Moving to D.C. for school (apartment complex, rent, insurance)

[yuls987]

I am a 31 year old female moving from Seattle to D.C. in about 3 weeks to attend a graduate school at American University. I would really appreciate any advice on my current choice of neighborhood (Glover Park, National Cathedral, areas north of Georgtown along Massachussetts Ave. corridor) in light of the following:

1) i would *really* like to live in a safe neighborhood;
2) i am prepared to spend $1100-1300 on a studio/1BR
3) i would probably need a car, but parking/insurance/gas might render it a bad idea;
4) i would like to live without roommates;
5) i would like to minimize commute (I plan to be working part time during the school year somewhere downtown D.C.).

I would also appreciate any other suggestions. Also, what is the commute from AU to, say, Dupont Circle like?

[dullnboring]

1. The neighborhoods you are looking at are all very safe. This being a major city, you will of course have to exercise basic street smarts, just as I'm sure you have to do in Seattle. As a whole though, these parts of D.C. are some of the safest.

2. Being that these are some of the safest and most desirable parts of the city, prices are higher than they would be elsewhere. While it can't hurt to look for a one-bedroom apartment, the likelihood of finding one is small. If you are able to find one, they will likely be at the upper end of your price limit and more likely than not, English basements. For your price range and area, you'll likely wind up with a studio, although in some parts believe it or not, $1300 won't even get you that, but there IS a sizable selection of studio apartments in nice areas for your price range.

3. In this case, it might be worth it to look at more low-density areas of the city to minimize parking hassles and costs.

4. As stated in #2, should be doable with a studio.

5. In this case, like most people, proximity to Metro is ideal seeing as how driving in DC during the workday is best to be avoided.

The commute from Dupont Circle to AU depends on the mode of transport. A ride on the Metro is only around six or seven minutes, but then AU is probably a good 15 minute walk from the Tenleytown station. A bus ride to the campus would run probably around 15-20 minutes but is more direct. Car ride will take just as long as a bus, but you'd have to find parking which could take awhile.

Personally, I think if bringing a car, you may want to check out Cleveland Park. It's more low-key and quiet than Dupont Circle, largely residential but with a sizable retail strip and a Metro station to zip you to AU or Dupont or downtown DC and rents are a smidge cheaper than in places like Dupont. As a whole though, I'd recommend checking those areas close to the Red Line on Metro, north of Dupont Circle.

[mlv311]

Originally Posted by dullnboring

As a whole though, I'd recommend checking those areas close to the Red Line on Metro, north of Dupont Circle.

I concur with Dullnboring on checking out areas on the Red Line metro north of Dupont Circle. Being near a metro stop would allow you more flexibility in commuting on evenings and weekends without needing a car. AU has a shuttle from the Tenleytown metro to campus, but most people just walk because they don't want to wait.

The areas you are looking at are all safe, but they are mostly on a bus route (not a biggie if you have a car). Some buildings charge for parking so you need to factor that into your budget. Street parking can be hard to find in those areas. If you choose to live on a bus route without a car, I'd chose a place where the bus is near your residence and goes by Dupont Circle. That way you avoid transfers.

[Zippy7fo]

I agree with the above posters information/recommendations. You can take the metro and either rent from a apartment complex or basement ap/house. Another good area is Tenleytown....But those areas are all safe and you won't have any problems...

[yuls987]

Thanks so much to everyone who posted responses to my questions. All of them are extremely helpful. Special thanks to dullnboring!

[gzjht1]

I went to AU as well. Few key points:

- You can come to AU without having a car. Just need to know that your new home is metro-accessible (by rail or bus).

- For rail - The closest metro stop is Tenleytown and the university runs a shuttle service to/from that metro stop to campus. You can also walk it if needed since it's under a mile and a straight walk along Nebraska Avenue.

- For bus - the metro bus lines that run near campus are the N2, N3, N4 and the N6. Those bus lines run along Mass Ave and will allow you to commute from Dupont Circle and the National Cathedral area (cross streets of Wisconsin and Mass). I would say

- Glover Park has many Gtown and AU students since it's right in between both schools. It's just north of Georgetown proper. Parking can be a nightmare on the street if you decide to bring a car but housing can be pretty reasonable. There's also a bus line that runs through the neighborhood or you can catch one out on Wisconsin Ave (short walk depending on where you live). You'd get good exercise since the walk to AU is up hill.

- AU has off-campus housing listings that may be helpful to you, as well. Many people in the area have converted basements and rent those to students and often prefer grad students. The listings are free - all you need to do is register. The link is:
American University Off Campus Housing Service

- Be more than happy to help with other questions - feel free to PM me, if needed.