AVA Van Ness

Shortly after the parking garage door completely coming off, we received an email stating that they would be hiring a security guard for security measures. Here is the exact wording from the email: “Between the hours of 10pm- 6am, we will have the garage blocked off by cones. There will be a security guard monitoring the door. To gain entrance, the guard will need to verify that your vehicle has a decal, or a parking permit pass for guest spaces. Once verified, you will be granted access.” This was a joke and my last straw to make this review. I came in the garage around 11pm and when I came around the corner it was a woman sitting in her car with the door open on her phone, no security guard uniform and she surely did not look threatening whatsoever. Not only this, but she moved the cone without seeing the decal or confirming that we are residents. She did not motion for us to stop or ask us to show our parking decal. What kind of “security” is that? I do not see that Ava is taking this matter seriously and protecting their residents safety. Other matters I would consider if you are looking to live in this apartment is that the walls are very thin and some neighbors are inconsiderate and will blast music especially on the weekends in late hours of the night and scream. There are no “amenities” other than the pool, and the fact you need to pay for laundry even though your cycle may not actually dry your clothes is frustrating. This apartment is not terrible, but there is definitely better out there if you are willing to look.

I usually don’t write reviews, but I feel it’s necessary to share my concern about the night concierge at my building, Darren Hilman. Unfortunately, my family’s experiences with him have consistently been negative. He is consistently rude, unapproachable, and dismissive toward residents. He does not greet or acknowledge people, refuses to answer simple questions, and carries an overall hostile attitude. It feels as if he forgets that he works in a position of service, where professionalism, respect, and basic courtesy are essential. This kind of behavior is unacceptable, especially in a residential environment where the role of a concierge is meant to support and assist the people who live here. The residents are ultimately the ones who fund his salary through their rent. Without the community of residents, there would be no building to manage, and certainly no job for him to hold. Someone in this position must be held accountable. Darren’s repeated lack of professionalism reflects poorly not only on him but also on AVA as a whole. It’s frustrating and disappointing that a person like this is allowed to represent the building at any hour, let alone during a time when residents may feel more vulnerable at night. I truly hope management takes these concerns seriously, because someone like Darren should not be in a role that involves any form of customer service.

I had the pleasure of interacting with Yoseph, the maintenance man at Ava Van Ness, and I must say his service was outstanding. Yoseph is incredibly professional, prompt, and dedicated to his work. He went above and beyond to ensure that all maintenance issues were addressed in a timely and efficient manner. Whether it was a minor repair or a larger maintenance request, Yoseph tackled every task with a positive attitude and excellent attention to detail. What impressed me most was his willingness to take the time to explain the work being done and ensure everything was functioning properly before he left. His friendly demeanor and commitment to maintaining a high standard of service make him a real asset to the building. I highly recommend Yoseph for anyone needing maintenance services — you can count on him to get the job done right the first time.

TL;DR: Building: Not great Staff: Absolutely stellar My original review was one star due to persistent issues with pests, construction noise, and loud neighbors. While those problems made living here difficult, I want to highlight the effort and professionalism of the AVA Van Ness team in trying to make things right. Special thanks to Hailey — she’s been an absolute rockstar throughout. The concierges and maintenance team were consistently kind, helpful, and responsive. Although my overall experience with the building itself wasn’t great, I recognize how challenging it is to keep tenants happy in a large community. I sincerely appreciate that the management team genuinely cares about improving conditions and takes resident feedback seriously. That effort matters

I toured a 1br at Ava Van Ness this week and had the pleasure of meeting Kiara Johnson who was phenomenal! She was so pleasant and kind and answered all of my questions during and after the tour. The apartment I was hoping to apply to was taken off of the website and she gave me advice on how to find more affordable units at their sister properties. With every email exchange she was kind, helpful and pleasant. I really hope I am able to rent here in the near future! The building was very clean and very quiet and the 1br unit was spacious!

Yoseph from the maintenance team is really helpful!!! He responded to our emergency call even after his normal working hours and promptly resolved our concern. He helped put the electricity back on for our unit so that we would not find ourselves in the dark after the night set in.

I have been living in AVA Van Ness for almost six month and I am very impressed with the maintenance team and the time with which they answer maintenance requests. Stew is super helpful! He is polite, professional, and dependable every time he has come to our apartment. Once he fixes something, I'm confident it won't be an issue again.

Huge thanks to Yoseph from the maintenance team, who went above and beyond by coming after hours to fix our electricity issues. Yoseph deserves all five stars for his excellent service, truly one of the few bright spots in our experience here. We just wish the same level of care and accountability extended to the rest of the management team.

