Apartment Review for Fort Totten Station - Washington, DC

I decided to get a short-term lease at this complex because I wanted my own place, close to the metro, in a safe neighborhood. Utilities aren't even partially covered by rent, which at $1390 a month for a 1-bed/1-bath unit IS unusual for DC, especially the NE neighborhood this building is located in. The only thing you are within walking distance of is the metro; unless you're willing to take life in hand and walk to Taco Bell for a midnight binge--which is not suggested. Bad news, police constantly in surrounding area--good news, police always in surrounding area. You can either be glad they're there, or worried they've always got a reason. Having a disabled family member, I don't discriminate against people with handicaps. HOWEVER, when my apartment complex opens up the terrace level of each building to mental patients who are consistently neglected by their nurses/caretakers (and a year ago violently assaulted a housekeeper) then we have problems. There is a small security staff, but they only work certain hours; and don't really look out for the units themselves. Mice refuse to go away, even with pb traps--no exterminator has actually come into the unit despite many requests, and me showing the leasing agents chewed-through articles of clothing. I just discovered bed bugs, and am awaiting response on that. Additionally, I haven't had kitchen/living room lights for weeks, despite asking for them to be replaced. (There are no light fixtures in the bedroom to begin with.) Advertisements promised a full-size washer/dryer in unit, and we got compact stackables--which don't clean--anything! My clothes and sheets come out covered in lint, with the same stains they went in with--lightly scented after my detergent. Were it not for the slight moisture and smell, I wouldn't even know the damn things worked at all. Pluses--The common areas look luxurious, and they've been trying to build a 7/11 in Building 1--due Fall '09, will still be under construction in Spring '10. Also, being within a minute of the metro station. That's basically what you pay for, the kitchens are gorgeous--but less so when you have mice run across your feet mid-dinner making. (And I'm originally a country girl who's used to wildlife--these don't count, not for $1500+ once you throw in cable to the bills.) Parking seems available, but they've been "trying" to get parking passes printed up for residents since early fall--with no progress. In short, there are better deals out there. If you're going to get infested in NorthEast, at least do it $1100 or less!