Dorchester House

I love living here. Been here for almost two years now. I think it’s a perfect location, between a great park and grocery store. Near 18th street and Mt Pleasant, next to a bus station. The staff is friendly and repair things quickly. It’s very clean. It’s not perfect, the main problem is that someone pulled a fire alarm almost nightly for a stretch but that’s stopped now. The gym is decent and the laundry room is adequate. It’s the only place I’ve lived in DC and am very happy to be here. No major complaints. The roof is also very lovely

UPDATE: Cockroaches!!! So many cockroaches. After 3 rounds of extermination, I find numerous roaches in my home regardless of cleanliness. It is a constant disgusting struggle.

Endless safety concerns in the building. The fire alarm has been pulled or gone off by mistake numerous times, at all times of the day and night, making it impossible for residents to know if there is really a fire. A month ago a homeless man was asleep in the stair well, and non residents have been found sleeping in the lobby. They will let anyone into the building. Police are regularly here as a result. Not to mention there is a major pest problem. I would not recommend living here especially if you are a woman living alone.

The front desk staff and maintenance staff are incredible, and this review has nothing to do with them. They are the only reason I have not moved yet, and do a WONDERFUL job.

I had to call 911 about a resident from this building who harassed me and began following me as I passed the building. I was walking a foster dog when a white man who looked to be about 6ft tall in his 40’s or 50’s with shoulder length brown hair started screaming at me and trying to get close to me and threatened to kill me and the dog. I had to call 911 because he was following me and wouldn’t leave me alone and began filming me or taking photos of me on his phone. He appears to have mental health issues and be a danger to others. It makes me feel unsafe to go near the Dorchester House

Overall Dorcester House is a solid apartment complex for a location in the city. It has some down falls, mainly the age of the building hurts the ability to block noise from other rooms but its not a huge deal, also you get the odd pothead that makes the hall smell like weed 24/7, but thats pretty common in DC. The place has improved greatly over the last 6 months or so and serving those who live their seems to be a top priority. Also maintenance and sanitation is sold. Everything is fixed on time and I have yet to see a mouse or roach.

Update: mice and roaches!!! It doesn’t matter how sparkling clean my apartment is, the problem stays consistent and makes me paranoid and feeling icky. Also, The building needs a call box so not every person is just let in. I like most of the workers. The Security and cleaning staff are friendly.

Management is SO helpful and kind. Shelton was an immediate help during a move for me, the security people are always asking me how I am and keeping me smiling. I couldn’t recommend enough. I feel safe. It’s in a great spot. I feel lucky to have a great size apartment and awesome management.

Management lies to your face about everything. I was told 6 months ago while looking for apartments the gym was being fixed up. The same sample paint swatches are on the wall and all of the machines are unsafe. The machine to add money to your laundry card has been broken now for 2-3 months. I have told "Concierge" and management but still nothing. (numerous tenants have complained) Employees constantly park in my parking spot while I am at work, the assistant manager even admitted this while I was in her office.

I just moved in about two months ago and am extremely pleased with the cleanliness, privacy, and size of my unit, as well as the friendly 24-hour front desk/security staff and the building amenities. I looked at another apartment building nearby for the same price that was much smaller and lower quality; glad I went with Dorchester instead. I’ve received compliments from other DC residents who visit on both the building and my unit. Check it out!