We've been living at Ava for a little over 2 years now and have had very very few problems. We moved from the apartments across the street (3003 Van Ness) and this is definitely a significant upgrade for a similar price. The staff at Ava is absolutely wonderful and have been so helpful to us on many occasions. Throughout the remodeling that they've been doing everybody has really gone above and beyond to make sure the residents are as comfortable as possible. Yeah, there is a lot of construction right now, and yeah, that can be a headache, but again, they've been extremely accommodating throughout. For example: 1) While they were replacing the balconies (they now look MUCH nicer than in the photos here), they discounted residents' rent significantly while they were without access to their balconies, and extended that deal if it took longer than expected to replace your balcony. AND after the balcony was finished they left us a bottle of wine and a thank you card! They also offered a quieter working space during construction for anybody who might need it. 2) Our air conditioner broke last year and it was a several day process to replace it, which sucked, BUT they sent us a cleaning service when the work was done to make sure they weren't leaving any sawdust behind. 3) While the gym was being remodeled (it's now MUCH MUCH better than a previous reviewer said, with all new equipment in an upgraded facility) they got guest passes to the gold's gym down the street that residents could use. I can't say enough about how great they've been through this whole process and the upgrades that they've made have really improved the building. We also have new washers and a dryers, a new Amazon Hub that makes package pick up so much easier, and are having new windows and patio doors installed which they say will help with heating and cooling and with noise reduction. On the noise, I'm surprised that people say the walls are thin. Our neighbors had a newborn baby and I honestly didn't know until a few months later when I saw the baby for the first time. They apologized for all the crying, but I never heard a peep.

The worst place I've ever stayed in my entire life. They have loud constructions going for the whole 4 months we stay in here. They said it's going to be just the garage for a moth and it won't be too loud. So we agreed before we moved in. From the day one we were greeted by the cockroach and were tried to get rid of them for 3 months. When the drilling stopped at the garage the cockroaches were gone on the own. However they started a new renovation, that supposed to last for 6 months!!!!!! And it's in the pool area where they are changing the pavement. It's incredibly loud and oftentimes goes over 80 dB, which is illegal! They start early, so I spend an hour or two sleeping with a construction noises and trembling, since our entire apartment is shacking like there's an earthquake. The cockroaches started to come back again. There's incredible amount of dust in front of our windows and a layer on our balcony. So we cannot open our windows till about 3-4 pm and we cannot go outside on our balcony. Besides the construction problems we have alcoholic neighbours on one side that constantly fighting day and night. Considering that the walls in this building are very thin, you can hear them like they live with you! We had to move to our living room, so we don't hear them that much, even though we still can. Another issue with this building is that it's old and smelly, there's no ventilation in the hallways or in the kitchens. There's no renovation in the apartments, half of the power sockets don't work, the bathroom rack keeps falling off and the handyman turned out to be pretty useless, cause he didn't fix it properly, so we had to do it ourselves. The dishwasher doesn't work properly and smells bad, so we simply cannot use it at all. When we moved in the microwave didn't work too! It's like they didn't check anything before us moving in. There's also this horrible smell in our bathroom, especially in the morning after the ventilation was off for too long. It smells like tobacco or possibly chemicals or even drugs. Also we can smell the food our neighbours are cooking and hear them too in the same time. Thin walls bad ventilation. We wanted to move out to another Avalon building or somewhere else or, even to another apartment in here with less noise, depending on the circumstances. However when we complained about it to the management they did't offer us any options whatsoever (meaning you have to pay more then 3 times monthly rent to move out) They simply don't care about their customers. We've been staying with Avalon in San Francisco and New York and even recommended it our friends and never experienced anything like that! To the point that even some concierges are having an attitude in here. This is by no means a luxury building, it's not even a medium level building. I feel like I'm living in the dumpster in absolutely inhumane conditions. Landlord breached the covenant of quiet enjoyment by causing noise, dust, or debris that forces a tenant to leave. They have to be sued and pay for the damage they've done, this is dishonest to say the least! If we knew they will have constructions going on to such a degree for that long we would have never rent an apartment in here! I hope it helps and no one will make the same mistake we did.

In short: Go elsewhere! When I moved here in 2016, it was great. Previously, there were fun events like happy hours, dog meet ups, etc. Since then, it's gone downhill. First the staff here rotate SO much. it's impossible to make any meaningful connection with the AVA staff here. I used to know the staff well which really assisted me in rent hikes and other concerns. Now, they care more about their assets than about the tenants. In response to our concerns, they follow up with "we're new, sorry...not our problem", which is a lousy excuse...They have been here for 6 months. Tenant and management communication is basically nonexistent. The only way to get an answer anywhere is to storm down to the office and demand their attention. Donovan, the maintenance manager, is extremely rude. It took me several times to convince him that I was right about certain things in my apartment that he did not believe me about. During a meeting with concerned tenants, he scoffed at us as well. There were a dozen break-ins in 2018 alone. In order to understand why security stinks, we wanted answers. The manager gave me some crap reason "to give us privacy" for not having cameras at floor entry points, but they don't mind putting cameras everywhere else. When the 2020 pandemic hit, they cut about 75% of the amenities and STILL charged the full amount. It was about $500 a month for a really crappy printer and maybe a tennis court (if you were into that...I wasn't). In addition to taking away access to the pool, they controlled the grilling area, cut off common areas, and stopped delivering to our doors. The fire alarm was pulled every day for two weeks in Winter 2022 by a person who lives here and is mentally unstable. Absolutely nothing was done about it and she is still here. I'm sure it's well known that there were mass shooting attempts right on the fifth floor in this building in 2022. Management told me "we're new, not our problem. This can happen anywhere." without even the slightest bit of empathy. This clearly showed that they don't care about anyone here. I was locked downstairs when that event happened WHILE the shooter was active in my building. It was terrifying. We had a neighbor AVA facebook group which was fine but now they now control and approve posts on our Facebook group, so tenants cannot voice their concerns. It is now up to them to decide what comments are approved or not, further limiting us. Honestly go elsewhere. I have been treated three times better at a damn Wendys than this place.

