Alright, I'll try this again. I am moving to the DC area (thinking about living in Arlington). What can I expect to spend on rent? What are the good areas to live?

Thanks!

My wife an I live in Alexandria, VA. Only about 15 minutes from DC. You can expect to pay between $1,200 to $2,500 depending on where you live. The cost of living is outrageous. Arlington, and Alexandria are great in Virginia. In Maryland I think Bethesda and Silver Spring are pretty good. Basically, unless you make a ton of money, live with 3 roommates, or want to live in really shady neighborhoods avoid living in D.C. Hope this helps.

Gig 'em

I used to live in Arlington. the housing is a little crazy but you need to look at the bigger picture:

1. You will not need a vehicle, so sell it. You will also no longer need auto insurance so there is another expense you no longer need.

2. Ask your employer for a reimbursement package for the Metro. If you're living on the south side of Arlington at the Pentagon/Pentagon City/Crystal City stops and heading to Capitol South then the company should reimburse you roughly $75/month for transportation to and from work. There's another expense.

3. Everything is really close in DC. I like to tell people I learned to walk twice in my life: Once when I was a baby, and once when I moved to DC.

You'll find yourself walking everywhere and your perception of space and something being "far away" will change drastically. Cabs are for suckers, unless you're heading to Adams Morgan at night, or you find yourself in Anacostia at 3 a.m. after falling asleep on the Greenline Metro after a night on U-Street.

4. If you work on the Hill, get VERY ACQUAINTED with the Interns, Staff Assistants, and Schedulers. They know of all the receptions offering free food and drinks. Newbies to DC have survived on finger food and free beer for generations...this will not change!

5. If you don't work on the Hill, there is NO excuse to be more than 2 degrees of separation from one of the above referenced interns, staff assistants, or schedulers. DC is a networking city. There might be a few million people there, but you're just a handshake and a slip of the tongue away from being front page news. USE CAUTION WHEN PRACTICING YOUR FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHT, remember that reporters have that right as well!

Hope this helps.

Your best bet is to do a craigslist apartment search and interview for an apartment. I know it sounds crazy but everyone who just moves there has 5 other roommates for a 3 bedroom/2 bath house. That's just the way it works.

Oh yeah, and don't forget your instant support system whenever you go to a new place:

DC Aggies

[This message has been edited by prsgibgolf (edited 12/6/2010 10:20a).]

[This message has been edited by prsgibgolf (edited 12/6/2010 4:57p).]

Thanks for all the help! Really looking forward to living in the area..heard there are plenty of ags

For 3 roommates, you should be paying around $900-1000 a month

For 2 roommates, around $1100-$1300

Living by yourself is not possible if you just graduated.

Myself, I graduated in May 09 and live all the way out in Falls Church with another roommate paying $700 for rent. Gotta take a 15 minute bus ride to the metro which is a pain in the butt. Overall about a 45 minute commute to Pentagon City.

Hit me up sometime at ryan dot a dot yee at gmail dot com

We rented a 3-BR house in Lyon Park for 2 yrs before buying. It was older but well kept and everything was updated. $3,100 per month

What is your housing budget? If you have never lived up north then prepare yourself for sticker shock.

I assume you are young and single, so that would place Arlington in great position. Otherwise goto DC if you can afford it.

I would goto craigslist to check out rentals. I'm in the process of getting a new tenant for my condo in Falls Church, and so I know about the local rental market.

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I have seen the enemy, and he is us.