Downsizers Find Room to Roam At Ashbury Courts

Justin Aaron plays pool in the complex's billiards room, which also has a coffee bar. (By Barbara Ruben For The Washington Post)

Because Ashbury Courts has a number of older residents who used to live in bigger homes, Rozanski theorized that they have not completely adjusted to living in smaller spaces. Or maybe they're just friendly.

"We liked the coziness and the beauty of the public areas, and everyone is just so nice," Bellinger said.

Justin Aaron agrees. He just moved into the building in June and by the end of July was making plans to ship out to Iraq with the Air Force. His sister will be moving in to keep his wife company.

"So far, everyone has been very helpful and friendly. I've lived a lot of places where you barely speak to the other residents," Aaron said.

Ashbury Courts, which is about 20 minutes from Fort Meade, has a program for residents in the military. They receive a 5 percent discount on the rent, do not pay an application fee or deposit, and the rent can be deducted from their paychecks. The 5 percent discount also applies to civilian government employees.

The building also offers a concierge and package pickup service. Furnished apartments are available.

"We'll furnish it down to the knives, forks and cable TV, so the tenant will walk in and get it all," said Rozanski, who noted that apartments can be leased for as short a period as three months.

The property has 15 retail spaces on the first floor. So far, only a handful are rented, including a nail salon, Mediterranean restaurant and dance studio.

"This is the first building like it in Laurel," Rozanski said. "It's an urban-type building style right in the middle of the suburbs."