suddenly appear. The online portal will only allow payments on certain days. If you are charged for something after the initial bill you have to head on over to the nearest grocery store/bodega and wire money to the company. There transparency and fair dealing issues with some members of the leasing team (lying).They will attest that everyone has to pay a certain deposit or fee without exception (many in my case), and your neighbors (without being questioned) will tell you quite differently! They give incentives to residents to give good reviews by the way!

This is a fabulous building! It is conveniently located and the staff is comprised of truly amazing people!

Are you looking for your perfect match? The Bradley apartments, a brand new complex intertwined within the Braddock Street Metro Station in Old Town, Alexandria, is like dating a 10. With accommodating and professional staff, amazing amenities and common areas, and a location of convenience, this apartment complex is sexiest you will find in the metro DC area. The Bradley keeps me entertained with three outdoor gas and infrared grills, an outdoor pool and lounge area, two rooftop terraces, and the indoor bar lounge (yes the kind for parties, professional alcoholics, or even the single after beer work). And when I really want a challenge, the gym gives me all of the options I need with treadmills, free weights, spinning bicycles, boxing equipment, and even a rowing machine. At this point I’m sure you’re asking yourself, well what’s the rent? To that I say, if my cheap butt can stay here, so can you! It’s lower than three other local apartment complexes and very much worth it. Don’t forget, it’s one block from the Blue and Yellow lines, one block from a famous gourmet donut shop (and now speakeasy), seven blocks from King Street, and eleven blocks from the water and the George Parkway Trail. But the best part about The Bradley is the community. The staff are so friendly you’ll want them to hang out on the weekends and the other tenants are always exchanging number, hanging out, and making plans. The complex even has events for the customers; so far to include a pool party, wine tasting, social hour, raffle giveaway, and free breakfast on the go. I have definitely found my soulmate with The Bradley!

Brand new apartment complex with an outstanding leasing office and clean, elegant apartments. Within seconds from the metro and in a safe and secure neighborhood. That being said, this complex is still very much getting established, don't be surprised if your units water doesn't get hot at first try or a few of the amenities need tweaking.