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Reviews of Washington DC Corporate Apartments
Fairfax Square
Reviewed by Denise Jobin Welch, Department of State
When did you stay at the apartment? For how long?
During A-100 and subsequent training, January -June 2004
What were the advantages of staying at the complex?
It was a lot closer to being within per diem after it drops to 25%. We were able to rent a 2 bedroom apartment for about 1700 a month, in a great school district, which we couldn't have done anywhere in Arlington or the District. THe complex had a nice little tot lot right outside our back door, with a creek and some small woods my two girls could explore. The complex was relatively well-maintained and clean.
What were the disadvantages?
The apartment sat empty for a while before we rented it, and so there
was a bug problem when we first moved in. Management was very responsive
to fixing that and other small problems with the unit.
The biggest disadvantage was the distance from FSI and Main State. Although
it is not very far from the metro, the public bus runs to the metro runs
infrequently adn takes something like 35 minutes to get there. I opted
out of a lot of the happy hours, both to spend more time with the kids
and because of the hassle of driving to and from the various locations
-- not to mention parking. Not a place to look at unless you have a car.
Is this a good place to stay with children? Are the schools, play areas, etc. acceptable?
Yes, we were very happy with Daniel's Run Elementary. We were also happy with the Kindercare center that was near both the school and the complex. That was especially nice because we had used the same chain of day care centers in Pennsylvania before we moved to DC, so there was a measure of continuity for my preschooler and my 1st grader. There are a lot of families in the complex, and we were able to arrange playdates easily for my kids.
Can you get by without a car at this complex? With just one car?
Without a car? -- I don't recommend it. We did manage with just one car towards the end of my stay, but that took a fair amount of effort and planning from me and my spouse. But yes -- I think it can be done. Parking was not a problem in our part of the complex, although we were parked nearer to dumpsters than some people might like.
Do the rental rates fall within per diem? For how long?
We rented an unfurnished 2 bedroom for about 1700 per month. That fell within perdiem -- including furniture rentals and utilities -- for the fist 120 days. After that, perdiem still covered most of our expenses.
Do you have any specific advice for people who will be staying at this complex? Are some buildings more desirable than others, for example?
We did not have any problems with students or other noisy groups -- unless
you count 17 yr ciccadas. (Actually my kids loved them too.) The owned
houses are a little bigger and much more expensive. Get used to people
getting lost when they come to see you, since none of the streets within
the complex are numbered or named - pizza delivery can take FOREVER.
The commute along Arlington Blvd or Rte 50, when I used a car, was very
reasonable. It was infinitely better that the commutes I used to have
getting to DC from Springfield, even though the distances were similar.
Driving to FSI took 30-40 minutes, sometimes less, even in snow and traffic.
I may stay here again if I have a long term training at FSI for my next
tour.
Ms. Welch updated her review in February, 2006
What were the advantages of staying at the complex?
We were able to rent month to month, and stay almost within per diem the entire time, not including furniture. Reasonable commute to FSI -- no more than 30 minutes. Good school. Kids liked the grounds. Reasonable servies within walking distance.
What were the disadvantages?
Insect problem when we moved in, but 1 call to landlord and multiple visits from exterminator helped enormously. Public transporation available but difficult -- see below.
Is this a good place to stay with children? Are the schools, play areas, etc. acceptable?
My kids loved it. The tot lot in the back has a little creek running next to it, where they caught frogs and minnows. Lots of parks and other facilites a short drive away. The pool never opened during our stay, due to a major rehab of it and the clubhouse -- haven't seen it since then.
Can you get by without a car at this complex? With just one car?
I would not recommend it. There is a bus that takes you to the Metro, but takes 45 minutes or so to travel the 3 miles to the stop. If one were driven to the Metro each day, or took a cab or car pool, then 1 car is fine.
Do the rental rates fall within per diem? For how long?
Definitely for 4 months. When we stayed in 2004, the 2 bedroom unfurnished apartment was $1,700 on a month to month lease; would have been less if we could have and a commitment, but I was in A-100 at the time. Per Diem, including meals, was about $1,600 at the 25% rate then.
Do you have any specific advice for people who will be staying at this complex? Are some buildings more desirable than others, for example?
Parking is better near the back than the front; so is access to the play ground. Townhouses are more expensive, but no more square feet than the apts; we preferred the apt layout.
Fairfax Square
9930 Main Street
Fairfax, VA, 22031
703-352-7875
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