Bancroft Apartments

bathroom, and access to hot water was inconsistent. The shower pressure was low, and water is a light rusty color. I've had to shower in an empty unit because mine needed repairs. My tub leaked into my downstairs neighbor's unit so frequently that they had a hole in their bathroom ceiling/could see the bottom of my tub for a while. My friends who live in other old buildings in capitol hill haven't had as many plumbing issues. - the walls are thin enough that you hear neighbors talking and doing a variety of normal human activities (in the bathroom, bedroom, you get the picture). - utilities proportionally cost more because the appliances and plumbing are old. When I lived here I usually paid about $150 - $180 in utilities each month, plus around $35 for laundry. My highest water bill was about $300, when there was a water leak in the building. I now live in a larger apartment with more efficient appliances, and my utility bills (including laundry) are around $60. - I'd recommend reading the yelp reviews for northwest apartments regarding security deposits, especially over the last 5 years. They charged me over $2000 for cleaning and repainting my 520 sqft unit. I took very good care of my apartment while I lived there. Living here is a bit like flying spirit airlines, except if it cost the same as flying business class on alaska. It was becoming increasingly hard to justify, so I moved. I'm still in the heart of capitol hill and my monthly housing costs are the same (what I pay more in rent I save in utilities) but I now have a dishwasher, in-unit washer and dryer, AC, and my walls are thick so I no longer hear my lovely neighbors pooping or talking on the phone. I made do with the challenges of living here, but after getting to know the neighborhood and the various housing options over the last 6 years, I can confidently say there are many better choices regardless of whether you're looking for a charming old building or something modern with amenities.