It may seem a bit premature to start seeking the perfect apartment for next year, with on-campus room selection beginning on Feb. 26 the time to talk housing is quickly approaching. Finding the right apartment can make or break a school year, and as on-campus housing can be very pricey, students are often opting to take up residence in the dozens of apartment buildings in the AU area.
But how can you tell if an apartment building is student-approved? The Scene has made it easy in a housing guide complete with information you need to know, alongside the tips AU upperclassmen want you to know.
Student Take
Avalon at Foxhall
4100 Massachusetts Ave, NW
(202) 364-7000
Price of 1 Bedroom Apt. (subject to change): Starts at $1,954
Utilities included (Y/N): No
“I really like the Avalon because its so close to campus and is a beautiful building. The pool during the spring and summer months is fantastic. There is also a grill on the roof, so it’s great for any summer barbeque or cookout” – Maddie Beard (senior, CAS)
The Berkshire
4201 Massachusetts Ave, NW
(202) 362-4200
Price of 1 Bedroom Apt. (subject to change): Starts at $1,599 special, normally start at $1,770
Utilities included (Y/N): Yes
“With the Berks, you definitely pay for what you get. I really like the proximity and not having to commute so far to campus. It is cheaper than most apartments close to campus, but that definitely comes with a price.” – Selaina Petrou (junior, SOC)
The Greenbriar
4301 Massachusetts Ave, NW
(202) 363-1741
Price of 1 Bedroom Apt. (subject to change): Condominiums, prices vary
Utilities included (Y/N): Varies
“Living in the Greenbriar is definitely the best of both worlds in my eyes. I have the opportunity to be far away enough that I can feel like I’m off campus but I can easily get back within a 10-minute walk” – Krystal Foster, (senior, SOC)
4200 Cathedral Ave.
4200 Cathedral Ave, NW
(202) 362-9720
Price of 1 Bedroom Apt. (subject to change): Condominiums, prices vary
Utilities included (Y/N): Varies
“Our location is great. It’s far enough off campus to be separate and feel like an adult, but close enough to come home between classes” – Brianna Spencer (junior, CAS)
Idaho Terrace
3040 Idaho Ave., NW
(202) 363-6600
Price of 1 Bedroom Apt. (subject to change): Starts at $1,715
Utilities included (Y/N): Yes
“I really enjoy being there but it is a bit far from campus, not too far, but be prepared to walk a lot. I dislike being in a sea of apartment buildings because it isn’t very exciting. But its nice and quiet at night” – Elise Polentes (junior, SIS)
Cathedral Court
3701 Massachusetts Ave, NW
(202) 363-2256
Price of 1 Bedroom Apt. (subject to change): Starts at $1,699
Utilities included (Y/N): Yes except electric
“You definitely get more space for your money, and generally each apartment is different. But probably the best thing about Cathedral was the way sound traveled…it didn’t. I lived in Cathedral Court for two years and noise was never an issue” – Max Tani (senior, SOC)
Garfield House
2844 Wisconsin Ave, NW
(202) 363-5700
Price of 1 Bedroom Apt. (subject to change): Starts at $1,820
Utilities included (Y/N): Yes
“It’s a small building and the people are super friendly. Never a noise complaint or anything. It also has a pool which is really chill. The apartment building is cozy but the only thing is it doesn’t have a dishwasher” – Tansha Vohra (senior, SIS and KOGOD)
Skyline Towers
2730 Wisconsin Ave, NW
(202) 338-3255
Price of 1 Bedroom Apt. (subject to change): Starts at $1,550
Utilities included (Y/N): Yes
“Skyline is right on Wisconsin so it’s easy to get downtown or to Tenley. It’s not a huge building and not many student live there, which is a nice change from the Berks. It is an old building so there is no central air” – Lee Kathenes (senior, CAS)
The Lencshire House
3140 Wisconsin Ave, NW
(202) 362-3140
Price of 1 Bedroom Apt. (subject to change): Starts at $1,525 (also offer a special for students with 6,9 and 12 month leases)
Utilities included (Y/N): Yes
“I personally think The Lencshire is fantastic and I really like the staff. The apartments are very clean and it’s a great view. Also they have coffee and cookies in the lobby every morning, so that’s great. I have nothing bad to say” – Arash Karimi (Senior, SIS)
The Elaine
3210 Wisconsin Ave, NW
(202) 363-8282
Price of 1 Bedroom Apt. (subject to change): Starts at $1,513
Utilities included (Y/N): Yes
“The rent at the Elaine is really cheap for such a good location, I can get really anywhere in D.C. with all of the buses around. The management is very laissez-faire, but be prepared not to have a dishwasher” – Ben Nigh (senior, SOC)
The Abby
3621 Newark Street, NW
(202) 686-3698
Price of 1 Bedroom Apt. (subject to change): Start at $1,599
Utilities included (Y/N): Yes except gas and electric
“I like the Abby because its conveniently located near a lot of major bus routes and having Cactus Cantina across the street is a plus. They’re opening a Giant across the street later in 2014. Overall, I give it a 10 out of 10” – Jacqueline Barbarito (Senior, CAS)
Alban Towers
3700 Massachusetts Ave NW
(866) 995-2530
Price of 1 Bedroom Apt. (subject to change): Start at $1,765
Utilities included (Y/N): Yes, except electricity
“The building is great, much newer than the Berks or Greenbrier and less money. Alban has the prestige of 1920s and the comfort of the early 2000s. The amenities are nice, gym, pool, business center, library, grand salon and dining room, and concierge. The roof is great too. I love to take a drink and a cigar up there and look at the skyline.”-Trevor Langan (junior, SPA)
McLean Gardens
3811 Porter Street, NW
(202) 966-9780
Price of 1 Bedroom Apt. (subject to change): Condominiums, prices vary
Utilities included (Y/N): Varies
“McLean has turned out to be a great place to live near campus. While not entirely student friendly, the price, the size of the units, and the location have been great. There’s a pool, tennis courts and parks and its even close to two different liquor stores. It doesn’t feel like a dorm and the units are relatively modern and roach-free”- Josh New (senior, SPA and SOC)
