Beecher House

Overall, the building was built in 1959, so it is semi old. However, it seems that most of the units have been updated in the past 10 years or so, and the hallways and common areas are kept clean and bright. There is a small courtyard out front with a singular picnic table, but that is the only communal gathering space. My unit is nice with lots of floor space, closet space, and natural light every day, and the building has central heating and air. The building has a storage room, elevator, package room, and communal laundry room ($1.75 per load; 6 washers and 6 dryers). There is no gym, and there are only two small parking lots; however, I have had no troubles with safety or getting a spot for street parking on the surrounding blocks. I was even able to keep my out-of-state plates and license thanks to the Student Reciprocity Permit (~$400 yearly through DC DMV).

My rent did not increase when I renewed my lease, and I do not pay for any utilities other than internet. I am not allowed to have pets. I have had no issues with noise, though the building is mostly families or older individuals/couples who own their units. My real estate agency has horrible communication, though, and everything is SLOW to get done. However, I have (knock on wood) had minimal issues. Also, my real estate agency is only in charge of my unit and not the entire building, so it seems like maintenance on the communal spaces is done much quicker.

The building is about a 0.8-0.9 mile walk to GUSOM through a part of the Rock Creek Park and down 39th Street hill, which takes me about 20ish minutes one way. The walk through the park is only a couple of hundred feet, but I would say only walking on the road adds about 10 minutes each way.

I am about a 0.5-mile or 10-minute walk from Wisconsin Ave, so I would recommend a car for grocery shopping, unless you plan on using Whole Foods. For public transit, the D96 going both directions comes within 0.25 miles of the apartment, and the D80 going both directions is right at the corner of Wisconsin Ave, along with the Georgetown Wisconsin Ave shuttle pick-up.

We chose Beecher House because the condo fees were less than they are at other apartments. That said, the apartment does not have amenities such as a lobby clerk or gym. Washing/drying is in the basement. For parking, some residents rent spots from the building and some street park. You will need a car as the closest metro stops on the red line are each a ten minute drive away. Overall we are happy living here. It’s a great neighborhood, very safe, restaurants and food nearby, and most importantly 5 minutes from Georgetown.