All the good reviews for this apartment are from years ago. Now, the management is awful They increased our rent 16% from the previous year (over $400 a month) for a unit that has not already been renovated. This is after constant security concerns and all but 2 front-desk staff members quitting. A shooting occurred in the building 2 months ago that resulted in SWAT having to escort people out, and the building's only response was to hire 2 security guards for 2 days.

I am writing this review because I want to recognize the incredible people who work here at AVA Van Ness Apartments. First & foremost; I want to recognize Rodney (Front Office/Desk) for his impeccable professionalism, courtesy & what a blessing he is to all of us who live here. I cannot stress how impressed I am with his willingness to help others & how his calming his nature is and how approachable he is. AVALON BAY is blessed to have him represent your company. I would also like to mention Ben, who works the evening shift. He has been a nice addition of the past few months. It's really nice to have people greet me with a smile & offer help when I might need it. That's a very secure feeling. The maintenance & cleaning staff are so nice & always have a kind word. It matters to me when I can feel safe & happy where I call home, and here at AVA VAN NESS APTS, I am happy. The people mentioned above are a huge part of why I love living here.

We were so happy to receive our approved application, with no security deposit required (don't worry, they get you later)! The patio was a huge benefit and the Van Ness neighborhood is lovely and convenient. The honeymoon however, did not last long. Quite quickly we were introduced to our infamous neighbor (who I'll refer to as "Nita" for privacy reasons). Nita loved to do her drugs, smoke cigs openly in her apt with the door open or in the hallway, yell and scream when disgruntled, and even take her clothing off like no other residents lived on the 8th floor. One day we saw Nita in the street, angrily yelling at a car and flashing passersby's with her pants at her ankles. Nita was constantly attracting the police due to her inappropriate and illegal behavior. They were constantly on Connecticut Ave with her or in our hallway trying to track her down. At one point, Avalon did try to evict her, serving up a novel sized list of lease violations. Yet, this did nothing and we had to continue watching her chum it up with front desk staff (that she frequently verbally abused on her benders). Management was not only derelict about Nita and her consistent ability to make our home feel unsafe, but also ignored building and safety issues. While living in the building, a slew of break-ins occurred. Management blamed the residents for this, saying we let people in that we didn't know. Management only responded to the issues of the main building door not completely closing (allowing people to come in) when enough complaints/stories of the break-ins flooded the buildings facebook page. Overall, our experience could have been worse, however, with it being a renters market in DC, you can easily do better. Do yourself a favor and avoid this building, it's just not worth the headaches that come with it. Pros: Van Ness is a great neighborhood Everyone gets a patio Cons: Safety of the building Community respect for cleanliness and noise Not worth the money-sold on the hope you get an updated unit (appliances are ancient and a fire/safety hazard) Laundry constantly broken Elevators constantly broken or reserved Huge move out fees for cleaning/carpet replacement

Have had way too many problems here to be able to give it a good rating. Things are routinely closed or out of service, move-in was a major hassle, and getting repairs done can be like pulling teeth. Definitely not staying here beyond my lease. They also let EVERYONE in and don't require anyone to sign in at the front desk. It's a major security issue that honestly makes me feel very unsafe. Additionally, they have lied repeatedly about the construction situation.

This review is based solely on experience with the leasing office. They are generally nice when you're speaking with them, GENERALLY; but to getting one to return a phone call or email is not an easy task. I lost out on lower pricing for a unit because of this (I reached out twice in one month via email and heard nothing), and they offered me free amenities because of it, but I would have to make a decision in a week on a more expensive unit. I called on Wednesday evening to speak with an agent regarding some specifics about their current construction. The receptionist who answered the phone said she would call back that evening before she left. It is now Saturday. I have heard nothing. I'm not sure how they treat tenants, but if it's that difficult to get a callback or return email before you move in and they get your money and your signature on a contract, how will they treat you once you've signed on the dotted line? I'd rather pay more for better service.

