Preserves @ Caton's crossing - not senior apt

Pros

• Sydni has made the moving process bearable.
• The maintenance staff here is amazing and quick to resolve issues.
• The maintenance team goes above and beyond, even helping on off days.
• The staff are friendly, responsive, and genuinely care about residents.
• Maxwell and Jay made the tour and move-in process easy and stress-free.
• The community's grounds are impeccable and pet-friendly.
• The amenities (pool, clubhouse, fitness center) are clean and well-kept.
• The complex is safe, with secure entrances and attentive staff.
• The apartments are updated and well maintained.
• The Preserve is highly recommended and a must-see.
• The old management company was amazing, with responsive follow-up.
• Je' Niece is very responsive and nice.

Cons

• The extended elevator outage lasting about a month is deemed unacceptable for residents, especially on upper floors and for those with disabilities or the elderly.
• The main office is criticized for poor communication and failing to keep residents informed about repairs.
• The community is filthy, with buildings and elevators not cleaned regularly and a persistent stench.
• Trash remains overflowing on the sidewalk despite monthly maintenance fees.
• Residents must endure nicotine clouds because the property is non-smoking, yet smoke is pervasive around entrances.
• Ceilings leak due to an unrepaired roof, with issues described as not having been addressed for months.
• Management is accused of charging excessive, unnecessary fees and penalties.
• New management is described as horrible and unresponsive, often not returning calls or emails.
• Walls are very thin, allowing neighbors' noises to be heard clearly.
• Maintenance requests are not promptly addressed; issues linger for long periods or remain unresolved.

Review

Living at The Preserve has been a rollercoaster of experiences for the residents who call this place home. For many, the complex promised modern upgrades and a convenient location, and in the right hands it can truly feel that way. The newer management era brought noticeable improvements in some units and a renewed emphasis on amenities and upkeep, especially for tenants who value quick response times and friendly service. But those positives sit alongside a growing list of worries that can overshadow even the best moments, with recurring infrastructure problems, communication gaps, and a sense that some critical issues are treated as afterthoughts rather than urgent needs.

One of the most consistently praised elements across the reviews is the maintenance department and the people who work there. Several residents singled out the maintenance team as a standout feature: they're described as prompt, capable, and genuinely invested in keeping living spaces comfortable. There are stories of same-day or within-hours responses to routine requests, and even emergency situations handled with care and a willingness to go above and beyond. In particular, tenants have noted that maintenance staff respond quickly to urgent problems like air conditioning failures during scorching heat, and there are heartfelt shout-outs to individuals who live nearby and lend a hand even outside regular hours. This level of responsiveness helps balance some of the more frustrating experiences, especially for families with infants or pregnant residents needing reliable cooling or quick fixes.

But the flip side to that strength is a growing frustration with larger-scale issues that seem to linger. There are frequent mentions of leaks and roof problems that have gone unrepaired for months, with residents feeling the root causes are identified or promised to be addressed but then not resolved in a timely fashion. Complaints about responsiveness are not limited to getting a hold of a person; even when someone answers, there's sentiment that "getting things done" is the real challenge. The discrepancy between the quick, practical repairs that appear to come from on-site maintenance and the longer, broader building issues that repeatedly surface leaves many feeling like the work is reactive rather than proactive.

The building's infrastructure became a particularly painful talking point during a recent thunderstorm that damaged the sole elevator. The elevator's "motherboard" failure and its extended downtime illustrate how a single failure can cascade into serious discomfort for residents, especially those on upper floors, people with disabilities, and elderly tenants. The lack of communication from the main office exacerbates the problem: residents report having to reach out repeatedly to get any information, and the notion that a building with only one elevator should be equipped with spare tools and supplies to handle a failure feels almost obvious in hindsight. An update that the elevator wouldn't be fixed for another week - and later that the entire month could pass without elevator access - struck many as unacceptable, turning ordinary daily tasks into arduous chores and leaving a lasting impact on the sense of safety and reliability within the community.

Beyond the elevator and the ongoing repairs, cleanliness and odor issues appear in several reviews as ongoing irritants. Some residents describe the building as "filthy," with unclean hallways, persistent odors, dirty elevators, and overflowing trash spilling onto sidewalks despite the maintenance fees residents pay. The non-smoking policy is mentioned, but not always effectively enforced, with complaints about walking through nicotine clouds on a daily basis. A ceiling leak during sleep further underscores the perception that crucial repairs aren't happening with the priority and urgency they require. These cleanliness and sanitation concerns color daily life and contribute to a sense that the property's upkeep is inconsistent and uneven across different areas.

On the brighter side, the community does have strong advocates who highlight the benefits of living here. A number of residents praise the recent positive changes after a management shift, noting improvements and more proactive maintenance when the new team is involved. The "new management" conversation is a mixed bag: some residents feel the current team is responsive, friendly, and capable of managing day-to-day needs, while others lament a lack of follow-up and a perceived decline in service compared to the previous management. There's a clear throughline: the quality of the experience often hinges on who is handling a given issue and how quickly they can mobilize the right resources.

