MG keeps it OG-- heh... I'll let myself out.I've lived in this complex for about a year and a half. While not necessarily the l... Read More
MG keeps it OG-- heh... I'll let myself out.I've lived in this complex for about a year and a half. While not necessarily the luxury high-rise, Montgomery Gardens' proximity to metro, excellent management, and competitive pricing represents one of the best value-for-money apartments in the DC Area.If you can deal with the noise, know where you're getting into, Montgomery Gardens just might be perfect---///Location 4/5Close to the metro, safe, but relatively empty.The complex is about a 10-15 minute walk to the Takoma Park Metro Station. an outdoor station. From Takoma Metro to Metro Center is about 25-30 minute metro ride (when the red line is operating without delays).The neighborhood is relatively suburban, friendly, and safe-- I often walk home from the metro at 8-9PM at night and have never had an issue.In a few years, they will be opening up a few restaurants and shops at Takoma Central. Currently, there are a few restaurants and shops near the metro, but this complex is not necessarily in the thick of foot traffic and retail. This may be a pro or con depending on who you are.The roads along the way are a bit beaten and not very handicap accessible. ---///Complex Quality 4.5/5It's nothing fancy, but it gets the job done.The complex is well-maintained, the vegetation well-groomed, the snow-shoveled promptly, and the fixtures all in good working condition.They do not have a fancy lounge area, a free espresso maker, or a doorman-- but it does the job just fine.There is a small (emphasis small) gym with a treadmill, bike, multi-function machine, a rowing machine, and some light weights (less than 40 lbs).They also have a nice outdoor BBQ area with a picnic table, a pit, and community garden.Pool access is free at a partner complex ~10 minutes drive away that is open in the summer.---///Apartment Quality 4.5/5Much like the complex, the apartments are "nothing fancy, but it gets the job done"We have a 2 Bed / 1 Bath + Balcony and its been host to dinners with 10+ people just fine.The apartment itself is pretty nice. A small balcony (granted overlooking street traffic), hardwood floors, small-kitchen, granite countertops, stainless steel sinks, small bathroom.They offer a nice visual tour online that will give you a sense of what the actual apartments are like.---///Neighbors From my experience, the residents living in this complex have all been lovely.The people that live here are a mixed blend of young professionals, families, and old-timers.As an example: the people living across from me are recently-graduated bachelors, the people living next door are newly-weds, and the apartment diagonal is occupied by an elderly lady who has lived in the complex for 20+ years.---///Noise 2/5This is probably the single biggest drawback of living in this complex. Depending on where your apartment is located, you face two constant streams of noises.1. If you face the trains, you get the nice sound of a passing metro car every 10-15 minutes (more during peak hours), and a MARC Train every few hours.2. If you face the street, you get the nice sound of passing road traffic throughout the day and night.The noises get quieter if you decide close your windows, but the windows are not strong enough to block out noises completely. So you never experience total silence while living in Montgomery Gardens.Additionally, the walls and doors within the complex are PAPER thin-- I can hear every drop of water in the kitchen from the bedroom.I am a fairly light sleeper, and I occasionally sleep with ear plugs to reduce noise while living in this complex.---///Service 5/5This is where Montgomery Gardens really shines as a complex. Their management is incredibly responsive. They typically respond to service calls within 24 hours if not the same day. They have dedicated repairmen that also live in the community-- a very familial set-up that really creates a sense of pride for the residents here.The management team also hosts a BBQ/Potluck BYOB event twice a year to get the neighbors together. Quite a nice touch in my opinion.---///Price 5/5We paid ~1400 for our 2 bedroom 1 bath. This price also includes water, gas, heating in the winter, maintenance fees, AND free internet.I think this may be THE most competitively priced complex within 30 minutes of downtown DC.----While not necessarily the luxury high-rise, Montgomery Gardens' proximity to metro, excellent management, and competitive pricing represents one of the best value-for-money apartments in the DC Area.If you can deal with the noise, Montgomery Gardens just might be perfect.Location: BComplex Quality: AApartment Quality: A-Neighbors: Varies, but for me, Great!Noise: CService: A+Price: A+Overall Value: 4.5/5 Read Less