Apartment Review for Carydale East - Alexandria, VA

I've lived in this building for 8 years, only because the price is what I can afford. But i could never recommend this place to anyone. Negatives: 2 elevators for 14 floors, of which one is usually broken or in use with someone moving; ROACHES! Problem seem to have gotten even worse this past year. You can put in a request to have your apartment sprayed, but it doesn't help; mice, had my first one this year; front office staff are rude and act as though they could care less that you have a problem, front office often open late or closes early which makes it hard to pick up a package. Sometime on the weekend they don;t open at all; maintenance staff is friendly but slow to fix problems, but I don't think it's their fault. I think the front office doesn't give them the work order. I often have to report a problem 2-3 times; some of the neighbors are just nasty. Building is often completely trashed over the weekend. Lot's of trash in the elevators, ocassionally broken glass on the front doors, or a broken light fixture in the hallways; hot water heater/boiler is on it's last legs, and water is often turned off during the work day for repairs On the plus side, this is one of the least expensive building in the area. It is within walking distance of 2 different metros and grocery store, and on a major bus line. Views from the higher floors (8 and up) are really nice. I an see 6 different fireworks displays from around the region on the 4th of July. less than a mile from exit ramp to 495W and 95N. So only live here if you really want to stay in Alexandria, but can afford nothing else. I am saving to move out of here by summer 2008.