Savoring the Sunbeams in Shirlington

Linda Erwin, 46, was pleasantly surprised by the size of her kitchen in the studio apartment she rented in September. "I usually pick one bedrooms or one bedroom [plus] dens," she said. "I didn't need to with this."

She noted that her apartment has three wonderfully large windows where sun beams in. It is well organized so she doesn't feel cramped. Erwin said the closets are a good size, too, and the result is a cozy living area.

Many of the amenities are still under construction, but plans call for two 24-hour business centers, a gym and a spa that would offer residents massages.

When professional musician Rafael Javadov wants to practice his violin, he goes down to the business center in the Flats and plays in front of a flat-screen computer monitor while watching a classical music performance. He said the Delancey is "the best place."

For traveling around the area, there are several public transportation options, including Metrobus, Alexandria's DASH bus and Arlington's ART buses. There isn't a Metrorail station within walking distance. Drivers can rent open-air or garage spaces.

Tyson's building is quiet, he said, even though there are busy stores just downstairs. He lives on the second floor above a restaurant, but said he can't hear any noice.

Erwin said the management takes good care of tenants. "It's the little things," she said. Management response to requests is fast, she said -- often within an hour.

She said she knows all her neighbors because the management staff arranges a monthly get-together for residents.

Tyson said that, as at many Arlington apartment buildings, a lot of the tenants are young adults. "We're kind of like the senior couple here," he said. But despite the age differences, the neighbors are friendly.

"Nice places attract nice people," he said.