Water Park Towers Apartments

I have visited the building twice and the first time I was turned down. Never happened before in my life! Some buildings cater to wealthy and low income, because they have to set aside some for the poor. I have always paid around $ 2000, but they said I did not make enough after retirement. They go by some dumb multiplication system, but the amount for this building is lower now. Arlington, etc. are getting like New York. I would have been approved this time, but the bomb was dropped!!! Move-​in fee of $ 500 and amenity fee of $ 100. It is a shame that Americans are ripped off at every turn. Condo associations and apartments are crooks!!! I will never pay to move into a high-​priced building!

Let me start off with the good. The location is great. Easy access to the highway, downtown DC and the metro is close. Decent and convenient gym (no bench press), nice pool but terrible hours.(it doesn’t open until 12pm. why??)
With that said, I am terribly unimpressed with the management. Echoing what was said by K C. above, the management does not care at all about keeping prior tenants. In fact, I was told by a leasing agent that they do not care if I stay or not because they will just rent my apartment at a higher rate as soon as I leave. Makes you feel great…
The apartments themselves are OK. Not spectacular in any way. The building is old. I believe it was constructed in the late 70’s or early 80’s so everything breaks. We have had plumbing issues and spent most of the winter without working heat. We have had problems with the toilets, sinks, washer/​dryer and insect problems. They have a responsive maintenance department and they do a great job but you will likely be putting in at least two work orders a month.
Several months back, the building access FOBs were deactivated due to some glitch in the computer system locking everyone out of the building. For four days there was no way to get into our own homes besides standing at the front door and pounding until someone would hear. We never received an email from management apologizing, taking responsibility, or even informing us about the problem. If you are looking for a fairly expensive apartment with nice amenities, this is a good option but beware you will likely leave frustrated by an unresponsive and uncaring management.

Beware of outrageous inflated rental prices come renewal time. They do not care in the least about keeping prior tenants nor will they even attempt to «work with you» once you have recovered from the shock of viewing their pretentious renewal rate. They will gladly turn their nose up at you and tell you «oh you should go with that other property– seems like a good fit for you!» when showing them that there were indeed cheaper comparable properties very nearby featuring the same amenities with more sq. footage. Their rental agents will make you feel like yesterday’s trash. Such a shame– after talking with other former tenants and hearing the same thing from them, I am truly amazed at how much business and how many relationships they let go over pure greed. Glad we left!

I have been here for years. I love it.
Yes, it is older compared to other local buildings. It’s young when compared to buildings in other cities.
My apartment has had some mid-​life maintenence issues – and maintenence jumps on it right away. Usually same day service. Sometimes if a part is needed it took a couple days. But always eventually fixed to my sat.
The new pool deck is awesome.
The sound-​proofing is impressive. I hardly notice the airport when indoors. When I’m on the balcony, I use headsets and music. Otherwise, the airport is noisy.
Crystal City is great for ‘older than college’ age. What I like: on weekdays, it’s a busy business district. On weekends, the M-​F business crowd is gone, and the place is quiet. Almost suburban quiet.
Compare CC to Ballston, or Clarendon — there’s traffic, people, parties, noise almost all the time. Nothing wrong that, if that’s your thing. But if that’s your thing, you would be unhappy in CC.
The neighbors are an interesting mix of every demographic (saying that as positive). Wish socials were more often. The front desk staff is friendly and responsive.
I do watch market rates at lease renewal time. My renewals have been in line with market comps.
Disappointed I may have to leave WPT this summer.

I wish I had read John S’ review prior to leasing my apartment at Water Park Towers. My roommates and I signed a one-​year lease on a 3 bedroom back in April 2013 with the understanding that we would extend month-​to-​month from April thru June. They never said the rate would increase. So imagine our surprise when the rate increased from $ 3340 + $ 125 parking to $ 3900 + $ 220 parking, A $ 650 PER MONTH INCREASE!
Unbelievable… management said «too bad» move out if you don’t like it.
The apartment building is old, the heat doesn’t seem to work all that well (we bought electric space heaters for the bedrooms). The best qualities of the place is the location, across the street from the metro and VRE. Other than that, I wouldn’t recommend.