5 Creative Ways to Transform Your Crest Balcony into an Urban Oasis

One of the best-kept secrets of life at Crest at Skyland Town Center? Having your own private balcony or patio featured in select floor plans. Whether you’re enjoying your morning coffee above the neighborhood or catching a Southeast DC sunset from your own apartment, your outdoor space offers the perfect extension of your home.

Here’s how to make the most of it.

A balcony with a metal mesh screen, chair, and white railing overlooks a grassy area and the modern apartments at Skyland Town Center in the background.

A Private Escape in the Middle of It All

Living at Crest means being surrounded by convenience: shops, restaurants, and everyday essentials like Lidl and CVS are right downstairs. But sometimes, it’s nice to just retreat. A private balcony gives you a quiet place to unwind without ever leaving your apartment.

Looking for some inspiration? Here are a few ideas to transform your balcony into your favorite spot at home.


1. Create a Cozy Morning Ritual

Start your day with intention. A small café table and chair set is perfect for sipping coffee or journaling in the early sunlight. Add a soft cushion, a small side table, and your favorite mug, and suddenly you’ve created a new morning routine that feels like a mini getaway. Looking for some ideas? Check out some of our favorite options on Amazon!


2. Grow a Mini Garden

Even in the heart of the city, you can grow your own herbs, flowers, or even vegetables in pots or railing planters. Think basil, mint, lavender—or go colorful with petunias and marigolds. A balcony garden not only adds life to your space, it also gives you a creative outlet.

Just be sure to follow building guidelines and use appropriate planters for your setup.


3. Design a Sunset Lounge

There’s something magical about unwinding outside at the end of the day. With a few string lights, a compact outdoor rug, and some comfy seating, your balcony becomes a personal lounge with a view. Add a throw blanket and you’re ready for golden hour.


4. Set Up a WFH Break Spot

If you’re working from home, use your balcony for screen-free moments—perfect for quick stretching, fresh air, or even a lunch break. A foldable table and chair can easily turn your balcony into a temporary creative nook when you need a change of pace.


5. Make It Yours

Whether you want it peaceful or playful, the key is to personalize it. A few decorative accents—like lanterns, pillows, or small art—can go a long way in making your balcony feel like part of your home. And because your balcony is private, it’s yours to enjoy however you like.


apartments-with-balconies

Take It All In at Crest

Not every apartment in DC gives you space to step outside—let alone enjoy it with a view. At Crest, select one- and two-bedroom floor plans include balconies that bring the outside in, right from your living room or bedroom.

Want to see which layouts include private outdoor space?

Explore floor plans now or contact our team to schedule a tour.

Affordable One-Bedroom ADU Apartments Now Available at Crest

Looking for a modern, spacious apartment in Washington, DC, at an affordable rate? Crest at Skyland Town Center is proud to offer a select number of one-bedroom apartments through the Affordable Dwelling Unit (ADU) program—designed to provide beautiful homes at below-market rent to qualifying residents.

These apartments are available to households that meet income requirements at the 80% Area Median Income (AMI) level. If you qualify, you’ll have access to well-appointed, amenity-rich living in one of Southeast DC’s fastest-growing communities.

Available Floor Plans:

1-B | 528 Sq. Ft. | $1,465/month

Available August 26, 2025

1-B-Crest-one-bedroom-floorplan

Cozy and efficient—perfect for a minimalist lifestyle or first apartment.


1-E | 641 Sq. Ft. | $1,650/month

Available Now

A floor plan of a one-bedroom apartment at Skyland Town Center features a bathroom, kitchen, living area, and a small balcony.

Open layout and thoughtful design for comfortable everyday living.


1-K | 695 Sq. Ft. | $1,650/month

Available July 1, 2025

one bedroom k at crest

Spacious interior with room to work, relax, and entertain.


1-L | 710 Sq. Ft. | $1,650/month

Available August 7, 2025

Crest offers affordable apartments featuring a one-bedroom ADU apartment floor plan with living room, kitchen, dining area, bathroom, washer/dryer, mechanical room, and balcony.

Our largest ADU one-bedroom floor plan—ideal for residents who want extra space.


All ADU units at Crest include access to the building’s high-end amenities, including a resident lounge, fitness center, outdoor grilling areas, and convenient proximity to Skyland Town Center retailers like Lidl, &Pizza, and Roaming Rooster.


Who Qualifies?

These one-bedroom apartments are part of the District of Columbia’s ADU program, and income limits apply. The ADU program supports households who earn up to 80% of the Area Median Income for the region.

To learn more about the ADU program—including eligibility guidelines and how to apply—please reach out to the Crest Leasing Team at (833) 799-1459.


Ready to Apply?

If you meet the income qualifications and are interested in one of these one-bedroom ADU units, reach out to our leasing team today to schedule a tour and start the application process.

Live affordably, live beautifully—right here at Crest.

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