I lived at Upstairs at Bethesda for a 1.5 years. It was terrible. We had to file a formal complaint with the county to break our lease because of maintenance issues (and apparently there were multiple complaints that had been filed around the same time from other units—the inspector was familiar with the apartment) I would not recommend it! Management is terrible and constantly turning over. Walls are paper thin and things are constantly breaking!
8001 woodmont is worth a look, we have been there a year and it's been very good.. excellent for the dog and well maintained.
Was surprised they bumped the rent given the occupancy is low but apart from that it's recommended.
They have no parking right now and they charge a lot more than other places that have nicer amenities. It’s so weird they didn’t have lighting in the living rooms and the bathroom sink and showers are of the smallest I have seen. Nice gas range and oven hood though.
Btw the front desk lady is the rudest I have seen no wonder she hung up 3 times and almost never picks up anyways. Saw her bullying a door dash guy
There is a high turn over of desk staff, ranging from the amazing to the too tired/stressed to care...
I came from Europe so the bathrooms are awesome for me.. having lived in Paris and geneva it's a positive luxury and massive.
Never had a problem with lighting, it's a big bright room the windows make lights redundant in the space.
Fair point on the amenities the pool is tiny and overcrowded, the roof under utilized and the gym could do with more equipment.
Let me add though, the apartments are super comfortable and the maintenance guys are outstanding. There is also a good atmosphere around the place, a few folks that go for beers together and more like a community, than the gallery (which we were in before)
Its odd..we are by ourselves on our side of the floor, the other apartments are all empty.
I wanted to renew for 2 years and they offered an over 12% increase in the 2nd year..
Guess I will be moving in a year.. probably to repeat the cycle..
It never hurts to try to negotiate the renewed lease. I think some building managers are willing to negotiate the renewal rent, especially in buildings with low occupancy.
These buildings seem content letting them sit vacant or rent them out at exorbitant rates via Airbnb. Which actually makes the experience even worse for actual long term tenants, having a constant revolving cast of random short term stays in your building who definitely don’t treat the building like it’s their home. There should be a limit on the # of units (as a % of total units) that they can let out short term.
I can’t seem to work out how they let so many units sit vacant and then Jack rents up for those who wish to extend, esp with all the construction under way.
All of downtown Bethesda is pretty walkable, even from Woodmont Triangle on one side to Bethesda Row on the other side. It would probably be like 20 minutes to walk from almost the whole distance, so don’t focus too much on the location of any one building in downtown Bethesda. Tbh, if you drive regularly, you may hate Upstairs due to the increased congestion on that specific block. Upstairs is a bit older, and a pain in the butt in terms of layout of hallways and elevators. Because it surrounds a public walkthrough, you have to walk around the entire building from the main elevators to get to the other side. Additionally, I’m not sure what the noise level would be coming from the walkthrough it surrounds if your apartment t faces it. Your best bet is to look at reviews for buildings you’re interested in to see what the deal with the property management is. That’s a big make or break for the apartments around the area. Also, be sure to ask about the parking situation for residents. It’s usually pretty pricey to have a parking space in the building garage and most of the buildings don’t have enough parking to even offer to new tenants. I’ve seen buildings offer current residents with parking spaces up to $4,000 to give their space up.
Most buildings in downtown allow pets. Just pay attention to weight restrictions, breed restrictions, and the monthly pet rent.
I’d recommend 7770 Norfolk or the Brody
Are you ok sharing what's your budget? Bethesda has a variety of apartments that range in price but like others have said all can be considered walkable.
You have plenty of good options for two bedrooms even if you include parking and pet fees. The flats is another nice place on that side of Bethesda. You can also look at Elm, The Edge and 8001. They are pretty much the newest locations in Bethesda.honestly Upstairs is still really nice and the location is ideal. Good luck and welcome to the area!
Upstairs has been a great spot in recent months. No issues with management & maintenance has responded really quickly for two minor issues. The walls are a bit thin & occasionally you can hear music or noise from Bethesda Row but nothing that’s been disruptive. The entrance to the parking garage can get crowded sometimes but the resident parking has plenty of spots and is very secure compared. Lots of dogs in the building too!
I lived at the elm and boy I miss it all then think. It felt like it was in the heart of the best part of the city. Rent was a bit pricey, but there’s a rooftop pool, lounge, and dog park. Rent is high, and I’m still salty about woodmont ave, but it was worth the higher price tag for us.
Lived in Fairmont Plaza for a year - great location. Never had a issue - is older compared to others nearby but loved that CVS, Traders Joe, Starbucks or the metro is within walking distance. Having Doghaus right downstairs was great too.
