Arbors at Fair Lakes (Fairfax: apartments, lease, appliances)

[SpringChick]

One more info request:
1. any insider knowledge about these apartments?
2. Are there any walking/jogging trails nearby (that I can walk/jog to) :-)?

THANKS!!

[KM_W&M06]

1. Yes, my wife and I lived there for 2 years (purchased and moved into our first home last month), lease officially expires next Monday!

Arbors was actually the only apartment I've ever lived in so I can't compare it to any others in NoVa or elsewhere but I was fairly satisfied for what we got for rent (started at around $1500 in May 2011, went up to around $1600 in May 2012). We had a one bedroom with a second smaller room (I've never seen the few but larger official 2 bedrooms they have) and it was ok in size initially for me, my wife and cat. The unit we had just got new appliances (dishwasher, fridge, stove, microwave) and in 2 years we never had a problem with them or any other appliance/utility. Last fall/winter they renovated the exteriors and while they look better our electric bill went up for the period so I'd say the insulation maybe wasn't all that great. The complex has a small little gym (2 treads, 1 ellip, 1 bike, weight machine) which is sometimes crowded after work for the first few weeks after New Year's but then people get lazy so access becomes much more likely.

2. As for trails, they have one that goes through the woods (arbors, haha) around the complex...maybe 1/3 of a mile? It is narrow and hilly though with residents sometimes walking their dogs. I've gotten into running the last year or two with some 5Ks and half-marathons and what I did was run a bunch of laps around the big lake next to the Fair Lakes/Fairfax County Parkway overpass...it's about 0.47 miles or so around and seemed pretty safe though I'm a guy. I think there is another trail near the apartment office that goes towards the other side of the parkways, near Monument Drive but haven't been on it since the overpass construction started.

Anyways, I have no regrets living there...Arbors staff treated us fine and no noisy neighbors. It was a good, safe location but still close to Fair Lakes shopping (well Dick's and PeiWei and Whole Foods, Target and WalMart are a bit far to walk) and the reasonable rent allowed my wife and I to save and get a townhouse. Good luck and if you need any more details, send me a PM.

-K

[Not2Picky]

Fair Lakes is full of paved paths. There is even a small battlefield park at the corner of west ox & monument you can run through. I really enjoyed the convenience of the area.

[KM_W&M06]

Originally Posted by Not2Picky

Fair Lakes is full of paved paths. There is even a small battlefield park at the corner of west ox & monument you can run through. I really enjoyed the convenience of the area.

Right, I always forget about that one!

Oh and Fair Oaks Mall and Fairfax Corner are real close too, no shortage on convenient shopping centers. Just gotta keep my wife out of Kohl's and The Loft...

[SpringChick]

Originally Posted by KM_W&M06

1. Yes, my wife and I lived there for 2 years (purchased and moved into our first home last month), lease officially expires next Monday!

Arbors was actually the only apartment I've ever lived in so I can't compare it to any others in NoVa or elsewhere but I was fairly satisfied for what we got for rent (started at around $1500 in May 2011, went up to around $1600 in May 2012). We had a one bedroom with a second smaller room (I've never seen the few but larger official 2 bedrooms they have) and it was ok in size initially for me, my wife and cat. The unit we had just got new appliances (dishwasher, fridge, stove, microwave) and in 2 years we never had a problem with them or any other appliance/utility. Last fall/winter they renovated the exteriors and while they look better our electric bill went up for the period so I'd say the insulation maybe wasn't all that great. The complex has a small little gym (2 treads, 1 ellip, 1 bike, weight machine) which is sometimes crowded after work for the first few weeks after New Year's but then people get lazy so access becomes much more likely.

2. As for trails, they have one that goes through the woods (arbors, haha) around the complex...maybe 1/3 of a mile? It is narrow and hilly though with residents sometimes walking their dogs. I've gotten into running the last year or two with some 5Ks and half-marathons and what I did was run a bunch of laps around the big lake next to the Fair Lakes/Fairfax County Parkway overpass...it's about 0.47 miles or so around and seemed pretty safe though I'm a guy. I think there is another trail near the apartment office that goes towards the other side of the parkways, near Monument Drive but haven't been on it since the overpass construction started.

Anyways, I have no regrets living there...Arbors staff treated us fine and no noisy neighbors. It was a good, safe location but still close to Fair Lakes shopping (well Dick's and PeiWei and Whole Foods, Target and WalMart are a bit far to walk) and the reasonable rent allowed my wife and I to save and get a townhouse. Good luck and if you need any more details, send me a PM.

-K

Thank you very much! Your input is very helpful. Best of luck to you and your family!