Meghan H.
Google
I lived at VA Highland Apartment Homes for 4.5 years, and while this might be a long review it's extremely honest and I hope it helps renters make the right decision.
It's undeniable that location is the top feature of this complex, and is the largely the reason I stayed for so long. However, it cannot be discounted that the location does not make up for serious issues living here. Here's a few things you can expect to compromise on:
1. Safety - The complex and it's parking are not secure. In my time living here, I had my car broken into, numerous packages stolen, and even had a credit card stolen out of the mailbox system. Parking is limited and when the complex is at full capacity, you will have to park on the street if you're not home by 9pm - leaving you and your car once again at risk. Anyone, welcome or unwelcome, has easy access including (in my experience) loitering high schoolers, solicitors, and homeless. And no, there is no courtesy officer on site.
2. Noise/Smell - These apartments are old, and no amount of "renovation" is going to structurally change that. If you are on any floor that is not the top, you will hear every single step your upstairs neighbors make (ceilings are LOW). There is also little to no insulation between the walls, I lived next to a smoker and could smell cigarettes in my kitchen every day. If it's cold, the hot water pipes knock inside the walls. Noise/Smell issues are common in apartments, but I've never experienced it to this level.
3. Maintenance - Did I mention these buildings are old? With that comes MAJOR appliance and repair issues. I had a broken HVAC unit for 8 weeks this summer, with nearly 15 repairs done to it. Outside of HVAC I've had 2 roof leaks, a broken toilet that required extensive drying, a replaced washing machine, and regular pest control issues. The maintenance team here is wonderful, but there's only so much they can do.
4. Price - This complex used to be the most affordable in the area and for good reason. Aside from a pool, there are no amenities. It really is the bare minimum here which was fine for me, but at the price point they are now renting there are dozens of newer, nicer complexes in the area with more to offer.
Pointing out the red flags, there are also a few green flags to living here outside of it's prime location:
1. Apartment size - I lived in both the 525 sq ft and 750 sq ft 1 bedroom units, and both are great size/layout and have ample storage.
2. Community - The people that live here are friendly and respectful. The pool can be a really fun place to hang out during the summer, and the management group started hosting nice community events in 2024.
3. Staff - The maintenance guys were awesome, quick to respond, and very friendly.
I wish after years of living here I had more positive comments, but I am honestly relieved to not have to deal with the issues of this place anymore. Each person can decide what is best for their needs, but I would strongly encourage living elsewhere.