The actual complex and the staff for the most part at Ava were average. Nothing extraordinary to report. And while I didn't absolutely love living there, the complex was fairly clean, the pool amenities were nice and the staff were friendly. The management company, Avalon Bay, has been awful to work with; so much so that I regret ever moving into the Ava. The headache I have dealt with upon the renewal and ultimately move out process has been ridiculous. The leasing agent attempted to force us to pay a $500 amenity fee upon renewal. This fee was paid upon move in and I had in writing and on my lease stating that fee was a one time regardless of renewal. I only discovered this fee would be charged again when I emailed to confirm, it waa not stated anywhere on the lease renewal paperwork. When I pointed out to the leasing agent we were informed it was a one time fee he stated he could waive it if we renewed within four days, which mind you was well over a month before we were required to notify of our vacate or renewal intent. With several staff turnovers the communication was lacking during my move out and afterwards with the office staff. In the end my final bill showed a "damage fee" off $100 with no explanation and a $250 "accerlated rent" fee again with no explanation. My email inquiring about these charges was ignored until finally someone from the Avalon Bay corporate reaident services contacted me. I did not appreciate the explantion they gave for those charges but none the less couldn't wait to be done dealing with this company.

I lived at the Ava for 2 years and loved it. The locations is perfect for commuting, a block from the metro and the bus lines. A few blocks from Giant and CVS. Short walk to Cleveland Park area if you are looking for more of the night life scene. Parking was a bit expensive but are comparable with the DC parking lot prices. Street parking is available with the zone 3 sticker if you are willing to walk a little bit. Having a covered parking spot that was assigned just to me became very essential during the winter time. The staff was always friendly and responsive. Work orders were done within 24 hours. Chelsea is outstanding, she is honest and empathetic with your needs as a resident. Chelsea would always answer my questions without hesitation or judgement. I will miss living at Ava.

I would avoid this place until they complete their renovations. When will that be? Maybe they'll tell you as a prospective tenant (I wouldn't believe what they tell you), they certainly don't give existing tenants any information. They'll need access to your unit roughly 2-3 times a month, every month. And it's a cable-install-style window "sometime between 8am and 6pm we'll let you know at 5:45pm if we're not coming today". If you work at a different location between 9-5 this place will probably be fine for you. Unless you have pets. They're OK with coming into your unit with your pets at large, but they're not going to take any pains to make sure they don't escape. Hope you still have a cat when you get home! Oh yeah, when they upgraded the HVAC? They broke it for 3 days when it was 90+ degrees. And the install broke other electrical systems and it was a chore to have AVA figure out if it was up to their maintenance team or the HVAC install team to fix it. No one wanted to get it done. If you work from home or work non-standard hours, it's even worse. It's convenient to metro so maybe it would work for you.

We stayed here for about six months and enjoyed every second of it. You can not beat the location, with a five minute walk to the red line (probably the most reliable line) which takes you downtown within minutes, and the buses which take you to many other locations. The neighborhood is beautiful, with plenty of fantastic restaurants and a nice local one-screen movie theater. You can walk to the zoo too, which is great. And you can run to/in Rock Creek Park, which is amazing. I miss it. The building management and staff are absolutely outstanding. The best I can remember ever having had. They were so ready to help with small and big issues alike. I'd particularly like to praise Chelsea, who was incredibly friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. Whenever we had an issue with the apartment (very few), the maintenance staff would come fix it right quick. If you need a guest parking spot in the lot, no problem. If you get a pet, no problem (they seem to really like dogs; there are treats at the front desk and poop bags and trash bins outside). We had a one-room apartment, which was carpeted and felt spacious. Heating worked well, as did the AC during the summer. When we moved out, we chose the clean sweep, which was cheap (around $80 I believe), and did not have to pay anything in wear, tear or damages. If I get a job in DC, I would not hesitate moving to Ava Van Ness. Absolutely loved it.

This is my fourth apartment building that I have lived in DC within 7 years, and it has been my best experience between the price/ value and the community within the building! We are going on our 3rd year at AVA Vaness and really enjoy living here. The people at the front desk are kind, professional, and helpful :) The office staff are super personable, fun, and there has been little turnover. It is a dog friendly environment, and our little Chihuahua loves saying hi to the dogs as he comes and goes. Request for service repairs are often done the same day and are prompt! The pool and grill area are just great thing to have access to in the summer and early fall time, especially after a long day of work! There are bus lines within 1 block as well as the metro, Giant grocer is a couple of blocks away also. The surrounding area is quiet which is nice and the residents hold the door for each other. I would definitely recommend this place for the value and proximity to other parts of the city without having to be right in the middle of things. Rock creek park is a 7 minute jog away which is great if you like to bike or run a lot. The gym is kept clean as the rest of the building, and they have storage units and places to keep your bike locked up inside the building. The community parties are fun out on the patio with food, drink and music! Do I need to say more? Great place to feel at home.

This is the first place I lived in D.C. it has quickly become home. The staff is incredible. They are always accessible, and they strive to make this the best living experience in the area. The building itself is meticulous - always clean, and the maintenance team is on top of everything immediately. If you're looking to live in the Van Ness area, then I highly recommend this living community.

