Moving to the DC area and I know NOTHING about it (Washington: for sale, real estate)

[melissa2781]

I am moving to the DC are to start my career as an underpaid public interest attorney. My small dog and I will be moving there from Denver, and we are both looking forward to it!

I am not familiar with DC, or the surrounding areas, or the neighborhoods. I have no idea where it is "affordable" or "safe" or "interesting". So any advice would be excellent!

Right now I live in a really awesome condo in Denver. Its in an old mansion that was converted to different units, and there are exposed brick walls and lots of old charm. If I could find something comparable, I would be ecstatic. However, this is not necessary.

Rent Range 0-$1100 ish.
Small pet under 25 lbs
Need a safe neighborhood
Close to the Metro
A neighborhood with something "charming" about it

Any suggestions on where I should even BEGIN looking?!

Thanks!!!!

[melissa2781]

also... is Old Town somewhat how I described? Old, historic, really cool and charming? Do they have houses/apartments similar to the one I described that I am living in now in Denver?

Thanks!

[Zippy7fo]

Originally Posted by melissa2781

I am moving to the DC are to start my career as an underpaid public interest attorney. My small dog and I will be moving there from Denver, and we are both looking forward to it!

I am not familiar with DC, or the surrounding areas, or the neighborhoods. I have no idea where it is "affordable" or "safe" or "interesting". So any advice would be excellent!

Right now I live in a really awesome condo in Denver. Its in an old mansion that was converted to different units, and there are exposed brick walls and lots of old charm. If I could find something comparable, I would be ecstatic. However, this is not necessary.

Rent Range 0-$1100 ish.
Small pet under 25 lbs
Need a safe neighborhood
Close to the Metro
A neighborhood with something "charming" about it

Any suggestions on where I should even BEGIN looking?!

Thanks!!!!

The DC/Baltimore region is great especially for professional opportunities and things to do. Its diverse and when I say diverse I'm talking not only racial breakdowns but also international. You'll meet people from all over the world and most everybody you meet is college educated with even more carrying graduate level degrees.

If your gonna live in Dc the best area for you would be Logan, Dupont, Ust, 18th st nw, Georgetown, Cleveland Park, Van Ness, maybe even Columbia Hgts it just depends on your price range, metro preferences, commute time, and neighborhood makeup. Basically the best areas are NW DC, SE/NE around the capital building and SW. Now Afford ability doesn't exist in the city unless you rob banks on the regular so you might be attracted to Arlington/Ballston which is a huge hub for 20-30 something professionals. Bethesda is similar but its very expensive.

Old Town is exactly how you described and its the entertainment district for Alexandria. Very nice pubs/restaurants/homes in the area. Its very safe.....Check out Wilson Blvd, Adams Morgan, M st NW near G-town, and Penn Qtr , 18th st/Connecticut NWand various spots around downtown...Your gonna have a great time....

[saganista]

You might want to scan through Capitol Hill and Eastern Market also. These are older neighborhoods that either are being or have been reclaimed from some years of neglect. There are old schools, trolley car maintenance buildings, warehouses and the like that have been refurbished as lofts and apartments, and some might strike your fancy and also fall into the affordable range. Rents here are higher than most places, if you hadn't figured that out, so be prepared for some sticker shock sometimes. Much will depend though on where the office will be. Young lawyers tend to work some long hours at times, so the ability to get to and from the office with a minimum of fuss will be important. Metro can be a big factor in that...

[claremarie]

I would contact the other underpaid public interest attorneys at your place of employment to ask about their housing choices. They've already done the legwork, and can give you insights onto the commute times from their homes to the office. You might even find a roommate.

[dorado0359]

Originally Posted by claremarie

I would contact the other underpaid public interest attorneys at your place of employment to ask about their housing choices. They've already done the legwork, and can give you insights onto the commute times from their homes to the office. You might even find a roommate.

I agree with the above post. That is the best way to go about finding a place in D.C., especially as a newcomer to the area.

Good Luck.

[melissa2781]

Originally Posted by saganista

You might want to scan through Capitol Hill and Eastern Market also. These are older neighborhoods that either are being or have been reclaimed from some years of neglect. There are old schools, trolley car maintenance buildings, warehouses and the like that have been refurbished as lofts and apartments, and some might strike your fancy and also fall into the affordable range. Rents here are higher than most places, if you hadn't figured that out, so be prepared for some sticker shock sometimes. Much will depend though on where the office will be. Young lawyers tend to work some long hours at times, so the ability to get to and from the office with a minimum of fuss will be important. Metro can be a big factor in that...

Thank you everyone for your awesome advice! I feel more comfortable knowing that people who live in D.C. are so willing to help!

I was wondering where I can find information about housing opportunities online for the above neighborhoods? I have been searching the internet, but all I find is the apartment complexes run by big corporate property management companies. Id love to be able to find info online for some of the refurbished lofts in old schools, trolley car bldgs, etc.

[Zippy7fo]

DC Lofts and Washington DC Condos - All about modern, urban living in Washington DC, Arlington, Alexandria, Maryland, and Beyond

DCRE


Washington post has a great real estate section in the print version...Online is kind of meh. But you can go to the online site and type in redeveloped school and all the articles will come up as well as other sites and info for DC based real estate....

[seldomseen]

Apartment Showcase.com - Apartments For Rent - Apartment Search in Maryland, Washington DC, Northern Virginia

ApartmentGuide.com - apartments for rent, apartment finder

craigslist: san francisco bay area classifieds for jobs, apartments, personals, for sale, services, community, and events

[eb23air]

Hey, I'm a law student in DC, I PM'ed you, check it out.