I'm so happy I found the M Street Towers. Mount Vernon seemed like kind of a dead neighborhood at first- I picked it because it was close to my work - but there's all kinds of good coffee shops/breakfast spots hidden away close by, in alleys and basements and in the bottom of apartment buildings. Also, I find I can walk to nearly everything in Shaw, Columbia Heights, Logan/Dupont, U-Street area - and also, a bunch of cool bars and restaurants are opening nearby on 7th, near the convention center.
...I bet this place is going to become more popular in the next couple of years.
Love my place: It's a studio, but it's L shaped, so the kitchen feels like a different room. Huge walk-in closet, plus a linen closet and a coat closet. My apartment had just had its kitchen renovated, so while it's a small place, it's been very nice. From what I saw when I was touring, not all the kitchens were so great. It seems like the building is a nice mix of yuppies and families who have been here for decades. Neighbors are friendly and I haven't had problems with anyone here.
The building itself is made wonderful by the security staff who are always so friendly and kind. Maintenance here is also great - I had a leak in my wall that was replastered and fixed within a day. I called in in the morning and came home to it done.
The neighborhood feels mostly safe, but I'm glad the building has security because when it gets late there can be problems. I've heard a couple of screaming fights outside my window, and seen some people get arrested. Safeway, Whole Foods, and Capitol Market are all a short walk. If I wanted to keep living alone, I'd definitely stay here.