I've lived at AVN for a while now and here is my review: AVN- Yes, I would recommend living here. Public transportation to the bus and the Metro station is a short walking distance, to include CVS and the Giant grocery store. The library is one short bus ride away or a 20 minute walk. I like the amenities, especially the chill space. The walls are thin and that is my only complaint. Having onsite storage at a very reasonable rate is a plus. I feel very secure in this building *Cons- Some of the college tenants can be a bit loud in the wee hours of the morning and blasting music near the balconies after midnight can be very annoying if you are a light sleeper and have a front facing balcony. Some should know that their are others that live here year round and that this building is not a dorm. Some residents should pull the dog/s closer to them when someone or a child is nearby. Although this is a pet friendly building, everyone does not like a dog up on them. Application to move in- The application process was easy. Chelsea was my leasing agent at the time. She was friendly and answered several questions that I had about the property. A mix up occurred about my move in date and Todd(property manager at the time) solved the issue for me and he went above and beyond to assist me. Although I wanted an apartment on the 5th floor, I ended up getting an even better deal on a lower floor and more sq. footage because of the mix up. Moving in is not the smoothest due to the limited truck clearance that the building has at the loading dock/garage entrance. The elevators are spacious and clean. Renovation- New windows and doors. Privacy was not the best as this was to be expected in order to get the work completed, What became extremely annoying to me was 2 of the outside contracted workers walking into my apartment without knocking and I took care of that right then and there and it did not happen again. When construction completed the installation of the balcony doors and windows, I had some issues with water leaking and soaking in the carpet.....3 l times. Who was left to fix the problem after the outside contractors? Maintenance. Lance and Eugene(THE BEST MAINTENANCE GUYS HANDS DOWN FOR AVN!) were in my apartment several times to fix a few problems that the In my opinion, the contracted company should have returned to fix the problems themselves because that created more work on top of what these guys already do on a daily basis. The company had the carpet cleaned for the tenants after the installation work was complete. I love my apartment, especially the long balcony with steps and the several entry points. Maintenance- Lance and Eugene are professional, they respond to maintenance request in a timely fashion, funny and appear to be hard working young men. I hope that AvalonBay Communities know just how hard these guys work and the proof is in the pudding. Concierge staff- Having 24 hour concierge service is great. From my experience, everyone says hello. Some tenants respond and some do not say a word. What harm does it do to speak to those working at the desk and other areas in the building? none Mr. Keith is nice and he always has the door ready for you to enter the building even though you have a fob during the week. I always say thank you because he does not have to do so. He makes sure that we get our packages if he works earlier in the day. Shakira is nice and she answers any questions that you may have. If she does not know the answer, she will find out and get back to you. I've enjoyed speaking with her several times. Roderick is nice and he too, answers any questions that you may have. He's given me some advice outside of AVN and I truly appreciate it. Carmichael- He is nice and is known for giving tenants some tips and tricks about cars, bikes and etc. Leasing office- I had to speak with him about an issue that I had. I was unsure of how the outcome was going to be however, I was pleased because he listened to me and did not rush me while I was speaking with him. He's professional and courteous. I miss Keni! Keni worked in the leasing office as well and this young man rocks! He is personable, hilarious, professional and knows his stuff. Keni answered questions for me that someone at the cooperate could not do.(interesting) He left no questions unanswered and he was eager to assist. I've truly enjoyed the laughter on some evenings, after a couple of stress filled days of work when he stayed later. Maintenance- Did I mention how great these guys are? I know that I did but I am warranted to say it again. Thanks Matt for getting another system for my apartment. Lance and Eugene discovered that the issue came from work that was done by a previous contractor/s. See what I mean, they are outstanding. I hope that a raise is soon to follow for these guys because they surely do deserve it and then so! Cleaning crew-The building is always clean!

I have lived at Ava Va Ness for 2 years now and overall it has been a great experience. The apartments are huge and for a great price in DC. The Van Ness neighborhood is a nice quite part of DC that is a short walk to bars and restaurants in Cleveland Park/ Woodley Park. I only wish Van Ness had more bars/restaurants. Best parts: 1. Maintenance responds right away with work orders 2. The pool/tennis court is amazing in the summer 3. Huge apartments for a good deal 4. Close walk to the metro and Rock Creek Park 5. Nice balcony. Cons: 1. The walls are a little thin. I could hear the conversations of my neighbors in my bedroom. 2. All apartments are carpeted so they are hard to clean. 3. Parking in the garage is expensive (I did street parking though which was very easy in this neighborhood). 4. Raised rent higher than I would have liked the second year. 5. Gym is less than impressive. Only 3 treadmills and some free weights. Additionally, the TVs attached to the treadmills and the large TV were always broken. I would definitely recommend this place to a friend looking in the area.

Wonderful living experience. The people at the front desk and on the management staff are helpful, professional, and kind. The apartments are huge (the walk in closet is wonderful) and the location just can't be beat.

