I lived year for over a year, and I'll have to admit: if you can get past the inherent problems of…read moreliving in a 340 sq ft room, this place isn't bad. (On related note, while I lived here I heard that Lindsy Lohan threw a tantrum at a hotel manager for putting her in a suite that was only 500 square feet.)
*Building
The heat & AC are included, and although the building can only offer one at a time, both are extremely effective. This does however mean that in the spring & fall there will be a few days were you'll be either a bit hot or a bit chilly... but it wasn't bad.
I had no bugs and no major building problems.
I looked at a lot of "inexpensive" options in Alexandria, and this building stands in a category of cleanliness I literally couldn't find anywhere else I could afford. It might be the only small apartment tower in the city without weird-smelling hallways.
There are laundry facilities on every floor, and aside from possibly Sunday night, it's never hard to find an open machine.
*Occupants
While I was there my floor was mostly occupied by young professionals who in typical fashion were nice, but too shy to ever offer more than a passing smile or quick hello (myself included).
The door guys were always really cool and friendly.
*Parking
There's both indoor & outdoor lot parking (indoor spots are bought or rented)
Street parking is not metered, but there is a maximum time limit of a few hours.
Guest parking was never a problem.
*Perks
All residents get a free membership to Old Town Athletic Club http://www.yelp.com/biz/RhCjzk-wRfe2UfkAbeXTHg which is only a two minute walk away.
The building's roof is open year round. Great for grilling, taking pictures, having dinner, or hosting a party. The view is spectacular. If you're having a party, I think there's a fee attached... I never tried, so I don't know the details. It's a great, if not amazing spot for a sweet romantic dinner for 2, especially if you can cook, be sweet, and are constrained by budget!
Balconies! I highly recommend getting a unit with a balcony. They're just the right size to set up a bristo table for dinner & drinks. My spot on the 5th floor had a river view and I'll miss many a good night out there.
There's public tennis courts are across the street, but they were full every time I thought to play.
*Community
I lived here with a car for 3 months and decided to get rid of it when I realized that I hadn't used it in a month... the neighborhood is totally walkable.
King St is a 10 minute walk away, through a decent area.
The Braddock Metro is 1/2 a mile away, but the last few blocks go through a project... I don't recommend walking alone at night. I saw 1 armed robbery and several beatings walking past the projects there.
There's a giant , a Trader Joe's, liquor store, Blockbuster, and tons of restaurants extremely close by. Again, the neighborhood's safety is not bad unless you head out towards the Braddock Metro, and even that area seems to be getting a lot better.
The area is QUIET. Nightlife needs to be metro'd to, unless you don't mind the local bars and tourist spots on King st.
*Landlord
If you're considering renting here I highly recommend renting from Jo Lynn Ricks (5 star landlord review!). As my landlord she was responsive, friendly, and possibly the only person I've ever rented from that fairly returned my security deposit. She can be reached at jricks@deloitte.com and owns at least a few units in the building.
If you want to live alone, or are new to the area, Port Royal's a pretty safe bet. Living in a studio apartment has a lot of drawbacks, but finding better options on a budget in Old Town could take a lot of time.