Where to live: Alexandria or Arlington or D.C. Proper (Columbia: where to stay, sublet)

[kthanksbye]

Hello everyone,

I am moving to D.C. Nova area for job. But here us the problem it is a consulting job so I could be anywhere in D.C. Or nova depending on the client. I am looking for the oerrrct place to live. I have a car ( but I am not attached to it) and would actually may be prefer not having a car. ( have lived in several commuter cities and enjoy not having to drive but don't mind it).
My stats
- budget no more than 1500$ for rent. (1400)
- 1 bedroom or big studio apartment - with washer/dryer in unit
- metro assesible.

Here is an apartment I found in Alexandria that I love but I am wondering if it is too far.
The Graham at Southern Towers Apartments in Alexandria, VA

Any suggestions on apartments or where to stay.
And how much is like a monthly or yearly metro pass( I could probably google this but we are here now)

Thank you all

[Flamingo13]

You need to read through the threads on here. And Google is your friend

[slowlane3]

Southern Towers, and nearby Seminary Towers, are high-rise apartment complexes built in the 1960s, to be convenient to getting on and off the freeway (I-395 "Shirley Highway"). In the 1960s and 1970s, the newly developed West End of Alexandria was extremely popular with young singles. There is frequent Metrobus and DASH service around Southern Towers, but it's 2 or 3 miles from a Metrorail station. I recently read that the demographic of Southern Towers has become 40 percent Ethiopians (not that it matters, as they are by and large, model citizens). One downside of the complexes is, they are surrounded by large parking lots for the residents, which makes it not so walkable to shopping and conveniences. However, new development is coming to the immediate area, as discussed in these blogs

https://ggwash.org/view/8165/beaureg...alkable-places (written in 2011)

https://ggwash.org/view/39188/dcs-li...and-alexandria (2015)

[ChristineVA]

If you need to access a client in various locations, you will need a car. You cannot depend that Metro will get you where you need to be.

Next, what is your lifestyle? Young, single and wanting some nightlife or weekend things to do? Move to DC. $1500 per month will get you in a 1 BDRM studio or a very nice 1 BDRM with private bath in a roommate situation (extremely common for young professionals). Arlington would be my second choice.

[Hal Roach]

Would depend on you being gay, Jew, or black...perspectively. Combinations live in any of the three.

[leighland]

My State Dept friend lives in Southern Towers. My dh is helping him move from a studio to a 2 bed today coincidentally

If you adore multiculturalism, ST is for you. Its like every United Nations employee lives there. Just walking thru the lobby, you'll hear several languages from residents literally all over the world. Lily white Nordics to Central African nationals. Appears to be mostly white collar professionals, looks like World Bank, State employees, etc. but thats my observation. Single women live there so that speaks to its safety.
Parking is a breeze, there are several convenience stores on campus (ST is made up of several towers) think 711, Dry Cleaning, barbershop, etc. There are at least 2 outdoor pools, playgrounds for the many little kids, BBQ stands, etc. Its a breeze to DC and VA compared to other similarly located rentals.

The bad:
If you are concerned about appearances, ST look is from the 80's and hasn't changed. Not gleaming modern at all.
Laundry facilities. I'm not sure if there are rooms per floor or all concentrated in the basement but you won't have it in your apt.
No Heat/AC control: you cannot control the heat or the AC. The temperature is controlled in the basement for the whole building. You cannot put an AC window unit in your apt. either. There is a "Cooler-->Warmer" gauge in your apt but it does nothing. You'll need fans in the summer.
Haven't seen bugs or vermin. But I have seen garbage in the loading dock pile up.
You'll have 2+ elevators per tower. Expect only one running regularly- you will never be without one elevator tho'.
I would live there if I were in my 20's/30's and single/just married.

[The Dissenter]

Originally Posted by kthanksbye

Hello everyone,

I am moving to D.C. Nova area for job. But here us the problem it is a consulting job so I could be anywhere in D.C. Or nova depending on the client. I am looking for the oerrrct place to live. I have a car ( but I am not attached to it) and would actually may be prefer not having a car. ( have lived in several commuter cities and enjoy not having to drive but don't mind it).
My stats
- budget no more than 1500$ for rent. (1400)
- 1 bedroom or big studio apartment - with washer/dryer in unit
- metro assesible.

Here is an apartment I found in Alexandria that I love but I am wondering if it is too far.
The Graham at Southern Towers Apartments in Alexandria, VA

Any suggestions on apartments or where to stay.
And how much is like a monthly or yearly metro pass( I could probably google this but we are here now)

Thank you all

I would look on Columbia Pike closer to the Pentagon in Arlington. Not directly metro accessible but the 16 bus line takes you to the Pentagon Metro where you can catch a lot of bus lines.

[Hal Roach]

I think since you are willing to settle for a studio that may indicate you are used to urban life and the small spaces that come with it. I am not big fan of Edlandria, Seminary Rd., South Arlington, etc.. I did a Summer sublet in Crystal City....it was 980 per month for a two bedroom...30 years ago....my room mate was a young doctor....it was roach Hell. They were in the walls. Same on Wisconsin Ave., manager showed me a unit, and there were roaches all over the place. I would choose DC, but would pay close attention to safety and roaches. Try a few lesser used channels...bulletin board at Georgetown U, or American....consider basement apartments. Check the walk score...look for at least high 70s.

[kthanksbye]

Originally Posted by Hal Roach

Would depend on you being gay, Jew, or black...perspectively. Combinations live in any of the three.

I am African. If that helps.

[kthanksbye]

Originally Posted by leighland

My State Dept friend lives in Southern Towers. My dh is helping him move from a studio to a 2 bed today coincidentally

If you adore multiculturalism, ST is for you. Its like every United Nations employee lives there. Just walking thru the lobby, you'll hear several languages from residents literally all over the world. Lily white Nordics to Central African nationals. Appears to be mostly white collar professionals, looks like World Bank, State employees, etc. but thats my observation. Single women live there so that speaks to its safety.
Parking is a breeze, there are several convenience stores on campus (ST is made up of several towers) think 711, Dry Cleaning, barbershop, etc. There are at least 2 outdoor pools, playgrounds for the many little kids, BBQ stands, etc. Its a breeze to DC and VA compared to other similarly located rentals.

The bad:
If you are concerned about appearances, ST look is from the 80's and hasn't changed. Not gleaming modern at all.
Laundry facilities. I'm not sure if there are rooms per floor or all concentrated in the basement but you won't have it in your apt.
No Heat/AC control: you cannot control the heat or the AC. The temperature is controlled in the basement for the whole building. You cannot put an AC window unit in your apt. either. There is a "Cooler-->Warmer" gauge in your apt but it does nothing. You'll need fans in the summer.
Haven't seen bugs or vermin. But I have seen garbage in the loading dock pile up.
You'll have 2+ elevators per tower. Expect only one running regularly- you will never be without one elevator tho'.
I would live there if I were in my 20's/30's and single/just married.

thank you so much. This helps a lot. I am actually East African.

Oh one question I was reading some bad reviews like about mice and roaches is that true?