I'm sorry to update this review and report a decline in the original quality of service and life that can be expected at AVA. Great people/staff have gradually left over the last 3 years, and nowadays, if you need any help from the leasing office or a response that isn't a service-related problem, you may not hear back from anyone in a timely manner. Spoke with Henry yesterday regarding the "one-time amenity fee" of approximately $500. It's not a one-time amenity fee, and they can surprise you with asking you to pay it in spite of the corporate-wide effort to be "transparent" about the changes on a "case-by-case" basis (WTF is that?). In my situation, in spite of a long history of financial responsibility and great credit, security clearance, etc., I'm at a moment in my life where circumstances have brought me to a point where my health and finances are in a bad place, but I'm trying to do all I can to hold it together -- Medicaid, applying for food stamps, etc. -- yet when I called Henry to ask him if we could waive this one-time amenity fee that literally makes a difference in terms of whether I can possibly get medicine, food, or pay my electricity bill, he refused. I paid the balance because I'm not a jerk and I have the money -- it's literally the last I have left to my name -- , but you know what? Think twice about moving in here. The building has improved in terms of the gym and all that, but what this place has truly LOST is good people that made this place one literally "worth" living in.

Over the past ten years, I have leased at four different buildings in DC. AVA is my favorite. Here's why I love it here: - The floor plans. I believe my unit is about 875 square feet. It has a bedroom, living room, kitchen, separate dining area, and reasonably sized bathroom. Unlike other apartments I have lived in or seen, there is no "wasted space" in my floor plan. All of the space I am paying for is functional. - The level of cleanliness. In almost three years, I have never seen a roach or a mouse anywhere. All common areas are well maintained. - The staff. Everyone is so friendly and helpful. The entire front desk staff is lovely. I believe that most if not all of them have been at AVA for longer than I've lived here. I have also had nothing but positive interactions with Liz Carney, the building's community manager. - The amenities. Outside there is a fun patio/lounge, grills, a tennis court, and an awesome pool. Inside there is a gym (which is clean and has a variety of equipment), a business center, and free coffee every morning in the lobby. - Metro! It's a five minute walk to the red line. - Balconies! This should probably go under floor plans, but I love my balcony so much that it gets its own bullet point. My unit has a balcony that I can access from my bedroom or living room. - Pet Friendly! The amount of trouble I had trying to find a nice apartment that would let me have a cat and not charge me a fortune or where I would sacrifice on some other major issue (like cleanliness) is crazy. To be fair, AVA does charge what I consider to be a slightly unreasonable amount of money ($50 per month, per animal with a max of 2 pets) to have a pet, but it is significantly less unreasonable than what I have found elsewhere. All told, I really like living here. It feels like the space and services I'm getting are worth the money I'm paying.

Great location right next to the Van Ness metro and a Giant., The gym, pool and patio area are quite nice. However without all these amenities I would have given one star for the poor service I received in the two years I lived here. Any time I had to interact with the office led to a flood of incompetence, with everyone telling me different (and wrong) answers. Work orders would at times take far too long, as whoever was responding to this would forget to write it down. When I sought to move out I was given all sorts of different forms to move out, when only one of them turned out to be actually necessary. I was also prematurely taken off of my lease months before my move (and the office made clear that they had no interest in fixing this), making any convenience their online system provides impossible. And while I understand the importance of different rules and needs for reservations in such a large apartment building, I would say that overall there are far too many here. Overall I would also add that if you are not looking to use the amenities regularly, this place is far too overpriced and the administration is not worth the hassle.

AVA Van Ness is great. I would recommend this apartment to anyone looking for easy access to metro, close to fun restaurants and safe neighborhood. I can go on and on about this place. The staff is great too. So helpful and kind. The neighbors are all friendly and it feels like a small town inside a big city.

I moved to DC from the Midwest without being able to see any apartments in person so I was really nervous about finding a place I would like. I lucked into finding AVA Van Ness. It happened to be in my price range, with a parking garage, and with a pet rent I could afford. Little did I know how much I would love it here! Everyone who works in the office and at the front desk has always been more than helpful to me - from any roommate problems to questions about payments or the lease to just talking about life. They all also love my dog and she loves them, and that's incredibly important to me. I've never had issues getting my questions answered quickly or clearly, and some of the people working downstairs have become friends. The maintenance team is also fantastic. Eugene is one of my favorite people in the building! I often stop to talk to him when I see him around and he always has a treat in hand for my pup. Any time I have needed something fixed they have responded within 24 hours and I have not needed to get it fixed again. They're really respectful when they are in my apartment and never leave a mess and if they have to move things around, they always move them back into place. The location of this place is also really great. I love being right next to the grocery store, the pharmacy, the metro, and walking distance to Cleveland Park. Being so close to Rock Creek Park is also great for my dog! Tenleytown is also within walking distance, so as an AU student, this is a really convenient location for me as well. Overall, I'd say with the level of customer service and the location, AVA Van Ness can't be beat!

Five stars for Karam Alzaro. It is a very nice community and service is very good.

