After moving from another AMICO residence (only because the deal was sweetened), I have to say that the atmosphere at Foxchase was refreshing. The office staff are reasonably professional (except for the religious radio station blaring in the front office) and they back up their honest claims. That was a far cry from Riverside Park (there I said it).
As far as the apartment goes, how can you argue with the square footage of the 2 bedroom townhouse style at $1300. I dare you to find another 1200 sq. ft. apartment in this area at that price. It is low enough for me to save up money to buy a house. But that isn't the only benefit.
I'll complain that the shuttle bus may not come on time or sometimes he'll skip a half hour pick up, but thre IS a shuttle service that makes the cost of parking at a metro go away. Add that up per month and see what that costs you. You can't beat free.
The apartment (once refurbished just as they promised) feels like a home. For those who complain about rats and cockroaches, consider how you live. Clean your house every once in a while and the naturally occuring pests will not come. This is not me talking. It is the National Institute of Health and its recommendation. After all, where in the world are you not going to find rats and cockroaches? If anyone should be complaining, it will be your neighbors and management that you have hygene issues.
Sure the outsides of the apartments are not on par with the finest contemprary buildings. But do you see any of the finest contemporary buildings in this area. The apartments were built in the 1940's and 50's. They look damn fine for that era. Management seems to have made some efforts to upgrade as time has gon on, at least in my building. And if not, the maintenace guy seems to fix it next day. I had a drippy shower faucet. Boom, it was fixed the next day. The security door was damaged by one of my less than perfect nieghbors. Within hours of my call, the door was corrected.
Yes there are strange people walking up and down the streets. None seem to be hanging around. Most walk from the bus to the house. They look ominous enough, but I've never been afraid. I use just as much caution as I would while walking to work or hanging out in Old Town. Crime happens. You should just look out for it. If and when it does happen or if you think itis about to happen, call the cops. That is all you can do. You can't blame management on that. What, you expect the government to feed and house you too? Accept reality.
For the most part Foxchase isn't the regal proprerty it could be if AMICO raised the cost by $1000 per apartment. Frankly, niether will Riverside, AMICO. But as far as apartments and Alexandria living goes, Foxchase is quite good. Decorate the interior of the apartment as much as you like. It feels like home here. If you want to spent a lot of time hanging out on the corner, it ain't for you. it is not the urban location the geography tell you it is. I tis simply a unique peice of real estate that allows you to go to work and then come home to your place. That is, until you've saved up enough to move to your own home.