Moving from Louisiana to Washington, DC (apartments, rental, job market)

[Marie_23]

Hi, I have never lived outside the state of Louisiana and need advice on the safest and best priced place to live for a college student. My husband will be attending University of George Washington this Fall for his Masters in International Law. So, far friends have told us to pick an apartment in either Virginia or Maryland and just commute into Washington, DC.

Also, could someone tell me how the job market is in DC and surrounding areas. I have a Bachelor in Psychology and a Masters in Interdisciplinary Studies. My husband holds two undergrad degrees in Business and Marketing as well as a Juris Doctor in Law.

[dullnboring]

The job market in the DC area is in general terrific and very diverse. I doubt with your qualifications that you'll have much difficulty finding a job.

As far as a place to live, what sort of environment are you looking for? City or suburban? What's your tolerance so far as commute time goes? Any sort of budget constraints on rent?

A large number of GW students choose to live in Arlington along Metro's Orange Line, also known as the Ballston Corridor as it provides short commutes into DC, but has less of the hassles associated with living in DC (i.e. not as much red tape, a bit cheaper, less crime, lower density, easier parking, etc.). This area is in general urban but lower-density than DC, with plenty of bars and restaurants and great Metro access. There's a high concentration of young professionals in that area. DC itself is always an option as well.

[Marie_23]

Originally Posted by dullnboring

The job market in the DC area is in general terrific and very diverse. I doubt with your qualifications that you'll have much difficulty finding a job.

As far as a place to live, what sort of environment are you looking for? City or suburban? What's your tolerance so far as commute time goes? Any sort of budget constraints on rent?

A large number of GW students choose to live in Arlington along Metro's Orange Line, also known as the Ballston Corridor as it provides short commutes into DC, but has less of the hassles associated with living in DC (i.e. not as much red tape, a bit cheaper, less crime, lower density, easier parking, etc.). This area is in general urban but lower-density than DC, with plenty of bars and restaurants and great Metro access. There's a high concentration of young professionals in that area. DC itself is always an option as well.

Thanks for the reply, My husband and I would love to live in either the city or suburb. We have never commuted before so at best a 30 or 45 minutes might be okay. We can probably afford rent at highest 1500 the most.

[Zippy7fo]

Originally Posted by Marie_23

Hi, I have never lived outside the state of Louisiana and need advice on the safest and best priced place to live for a college student. My husband will be attending University of George Washington this Fall for his Masters in International Law. So, far friends have told us to pick an apartment in either Virginia or Maryland and just commute into Washington, DC.

Also, could someone tell me how the job market is in DC and surrounding areas. I have a Bachelor in Psychology and a Masters in Interdisciplinary Studies. My husband holds two undergrad degrees in Business and Marketing as well as a Juris Doctor in Law.

The above poster is correct. Finding a job in your field will not be hard at all especially with all the associations/universities/hospitals.

You can't go wrong with living in either Arlington or Alexandria and taking the Metro to get where you wanna go....Foggy Bottom is expensive and insane....Also check out apartments near Dupont/Logan Circle/USt and 18th near UST/Florida Ave......

[seldomseen]

Alexandria, Rossyln, Pentagon City, Arlington, Clarendon, Ballston, are all nice areas on the VA, side, and all offer easy commuting into the Distric. You should be able to find a nice to decent 1-2 bedroom apartment for $1,500 per month. There are two free apartment rental publications for the DC Metro area. You can view these online, via paperback goto:

www.apartmentshowcase.com
ApartmentGuide.com - apartments for rent, apartment finder

[Marie_23]

I'll look into the areas that you guys listed. Thanks

[Sharon R.]

Foggy Bottom is expensive, but it is beautiful and very safe, and the surrounding area is also very safe. You are within walking distance to downtown or Georgetown. There is also a Metro station. You would save yourself so much money and aggravation by not commuting. Just my opinion.

[Marie_23]

Finally, visited Washington, DC and found a place to live in Crystal City that meets our budget. Thanks for the helpful hints everyone

[seldomseen]

Cool Crystal City is a nice area...you're very close to tons of great shopping, dining, recreation, and various forms of entertainment.

[LoveMiiorHateMii]

USAjobs.com has listing of many govenment jobs that are available. I work for the Department of Justice as a summer intern and they are always looking for new people with the experience your husband has. Check it out.