This place is awesome.Its pretty much just your average well kept DC apartment living.

This is my first apartment in DC, and I LOVE living here. People who work here are great--conscientious and kind and ready to be amicable. I've never had a problem with the service (I've been here since July 2015). The amenities are wonderful. The front-desk staff and maintenance crew are superb. Today is day two of Winter Storm Jonas. Eugene is out there shoveling paths and walkways and keeping things real. Give him ten stars!

My fiance and I have lived in Ava for almost a year and we absolutely love it! Pros: The building: The building has a gym, pool, patio area and a business center. The pool hours just got extended to 10am-10pm, which is great for nightly swims after work. The atmosphere in the building is really friendly and welcoming, which definitely makes it feel more like home the second I enter the building, and not just my apartment. The staff: I have loved getting to know everyone on the staff. Chelsea, from the leasing office, has been great to work with and helps whenever questions come up. The maintenance staff has also been easy to work with. Every time I have put a slip in for a repair they have come the same day. They work quickly and cleanly, making the process as simply as possible for the residents. The front desk staff are always friendly and are always willing to help out. However, during shift switches it is sometimes difficult to find them in the evenings. The staff also put on great events for the residence around the holidays, which allows people in the building to meet one another. The apartment: The apartments are big, about 780 square feet, and let in a lot of natural light. The floor plan is also a plus. Our apartment has a step down from the dining room area in to the living room, which makes the space feel much bigger. There is also a lot of storage space in the bedroom closet and 2 hallway closets. The bathroom and kitchen could be a bit bigger, but for two of us it has been fine. We just usually have one person cooking in the kitchen at a time. The balcony is also a plus in this building, it is definitely nice to step outside and enjoy the fresh air, although it is not much of a sitting place. Some other pluses for living here include the building's close location to the metro, Giant, and CVS. We are also right off of Connecticut, so although we are close to a major street, the sounds from the street are not a problem. Overall it is also pretty easy to find street parking. Cons: The main issues that we have experienced in our year of living in AVA are: (1) the pet fee is pretty high in comparison to some other buildings that we had looked ($500 one time fee and $50 per month); (2) the computers in the business area do not always work; (3) due to the number of pets that we have in the building, it tends to smell like dog pee right outside the main entrance when it is warm out; (4) the gym is pretty small if you are a serious workout buff. Overall: I would definitely recommend AVA to everyone, especially people who may be new to DC and are not ready for the hustle and bustle of down town living. It is a fun and convenient place to live. It is also great for students, the building is pretty quiet and as a law student I have not had a problem studying at home.

As a 3-year resident of AVA Van Ness, I have nothing but great things to say about this wonderful community. I moved into the building when I started law school, and it's been such a comfort to have a welcoming, well-maintained place to call home! Everyone on the the staff is friendly and quick to help with any issue you may have. The outdoor space is unbeatable! My friends and family have enjoyed many, many BBQs and days at the pool during my time at AVA. If you're looking for a beautiful, comfortable, and clean living space surrounded by unbeatable amenities, AVA Van Ness is a great choice!

The one star is for an excellent staff - friendly and responsive. However, the owners have decided to undertake a major restoration of the exterior for the next TWO YEARS, that has meant jack hammers creating a noise level in excess of 95 decibels inside my apartment (a lawnmower is about 80 decibels). They have also locked the sliding glass doors from the outside. It is absolute torture. This project should not be undertaken in an occupied building - it is extremely unhealthy, physically and mentally. Check back in two years.

I've lived in AVA Van Ness for about a year. I'll be honest- at first, we thought it was the average DC high rise. But whenever we have had difficulty with anything, we've received almost immediate responses and have formed strong relationships with the staff. Our dog loves to go on walks in the area (Rock Creek Park is steps away!) and we can't imagine living somewhere else in DC. We came for the price, we stayed for the customer service.

I've lived in D.C. going on four years now and out of the three places I've lived this is by far the best. The apartments, location, and amenities are nice, but I think what really sells this place is the great staff. Everyone at the front desk is always friendly and eager to help address any issue, especially Karam and Justine. I'm not saying the apartment is perfect, but in terms of value I don't think you will find a better deal. I've only had one maintenance request since I've been here and Eugene, like the rest of the staff, was awesome in listening to my concerns and resolving it as quickly as possible. I would recommend this place to anyone interested in moving.

I have been here at AVA for about 7 months. I have not had any bad interactions with the staff. They are all wonderful, especially Chelsea. Chelsea takes the time to learn so many of the resident' names. It is quite amazing. The entire staff is great and very friendly. My apartment is nice. Anytime that I need something fixed, it is taken care of in a timely manner. The amenities are a bonus too! I definitely use everything that is offered from the fitness center to the business center. I can't wait for the weather to get warmer so that I can enjoy the tennis court, pool, and grills.

My daugther loves it here, as a parent safety comes first. The community comprise of happy family, respectful adults, clean pets and helpful staff and management. Everything is in close proximity from AVA, living here is convenient if your working around DC or near Bethesda MD.

