AVA Ballston

My roommate and I submitted an application, took a few days to make an informed decision (since the terms of the lease were different than those we agreed to at the time of submitting the application), and chose not to sign a lease. Suddenly we got slapped with a $500 "reservation fee," even though the apartment was still rented by someone else throughout this entire process. The leasing agent never mentioned this fee during the tour or during all our back and forth afterward. I can only imagine how bad the nickle-and-diming would be if we'd moved in. Very disappointed overall.

I recently moved here to experience the “city life” while not spending an arm and a leg on rent. If you don’t care that the apartment is extremely outdated then this is the place for you. The front office people have been decent and they are good with communication. I can honestly say I am excited to move out of here. I feel dirty when I come out of the shower and I feel cleaned when I moved in. There is hair stuck to the paint they used to paint the accent walls (burn orange) the toilets have glue stuck to the bottom of them. The wood is starting to crack by the sink and There is still a phone plug for a telephone for the kitchen. That’s how old they are. They definitely need to update.

Lived here for one year, it was fine. The place was a little pricey but had to find an apartment fast. Moving out was where they got me minor wear and tears around the apartment wound up coming out to be large costs when we moved out. Had no pets or children did not smoke, or even entertain guests, but lost the entire deposit and wound up owing money. Moving in and out was a headache, both times the loading bay was double booked because people could reserve it over the phone and online.

Recently moved out after a year there, and I loved it. It's in a great location, especially if you use the metro (10 minute walk to orange/silver line.) The amenities are awesome, and the community is a really laid back atmosphere with a mix of younger people as well as families. Even with all the dogs as well as younger people around, there was never a problem with noise, which was great. The staff was incredible, and maintenance was responsive and reasonable. Moved out simply because I needed to be closer to DC for work, but would've happily stayed otherwise. Received very little charges for moving out as well, even though we had a dog. If you take care of the place and clean up after yourself they are very fair with move out charges and cleaning fees. Would definitely recommend, especially if you're younger or like being in a city environment with a lot nearby to do. -Anthony, 316

Ava really delivers--- wonderful amenities, updated apartment finishes and super friendly staff!

This building is great because it is a short walk to the metro, quick access to major roads heading out of the Ballston area and is not far from the downtown Clarendon area. Many tenants have pets and there is a great pool area as well. The front desk staff is excellent as well and is very friendly and helpful.

I love living at AVA Ballston! The apartments are spacious and have balconies so you can enjoy the outdoor air while still have that city convenience. All of the staff, including the cleaning and repair crew are friendly. They always greet you with a smile and are never too busy to help. The building organizes happy hours and BBQs to enable neighbors to meet each other easily and facilitate community living rather than living in just an old apartment building where you don't know your neighbors. And there are so many dogs!!! I love dogs and am not quite ready to get one of my own....so I borrow everybody else's. I get my doggie fix everyday! It's a short walk to metro, restaurants and CrossFit. The building has a very modern feel and when you walk into the main lobby, you just can't help but feel happy. They also email you if you have a package delivery and you have the option for them to deliver it to your apartment. Too busy to drop your clothes at the dry cleaners? They will send them out for you! The gym downstairs is great and has tvs on the cardio equipment so you can get your workout in while being entertained. I can't say enough about the the place I'm lucky enough to call home. I'm not moving any time soon!!!

AVA Ballston definitely provides great value. The building is in good shape, recently renovated, and well-maintained. The apartments themselves are quite sizable for the price, and the building has a unique culture. It's true that it veers towards an offbeat modern vibe, which might not appeal to some, but it's not pervasive enough to make it impossible to live another way. There are a few areas for improvement: uneven staff quality, trash collection, package availability, etc., but in general, it's a great location just a short walk, or shuttle ride, away from the metro.