Crystal Plaza Apartments — Attraction in Washington

I have lived in Crystal Plaza for about 2 years and I have had a great experience. The apartment is much larger than those in the area and a better price per square foot. It's an older building, but they've done a great job at updating it. We even had a peak of the recently renovated apartments and they are super nice! Ours is regular and is still great! The maintenance staff is friendly, prompt, and trustworthy. The front desk staff is also very friendly - those who have been their for awhile are great (shout out to Victor for always being helpful).

I think the management usually has the resident's well-being in mind. They have lots of activities that foster community (admittedly, I don't get to as many as I'd like - but I love the option). The leasing office is understanding of situations and I think they honestly do want to help you. I feel like the default is to complain about the leasing office - but I really have had good experiences with Aaron, Shelley, and all leasing agents.

I LOVE that they gave residents the option to have a washer & dryer installed. Honestly, I had been looking to leave since the minute we moved in b/c I'm lazy and don't like using the basement laundry. Now that we have a w/d in unit - I may never leave Crystal Plaza. I also will say, the basement laundry is a pretty good system & clean, but expensive ($2 washer/$2 dryer).

The location is amazing - I can get to the metro without going outside for those rainy and cold days.

Cons: It's on a 1-way street at a weird conjunction with Rt.1 - just add 3 minutes to your commute time (driving). The air condition/heat is an old system. That means it's only heat or only cold air, depending on the season. With our weather being so inconsistent the last two years, it's made some days intolerable. It's April and it's supposed to hit 80 today, but we don't have the option to turn on air conditioning...and at 80 degrees, opening the windows won't help. I wish management was more aware of weather and temperature in the apartments. The party room is a great amenity, but too expensive in my opinion. It's a really nice room and I would probably use it more if the price were lowered. The kitchen in 1bed/1bath only has 2 drawers, we had to purchase our own cabinet for more drawer space (luckily, the kitchen is big enough for us to be able to do that - so also add it to the "pro" list). Guest parking is $9.00, seems a little steep to me, other places in the area all seem lower. However, there are many parking garages in Crystal City that are free after 4pm and on weekends. The new lease renewals only go up to 12 months. I really liked having the option of a 18 or 24 month lease (our last lease was 24 months). I hope Gates Hudson will change this policy.

Overall, we've had a great experience here. As long as my paycheck can increase proportionally to the rent increases (we haven't had the horror story rent increases like some of our friends), we will stick around...

About the building: It's nice. The common areas are well kept and free wifi throughout. Who can complain about that?. The pool recently opened up and it's very clean. They even have a lifeguard on duty which has pros and cons. Pool actually closes at 8 which is a bit early in my opinion and the gates lock so there's no breaking the rules. The seating area outside has cushioned couches and chairs, plus free wifi! Inside there is a room known as the "den" that has a large tv and a coffee maker that can make lattes, cappuccinos, hot chocolate, and reg coffee. Fitness area is very clean and rarely has it ever been crowded when I use it which is around 6pm. There is an underground tunnel that takes you to the metro. Its convenient but still a little bit of a hike. I'd plan about 15 minutes of leisure walking to the metro.

About the staff: Solmaz is such a sweet heart! I absolutely love talking to her when I have concerns or just want to chit chat. She is super nice. Christine is also very helpful and actually calls you back. Aaron is the site manager. He is very friendly and takes your concerns seriously. But he also will hold you to your lease contract verbatim so don't sign anything you aren't sure of and if you have questions about something make sure to get it in writing what it means so that way if issues arise later there can be no questions about interpretations. The concierge desk has two employees that deserve honorable mentions, Victor and Derek. Very nice and helpful.

About the apartment: I live in an older unit and its a bit pricey to be honest. I am not completely sure of this but the prices posted online are not for the units in the pictures. I believe the prices reflect the older apartment which has the linoleum flooring, laminate counter tops, no accent paint. Basically you can really tell in the kitchen. (staff feel free to correct me if I'm wrong). Some great qualities about it are the large balcony, the view, heater/air conditioning units per room (live in a 2 bedroom), lots of closet space, automatically locking front door, awesome water pressure, ect. You can read of all this stuff on the website. There are many nicer units just like the ones in the pictures but they do cost more. I think if the updated units cost what the outdated units cost then the price would be fair. Of course if I am incorrect with pricing or if you aren't too concerned with costs of rent then I would definitely recommend this...

I've lived in Crystal Plaza for two years now. I am currently in the process of moving from a 3-bedroom apartment to a 2-bedroom as my sister moves to Maryland. To start with, Ivana and Wanda in the leasing office are amazing. Ivana, the assistant manager, helped us find our first apartment 2 years ago, and helped us with the one we are moving into now. She is extremely fast to get back to you, she is informative and helpful, and works diligently to help until a resolution is found. Wanda is also so kind. There have been some community events or gatherings that I've missed and she has stopped me in the hall to give me gift bags from one of the events both for me a doggy gift bag for my dog. I've never lived in a place so quick to go out of their way for you. The concierge team always has a really great attitude and I constantly see them talking to people that live here, regularly. Residents that live here enjoy the company of the employees here.

Beyond just the employees, I can honest-to-God say this is the best place I have ever lived, and that's including over houses. Crystal Plaza has very spacious apartments(we have 3 adults, 2 dogs, and 1 cat and have more than enough space to spread out in the apartment), a huge dog park, balconies bigger than most I've ever seen, and is kept clean. They regularly decorate and host events for the community. Having a community event where they provide food or snacks or entertainment is a consistent action taken by Dweck Properties.

When I put in maintenance requests, the maintenance team is often here the next day before I'm awake (I work nights). The building is also connected to the Crystal City underground where the shops used to be. I can get to Chic-Fil-A and only be outside for a total of 30 seconds. I can get to the metro while only being outside for a total of one minute in inclement weather. There are more than 10 restaurants to pick up food from in less than a ten minute walk.

You will not regret living in Crystal Plaza or any Dweck Property.

P.S., my mother in law lives in Crystal Square, another Dweck Property in Crystal City. She also...