People who emphasize the positives often point to standout staff members who helped during key moments of transition. Sydni in the office is frequently mentioned with appreciation for her care and attentiveness, while community interactions with Maxwell and Jay during tours are cited as reasons people fall in love with the property and decide to move in. The sales and leasing process is described as smooth and stress-free when these team members are involved, with stories of prompt quotes and timely communication that turn what could be a nerve-wracking moving experience into a manageable, even pleasant, process. The presence of on-site staff who live in the same neighborhood adds a layer of accessibility and accountability that some residents find reassuring.

Location and community amenities also factor into how people weigh the decision to stay or move on. The Preserve is praised for being close to shopping, groceries, hiking spots, and major highways, which makes daily life convenient and accessible for many residents who commute or explore the region. There's also a sense of safety and community in the living environment: key-fob access helps people feel secure, and there are mentions of a dog park and updated fitness equipment as tangible benefits that elevate the living experience. However, these perks don't always compensate for the more serious concerns about elevator downtime, persistent maintenance delays, and the environmental quality of common areas, which can leave residents with mixed feelings overall.

In summary, The Preserve embodies a complex mix of strengths and weaknesses that shape the resident experience. On the one hand, residents enjoy efficient maintenance responses, friendly and capable staff members, and a network of amenities and conveniences that make daily life feel comfortable and modern. On the other hand, persistent infrastructure problems, significant communication gaps from the main office, expensive and sometimes opaque fees, and the emotional and logistical burden of long delays - most notably the elevator outage - create a heavy air of frustration for many tenants. For prospective renters, the takeaway is clear: the community has real potential and many positive personal stories, but the decision to rent here should be informed by a candid assessment of how responsive the local management is at the moment and whether you're prepared to weather the kinds of interruptions that have defined others' experiences. If you value proactive management, quick maintenance, and a welcoming staff, you'll likely find The Preserve a strong fit; if you prioritize seamless infrastructure and flawless communication, you may want to explore other options or demand a clear, documented plan for addressing the ongoing issues before committing.

This part of Woodbridge, Virginia offers a convenient and diverse range of amenities for seniors considering living in the area. With several reputable physicians and medical facilities nearby such as Shady Grove Fertility, Potomac Internal Medicine, and Carient Heart & Vascular, residents can easily access quality healthcare services. Additionally, there are various cafes like Starbucks and Panera Bread for social gatherings or quick meals, along with restaurants such as Chick-Fil-A and The Cheesecake Factory for dining out options. Pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens are also within close proximity for medication needs. For spiritual fulfillment, there are places of worship like Bethel Free Will Baptist Church and Pohick Church nearby. Parks like Burke Lake Park and Lake Accotink Park provide opportunities for outdoor activities, while theaters such as Alamo Drafthouse Woodbridge offer entertainment options. Overall, this area is well-equipped to cater to the needs and preferences of seniors seeking a comfortable and vibrant community to reside in.

Physicians

• Shady Grove Fertility (0.1 miles)
• The Centers For Advanced ENT Care | Potomac ENT And Allergy (1.1 miles)
• Trent Jocelyn D MD Faap (1.7 miles)
• Century Medical Building (1.8 miles)
• Commonwealth Ent Associates (1.8 miles)
• Potomac Internal Medicine (2 miles)
• Carient Heart & Vascular (2.4 miles)

Cafes

• Starbucks (0.6 miles)
• Panera Bread (2.4 miles)
• Starbucks (8.6 miles)
• Starbucks (10.4 miles)
• Starbucks (11.3 miles)
• Panera Bread (11.4 miles)
• Grounds Central Station (11.4 miles)

Restaurants

• Chick-Fil-A (0.7 miles)
• The Cheesecake Factory (1.2 miles)
• Bahama Breeze (1.2 miles)
• McDonald's (1.4 miles)
• McDonald's (1.4 miles)
• Uncle Julio's (2.1 miles)
• Chick-Fil-A (2.3 miles)

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (1.5 miles)
• Walgreens (1.9 miles)
• Walgreens (2 miles)
• Wegmans (2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.2 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (2.4 miles)
• Target Pharmacy (4.8 miles)

Places of Worship

• Bethel Free Will Baptist Church (1.6 miles)
• Pohick Church (6.4 miles)
• Saint Bernadette C (9.3 miles)
• St Andrew the Apostle Catholic Church (12.1 miles)

Hospitals

• Potomac Labor & Delivery (1.6 miles)
• Century Surgical Service (1.8 miles)
• Sentara Healthcare (1.8 miles)
• Fort Belvoir Community Hospital (8.8 miles)

Parks

• Fantasy Playground (2.2 miles)
• Sandy Run Regional Park (3.5 miles)
• The Play Ground (5.5 miles)
• Burke Lake Park (7 miles)
• Prince William Forest Park (7.5 miles)
• Lake Accotink Park (10.2 miles)
• Springfield Forest Park (10.5 miles)

Theaters

• Alamo Drafthouse Woodbridge (2.3 miles)
• Regal Springfield Town Center (10.2 miles)

Transportation

• Franconia-Springfield Metro Station (10 miles)