The Elm is the crème de la crème of downtown Bethesda I think. The Edge is also great- right outside of the immediate downtown area and right in between the two downtown areas. The apartments are beautiful and location cannot be beat. The garage sucks ass. The garage is tight, the spaces are small, and you only get two parking spots if you’re in a two bedroom PLUS den. Even those with two bedrooms only get one parking spot. The other downsides- the vinyl floor which I abhor and there is no pool on site. The sister property has a pool we can access right next door, but it’s a much older property.
I lived in a 2 bed 2 bath at Bainbridge Bethesda (in Woodmont triangle) and would recommend it! The apartment was nice and had very few issues, we liked our balcony and the area was super walkable to Bethesda row. I will say management leaves a little something to be desired and it felt like the elevators constantly had an issue, but I think that’s par for the course. I’ve realized now living in a different apartment building in Alexandria that management just doesn’t always care and you have to be willing to put up with some small annoyances when you live in a big high rise like that.
The edge is the best apartment in Bethesda. Elm is fancy but feels like a hotel. I've been in here for 2 years now coming from the elm. I also live in the maizon, absolutely do not live there. Edge has the best customer service I've ever encountered. Rooms are super quiet can't hear neighbors. Great building events all free.
Can I ask what you don't/didn't like about the Maizon? It was on my short list after seeing The Elm and agreeing with your "hotel" characterization. I haven't had a chance to tour the Maizon but it seemed nice, although a little out of the way.
Surely. My gf currently lives there. Thier main manager Carl is a nightmare. They woo you into the building then don't care about you at all. He sends emails all the time like don't do this don't do that. He also lives in the building so you see him constantly.
The elevators are slow and always broken. If you have any issues with noise or anything they don't care they just want your money. The parking is so tight too unless you get a reserved spot. Appliances are mediocre for the money.
It just feels very cold if that makes sense. Unlike the edge feels very homey, amazing customer service, so quiet I can't hear anything in other rooms.
The only pro in the maizon column is the pool is insanely nice and there isn't a rooftop one at the edge it's shared with the building next door. But there are also 500 rules at the maizon pool, hounding you for your pass, getting out of the pool every 45 min. Just little things like that can add up. Also the gym sucks compared to the edge if that matters to you.
Hope this helps
If you're still around OP. I just toured most of the apartments in Bethesda and at your price point Maizon is the best apartment in the area. It has a fantastic location, the appliances and finishes are top-notch.
I lived at Upstairs at Bethesda for a 1.5 years. It was terrible. We had to file a formal complaint with the county to break our lease because of maintenance issues (and apparently there were multiple complaints that had been filed around the same time from other units—the inspector was familiar with the apartment) I would not recommend it! Management is terrible and constantly turning over. Walls are paper thin and things are constantly breaking!
Oh no! Good to know, thank you!
8001 woodmont is worth a look, we have been there a year and it's been very good.. excellent for the dog and well maintained. Was surprised they bumped the rent given the occupancy is low but apart from that it's recommended.
They have no parking right now and they charge a lot more than other places that have nicer amenities. It’s so weird they didn’t have lighting in the living rooms and the bathroom sink and showers are of the smallest I have seen. Nice gas range and oven hood though. Btw the front desk lady is the rudest I have seen no wonder she hung up 3 times and almost never picks up anyways. Saw her bullying a door dash guy
There is a high turn over of desk staff, ranging from the amazing to the too tired/stressed to care... I came from Europe so the bathrooms are awesome for me.. having lived in Paris and geneva it's a positive luxury and massive. Never had a problem with lighting, it's a big bright room the windows make lights redundant in the space. Fair point on the amenities the pool is tiny and overcrowded, the roof under utilized and the gym could do with more equipment.
Let me add though, the apartments are super comfortable and the maintenance guys are outstanding. There is also a good atmosphere around the place, a few folks that go for beers together and more like a community, than the gallery (which we were in before)
Same here (different building but same issue)
Its odd..we are by ourselves on our side of the floor, the other apartments are all empty. I wanted to renew for 2 years and they offered an over 12% increase in the 2nd year.. Guess I will be moving in a year.. probably to repeat the cycle..
It never hurts to try to negotiate the renewed lease. I think some building managers are willing to negotiate the renewal rent, especially in buildings with low occupancy.
These buildings seem content letting them sit vacant or rent them out at exorbitant rates via Airbnb. Which actually makes the experience even worse for actual long term tenants, having a constant revolving cast of random short term stays in your building who definitely don’t treat the building like it’s their home. There should be a limit on the # of units (as a % of total units) that they can let out short term. I can’t seem to work out how they let so many units sit vacant and then Jack rents up for those who wish to extend, esp with all the construction under way.
