Brand new interiors, spacious, gorgeous kitchen

I really love living at Crystal House. It's a really nice apartment with very friendly staff. Located on the blue and yellow line and a 5 minute walk from the metro station, it's a great location. I have never had any issues getting to or from school. The blue line takes about 15 minutes from Crystal City to Foggy Bottom; including walking time the total commute is about 30 minutes.

The apartment has an in unit washer and dryer, dishwasher, and a balcony. The gym is usually pretty busy, but I've never had trouble getting a treadmill.

There are a ton of restaurants nearby and two grocery stores within half a mile. Pentagon City Mall is also about a half mile walk or one metro stop away.

The staff has been great; I like the look of the property grounds.

I love Crystal City and Arlington, VA in general. It only takes about 25 minutes to get to DC, including walking. Door to door, it is about 45 minutes to Howard University. The management company is efficient and holds many events and I also enjoy having a concierge for package management, etc. There is a full gym and yoga studio with weekly yoga and zumba classes for no extra fees. There's also an outdoor pool and gazebo area during summer. My 555 sqft studio has more than enough room. Crystal City is also a super safe area for females living alone.

Great space with new amenities, however not the most aesthetically pleasing from the outside. The lobbies and living units are very nice, however the exterior and the hallways are still under construction ()and have been for a long time). Also the management office is terrible. They're great when they want to sell a unit, but they're not very accommodating, understanding and sometimes can be flat-out rude. I plan to leave this summer, but they did give us 2 months free rent - so I'd say it was a decent experience overall.

It seems like I have moved into the apartment while it undergoes and face lift....for the past year. The renters are a mix of friendly to super rude. The living space is nothing special but it does the job. If you want storage or a floor plan that works for you, please please see the exact apartment you would be moving into.

It's not the most luxurious or well-kept building (above the first floor). The first floor is undergoing renovations which is great but taking forever, as is the roof. The biggest problem now is the construction workers- noise and crowding. The gym could stand some updating, I don't really care for the carpets, and my dishwasher isn't the best. #firstworldproblems. But Crystal City station is literally on the next corner, they did a great job of plowing the snow, and the building is relatively quiet so I can't complain much.

A very good option, especially if you can split the rent with someone else. Drawback: Lots of upgrades and construction work going on, both in the neighborhood and inside the buildings.

Solid place to live in Arlington. Reasonably priced and convenient.

I'm torn about Crystal House, because on the one hand it's in a very convenient location (5-7 minute walk - it's a huge parking lot - from the Metro) and a safe area, but on the other hand the management company is slow to act on resident issues.

For as long as I can remember since moving in last summer, the lobby in my building has been closed - until recently - for renovations. Imagine having lived for almost a year at an apartment where you didn't have access to a true lobby. The community room upstairs and rooftop (two of the more promising amenities) have been closed for renovations. When asked about the projected completion date of these renovations, the leasing office is either vague or has no answer. The other building's lobby is now under construction.

On top of that, while the Arlington area is relatively safe compared to downtown DC, the security in the building has been lacking. When the makeshift building entrance was established, the door would always be unlocked, allowing non-residents to come and go as they pleased. This is concerning, as we have been instructed to use our keys and yet are not promised true security.

Another issue, that is unfortunately beyond our control, is the fact that the buildings are old. They were built in the 1920s, so understandably there will be structural issues that need attention. Upon returning from vacation, I noticed part of my ceiling and wall had water damage, the paint was cracking, and there were noticeable stains. I submitted a repair request, and while they "repaired" it within 1 business day, I noticed the wall was still stained - which prompted me to question if the water/pipe leak, whatever the source of the issue, was actually resolved.

I emailed two leasing reps, a specialist and manager, as well as a maintenance manager, and have yet to receive a response. It doesn't help that the leasing office closes for most of the week before I'm able to catch them after getting home from work. Calling is a separate story...good luck getting a straight answer or speaking to someone directly.

I've also noticed my water takes a long time to heat, and other things have been falling apart in my apartment. I can't speak to this, but I've been made aware that the recent installation of washer/dryers in select units have caused a lot of issues for residents, particularly with pets. I also find it a little inconvenient that we have to pay $1.75/load for laundry...which over the course of a month adds up.

Before renting here, be sure to check out the entire apartment, the building, and the amenities so you're aware of what you're dealing with. Ask questions and don't be afraid to be a little persistent to get your answers. Overall, I'm satisfied living here, but I'm hesitant to renew for a third year.