I've been here now for almost 3 years. This is the best place I've ever lived in my life. Everyone is so helpful and made me feel like home Karam, Chelsea have been so amazing to see their awesome friendly & great customer service and the wonderful Liz, Roderick, Keith, Clyde, Justin, Eugene, and rest of the awesome amazing team. have made this place feel like home. I recommend this place to anyone who would wants an amazing location, amazing people and the best place to live in DC. Thanks AVA for everything. This place rocks!

I've lived in a lot of apartment homes, but AVA was, by far, one of my best experiences. The professionalism of the staff, their knowledge, kindness and the way that they just care about the residents really goes above and beyond. Honestly, had I not purchased a home, I'd still be living there - trust me!!! (and I still miss them)....Have to say, Chelsea Royale was AMAZING to work with...she's so smart, on top of it and is, without a doubt, one of the shining stars at that property...absolutely adored her....You can't get better than AVA...

I've lived here for two years and it's been a great first apartment in DC! The front desk staff is very friendly, and it has all the amenities people look for. The apartment units are huge, it's close to the metro, the pool and individual balconies are nice to have in the summer, and any maintenance requests are handled quickly. My biggest complaint is the gym- it's small and the machines are often broken. Overall I would recommend it!

Absolutely amazing place! The apartments are fairly priced for DC, and the amenities are fantastic. The lobby, gym and common areas are always clean and well kept. The staff is very professional and friendly; they always seem to know everyones name even when you have hardly interacted with them. They are always willing to help and answer any question or concern you may have. The building also has a terrific manager in Chelsea, who is always there to greet everyone in the morning with a smile and address any concerns you may have. I highly recommend this building to anyone looking for a great place to live and friendly staff.

We've lived here for just over a year now and love it. It's a quick walk to the metro, has a pool and gym, great apartment layout, and I. Love. The. Staff. Manny, Chelsea, and Keith are the absolute best. For an apartment building with a ton of people, it's surprisingly quiet (the carpet and textured ceilings really help). Keep a close eye on the website for deals on different apartments. We feel so lucky to be here!

Having lived at this place for 2 plus years, I have one thing to say about the personable personality of Chelsea. She has a welcoming personality that is very radiant. I would highly recommend this place. The building is well kept and service requests are always prompt.

Our daughter recently moved cross-country to attend school in D.C. Prior to her move, we made a trip to D.C. to view well over a dozen apartments in this area. There is a lot to choose from, but AVA is ideal for the price, location, amenities, cleanliness and use of square footage in the apartment. The apartment building sits on a quiet street, and is within walking distance to everything; grocery store, metro, school, Starbucks and restaurants, which are a must for someone without a car. There is a theater just 2 metro stops away. The grounds in and around the apartment building were clean and well maintained, along with the interior of the apartments. I was impressed by the size of the one bedroom apartment. The bedroom is large enough to fit a king size bed, large dresser, nightstands with plenty of room to move around. The closet is large and roomy. The dining and living area are a nice size, and the kitchen has lots of counter space along with a very nice size pantry. Plus all the units here have a balcony. Our daughter is happy, and loves her apartment! There is a 24 hr. front desk security, and the staff here is wonderful. Chelsea, the Community Rep., is awesome! During our visit Chelsea was courteous, professional, and very knowledgably about the area. I emailed Chelsea a number of times after our visit with many more questions, to which she was always prompt in answering. Chelsea and her staff went out of their way, by allowing my daughter to ship boxes prior to her move-in, and were kind enough to store them until her arrival. Move-in was easy, and any issues that have come up are quickly resolved. The staff here ROCKS! Thanks!

I lived here for two years, Summer of 2013 - Summer of 2015. I was a late 20s, single male grad student for part of it and young professional with a girlfriend for another part of the time. Overall, it was a great experience and suited my life as it grew through different stages. The community is young (20s-30s) and gives a young feel (mixed working professionals and students). I believe you get a decent bang for your buck (private balcony, pool, small gym, and great location) as compared to many other apts in D.C. For a fee you also have garage parking, which was cheaper than monthly parking at most places in the city limits. As for the staff, I had nothing but great interactions. My work orders (which were few) were handled professionally and quickly, Chelsea and Manny in the office were great and awesome to work with (they are also just some cool people to know), Keith worked the door a lot and was a great friendly face to see when you walked in (another perk, 24hr front office), and the rest of the staff was always willing to help out or even just talk for a bit. The community also hosts internal happy hours and events so there is an effort to get to know your neighbors. I would recommend this to anyone who is 20-40, single or married, all the way up to a small family. It's a convenient location in D.C. with easy access to AU, Georgetown, and GW. It is also close to Cleveland Park for quick nights out but only 10min by metro to DuPont for weekend fun. For work, traveling both inside the city and to 495 was a breeze, it is the perfect middle point between city living and getting out of the city. Check it out for yourself, the pictures on the site are very accurate.