What's it like to live in the Watergate?

[Anonymous]

We're thinking of downsizing after our last child graduates. We prefer to move back into DC from Bethesda, but aren't finding many 2 bedroom condos that we like. I've always thought the exterior of the Watergate was hideous, and it's not exactly walkable around there. But we'd be on the inside looking out and there are some nice views. Certainly we'd be close to everything.

Is there a sense of community there? Are the amenities worth the big HOA fees? Are there unexpected assessments? Is there a multi-generational mix since we don't want to feel like we're living only with older couples (I'm only in my mid 50s).

[Anonymous]

Lots of extremely wealthy second home owners. It’s not their primary residence.

[Anonymous]

I’ve never understood it, personally.

[Anonymous]

OP -- You may find this old thread helpful:

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1099239.page

[Anonymous]

Funny, I'm thinking of moving in the other direction, DC to MD, in retirement. I'm so tired of paying DC taxes (9%+ on income) for pathetic lack of services and now rampant crime. I've lived here 40 years and have never felt this unsafe.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Funny, I'm thinking of moving in the other direction, DC to MD, in retirement. I'm so tired of paying DC taxes (9%+ on income) for pathetic lack of services and now rampant crime. I've lived here 40 years and have never felt this unsafe.

I live in MD but I’m going to guess the Watergate is one of the safest places around. I doubt you’ll get thieves scaling those crenated patios. I wouldn’t want to walk in the area at night, though, except for around the Kennedy Center.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP -- You may find this old thread helpful:

https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/1099239.page

Although, NB that thread has a lot of nonsense about coops. If you seriously want to know the pros and cons of them, I'd talk to a realtor who has sold in coops before. (Because they will have sold condos and SFHs before and are clear about the differences.)

[Anonymous]

The units are generously sized and soundproof. But the fees are outrageous and doing anything more than a minor repair can be a real hassle, everything has to be approved by the board. Not all units come with parking or storage, and there's a shortage of both.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We're thinking of downsizing after our last child graduates. We prefer to move back into DC from Bethesda, but aren't finding many 2 bedroom condos that we like. I've always thought the exterior of the Watergate was hideous, and it's not exactly walkable around there. But we'd be on the inside looking out and there are some nice views. Certainly we'd be close to everything.

Is there a sense of community there? Are the amenities worth the big HOA fees? Are there unexpected assessments? Is there a multi-generational mix since we don't want to feel like we're living only with older couples (I'm only in my mid 50s).

Nice

[Anonymous]

The maintenance fees are so high I don’t understand the appeal.

For example this one is $1.1 million purchase price and has $3,236/mo in HOA fees. https://redf.in/vgqJWU

I can’t imagine spending $3k/mo for an old pool and a parking space (in a garage that once partially collapsed) and exterior maintenance.

Watergate is also sort of on its own island—yes you could take a longer walk to Georgetown or Foggy Bottom but there is no interesting retail or dining or neighborhood ambiance immediately outside there, and these are typically the benefits of living in the core of a city.

If I wanted a high end condo on the water in DC I’d choose something at The Wharf. Or Georgetown (though the elevated highway makes those less desirable in my opinion).

[Anonymous]

Is the homeless encampment still right out front by the underpass?

Hard pass.

[Anonymous]

The fees include: taxes, utilities, cable / Internet, fitness center, pool and staffed entrance.

For our house in Bethesda, we pay $9k tax, $3600 utilities, $1200 cable, $2400 fitness center, $1200 pool so about $17,500. Divide by 12 = $1458 monthly. This does not include snow shovelling, garden upkeep, tree trimming, pruning, and grass cutting, which we largely do ourselves (for now). If we had to outsource all of that we’d probably be within $1k of the monthly fee. Would I pay $12k to be free of those worries? Hell yes, IF they have managed to keep crime at bay.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The fees include: taxes, utilities, cable / Internet, fitness center, pool and staffed entrance.

For our house in Bethesda, we pay $9k tax, $3600 utilities, $1200 cable, $2400 fitness center, $1200 pool so about $17,500. Divide by 12 = $1458 monthly. This does not include snow shovelling, garden upkeep, tree trimming, pruning, and grass cutting, which we largely do ourselves (for now). If we had to outsource all of that we’d probably be within $1k of the monthly fee. Would I pay $12k to be free of those worries? Hell yes, IF they have managed to keep crime at bay.

The pool and fitness center are both tiny ! Such a huge development and tiny pool?

[Anonymous]

A recent WETA If You Lived Here featured a Watergate condo for sale and the building itself.
https://www.pbs.org/video/foggy-bottom-house-3-lg3om0/

[Anonymous]

Since there is no longer the secret Safeway, no thanks.