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So I have visited DC and I am sure that this is the place for me. What entry level salary would provide a good qol? Just for some information I would PREFER no roommates and rent no more than $1000-1300 in a safe neighborhood, preferably with a good number of people in my age range (21-30), and near the metro if possible. I have no problem taking the metro for up to 20 minutes each way. Would a salary of $40,000 be enough? Would it be better to live in Arlington, VA and commute to DC? Also I would live with roomates or in a studio, but would prefer a single apt. Any advice would be great!
That's a tough price point inside the beltway. You could find something in the 1200-1300 in Alexandria away from the metro or maybe on the edge of Arlington. Prices go down considerably further out and moreso in Maryland. You also may be able to snap up an English basement in the district for that price, but you gotta watch craigslist closely.
I don't think it's that difficult. There are plenty of studios and rooms in group houses in DC, Arlington, etc. you can get for even under $1000. Almost everyone I know is in that situation.
Friend has a studio in Van Ness/Cleveland Park for around $1200 a month all inclusive. Getting a 1br that isn't an English basement will be pretty difficult although not impossible. I would focus on studios and English basements if you want to be within walking distance of a metro that isn't in a dangerous neighborhood or way out in the suburbs. Also think about how far out you're willing to live. The closer-in neighborhoods in VA (Rosslyn, Clarendon, etc) and MD (downtown Bethesda) are still pretty expensive although things get cheaper as you go toward the end of the line.
Friend has a studio in Van Ness/Cleveland Park for around $1200 a month all inclusive. Getting a 1br that isn't an English basement will be pretty difficult although not impossible. I would focus on studios and English basements if you want to be within walking distance of a metro that isn't in a dangerous neighborhood or way out in the suburbs. Also think about how far out you're willing to live. The closer-in neighborhoods in VA (Rosslyn, Clarendon, etc) and MD (downtown Bethesda) are still pretty expensive although things get cheaper as you go toward the end of the line.
This is what I need... safe area, walking distance to metro. I'm willing to spend more time commuting! Thank You.
Getting a "room" in a group house can be pretty close to having a studio apt. with the added benefit of the shared space. No doubt living with others can be a pain, but the DC group house culture seems fairly unique-- almost like an extension of a college or grad school scene. I did it for 2 years and met tons of people, always had groups of people to hang with, made lasting professional connections.
So I have visited DC and I am sure that this is the place for me. What entry level salary would provide a good qol? Just for some information I would PREFER no roommates and rent no more than $1000-1300 in a safe neighborhood, preferably with a good number of people in my age range (21-30), and near the metro if possible. I have no problem taking the metro for up to 20 minutes each way. Would a salary of $40,000 be enough? Would it be better to live in Arlington, VA and commute to DC? Also I would live with roomates or in a studio, but would prefer a single apt. Any advice would be great!
When I worked real estate in NYC the rule of thumb was a salary of 40 times the rent. So for a $1000 apartment, 40K would suffice. Not sure how DC landlords are they maybe more lenient. NYC is very tenant friendly even more than DC so landlords have strict rental guidelines.
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