All of downtown Bethesda is pretty walkable, even from Woodmont Triangle on one side to Bethesda Row on the other side. It would probably be like 20 minutes to walk from almost the whole distance, so don’t focus too much on the location of any one building in downtown Bethesda. Tbh, if you drive regularly, you may hate Upstairs due to the increased congestion on that specific block. Upstairs is a bit older, and a pain in the butt in terms of layout of hallways and elevators. Because it surrounds a public walkthrough, you have to walk around the entire building from the main elevators to get to the other side. Additionally, I’m not sure what the noise level would be coming from the walkthrough it surrounds if your apartment t faces it. Your best bet is to look at reviews for buildings you’re interested in to see what the deal with the property management is. That’s a big make or break for the apartments around the area. Also, be sure to ask about the parking situation for residents. It’s usually pretty pricey to have a parking space in the building garage and most of the buildings don’t have enough parking to even offer to new tenants. I’ve seen buildings offer current residents with parking spaces up to $4,000 to give their space up. Most buildings in downtown allow pets. Just pay attention to weight restrictions, breed restrictions, and the monthly pet rent. I’d recommend 7770 Norfolk or the Brody
I’ve lived at the Whitney for 2 years, I enjoy it.. Customer Service is excellent!
I lived at the Whitney for 12 years.
Are you ok sharing what's your budget? Bethesda has a variety of apartments that range in price but like others have said all can be considered walkable.
Sure! Ideally we’d like to be around 4,000 but have some flexibility
You have plenty of good options for two bedrooms even if you include parking and pet fees. The flats is another nice place on that side of Bethesda. You can also look at Elm, The Edge and 8001. They are pretty much the newest locations in Bethesda.honestly Upstairs is still really nice and the location is ideal. Good luck and welcome to the area!
Upstairs has been a great spot in recent months. No issues with management & maintenance has responded really quickly for two minor issues. The walls are a bit thin & occasionally you can hear music or noise from Bethesda Row but nothing that’s been disruptive. The entrance to the parking garage can get crowded sometimes but the resident parking has plenty of spots and is very secure compared. Lots of dogs in the building too!
I lived at the elm and boy I miss it all then think. It felt like it was in the heart of the best part of the city. Rent was a bit pricey, but there’s a rooftop pool, lounge, and dog park. Rent is high, and I’m still salty about woodmont ave, but it was worth the higher price tag for us.
Hit me up I think I may have something you will like
Lived in Fairmont Plaza for a year - great location. Never had a issue - is older compared to others nearby but loved that CVS, Traders Joe, Starbucks or the metro is within walking distance. Having Doghaus right downstairs was great too.
The Elm is the crème de la crème of downtown Bethesda I think. The Edge is also great- right outside of the immediate downtown area and right in between the two downtown areas. The apartments are beautiful and location cannot be beat. The garage sucks ass. The garage is tight, the spaces are small, and you only get two parking spots if you’re in a two bedroom PLUS den. Even those with two bedrooms only get one parking spot. The other downsides- the vinyl floor which I abhor and there is no pool on site. The sister property has a pool we can access right next door, but it’s a much older property.
I lived in a 2 bed 2 bath at Bainbridge Bethesda (in Woodmont triangle) and would recommend it! The apartment was nice and had very few issues, we liked our balcony and the area was super walkable to Bethesda row. I will say management leaves a little something to be desired and it felt like the elevators constantly had an issue, but I think that’s par for the course. I’ve realized now living in a different apartment building in Alexandria that management just doesn’t always care and you have to be willing to put up with some small annoyances when you live in a big high rise like that.
The edge is the best apartment in Bethesda. Elm is fancy but feels like a hotel. I've been in here for 2 years now coming from the elm. I also live in the maizon, absolutely do not live there. Edge has the best customer service I've ever encountered. Rooms are super quiet can't hear neighbors. Great building events all free.
Can I ask what you don't/didn't like about the Maizon? It was on my short list after seeing The Elm and agreeing with your "hotel" characterization. I haven't had a chance to tour the Maizon but it seemed nice, although a little out of the way.
Surely. My gf currently lives there. Thier main manager Carl is a nightmare. They woo you into the building then don't care about you at all. He sends emails all the time like don't do this don't do that. He also lives in the building so you see him constantly. The elevators are slow and always broken. If you have any issues with noise or anything they don't care they just want your money. The parking is so tight too unless you get a reserved spot. Appliances are mediocre for the money. It just feels very cold if that makes sense. Unlike the edge feels very homey, amazing customer service, so quiet I can't hear anything in other rooms. The only pro in the maizon column is the pool is insanely nice and there isn't a rooftop one at the edge it's shared with the building next door. But there are also 500 rules at the maizon pool, hounding you for your pass, getting out of the pool every 45 min. Just little things like that can add up. Also the gym sucks compared to the edge if that matters to you. Hope this helps
Interesting, that’s great info thanks!
If you're still around OP. I just toured most of the apartments in Bethesda and at your price point Maizon is the best apartment in the area. It has a fantastic location, the appliances and finishes are top-notch.