All things considered, it's a good space for a first apartment. More roommates makes it more affordable.

Pros: we have a lot of space, kitchen has a dishwasher, unit has a washer and dryer (though they're a bit small). Maintenance is friendly and has responded quickly to most issues. We're down the end of a hall, so we have almost no noise from other residents. The occasional barking dog.

Cons: It's technically a non-smoking community, but I often get weed and cigarette smoke smells filtering into my room through the vents. There's limited lighting in the apartment so expect to invest in lamps. They are also on a system where it's only A/C or heat and it can get really hot in the apartment if it's warm after the heat is turned on. So also prepare to invest in some fans. It's also an older building, so many aspects aren't ADA accessible. There's renovation happening on the first floor, which means a lot of construction noise at odd hours. We also pick up a lot of road noise.

The apartments are spacious and fair prices for the amenities, such as a gym and pool. The elevators tend to be under construction or have an issue which can be frustrating. About a ten minute walk from the metro and thirty minutes total from GW's main campus. Everyone is kind and helpful. Recommend living with roommates to lower the price.

Close to campus, convenient

So far it has been a good experience. The apartment complex is making new updates to a lot of units and Crystal City along with Pentagon City and Potomac Yard is getting "rebranded" as National Landing, so there is a bunch of new things opening up. There are a ton of great restaurants and shops around the area and a it is about a 10 minute walk to the metro station. I will say there is a lot of construction in the area, but the noise has not been that big of an issue.

The on-site laundry is a pain. They are currently installing units in the apartments but that will take months to finish.

Can’t beat the access to the metro, underground passage from the apartment building to the the metro

Management responsive to comments. Lots of great community events. Clean, well-kept space. Apartments are large with lots of closet space. Low noise-level. Great amenities include pool (outside) and gym. Ability to use amenities (i.e. indoor pool) of sister sites in Crystal City. Pets allowed. Friendly staff. Relatively peaceful and pleasant area. Close to DC, the airport, and VRE.

Downside are the shared laundry machines, which often do not work. I believe that they are working on fixing this issue.

The Buchanan is affordable, clean, accessible to transportation and the DCA. It is a choice for students who are living on a budget, but want a nice place to live.

Living in the city is expensive. Sometimes, you can have a decent place and a good location, which is what the Buchanan is. Sure, it may take them hours if not days to process packages. Sure, sometimes they turn off the water in the middle of the night/day (on the regular!). Sure, we have the occasional mouse. You can't beat the location and the price is decent, so I deal.

Buchanan apartments is a great choice for someone who still wants to live in the city but not to pay a lot. The only minus is washer & dryer room is outside the apartment, but located on each floor. We do enjoy living here! A lot of great restaurants, coffee shops, amenities nearby. You still need to drive to do groceries tho.