Moving to DC - where to live (rental, safe neighborhood, no nightlife preference) (best neighborhood, apartment complexes)

[kalnasr]

Hello Everybody,

I would like to thank all of you who are trying to help newer to DC.

I am a 32 white male (married) expecting a baby soon . I got a job offer at Howard University (zip code 20059) as a researcher. The offer is around 45K before tax. . I live now in Norfolk, VA. I'll start the new job early July. Below are my information and preferences.

1. I am looking for 1BR Apt around 700 sq ft. Willing to pay not more than $1300 .
2. I have my own car which I will be using to commute.
3. I am looking for a decent apartment in a safe neighborhood not farther than 15 miles (MD should be okay) from Howard University (closer is better) with a reasonable traffic time.
4. I don't care about nightlife. we prefer to be close to some chopping centers (malls, wal-mart,....). we don'y eat a lot in resturants. my wife loves to cook for us .
5. I don't care to be around metro since I will be using my own car (is that possible?)

Honestly, I have read a lot of threads but got lost .
I love to get names of apartment complexes to check out.

So guys, your time to reply is highly appreciated.
feel free to ask me any Question.
Thnx

[stateofnature]

What do you mean "is it possible" to use your own car? How would it not be possible? It could be expensive if your employer doesn't offer free parking.

[11KAP]

live near howard.

[kalnasr]

Originally Posted by stateofnature

What do you mean "is it possible" to use your own car? How would it not be possible? It could be expensive if your employer doesn't offer free parking.

Thank you very much for the reply. Actually I meant by that, if it is very hard to drive in the city I then may need to use the metro. I checked out the employer's website and the parking permit will not be a problem ($300 Annually). since then, I prefer to keep my car to commute.

[kalnasr]

Originally Posted by 11KAP

live near howard.

Thank you. is the neighborhood safe there, specially at night?

[11KAP]

^ yes, depending on certain streets,
it's civilized for the most part.

[confusedasusual]

Originally Posted by kalnasr

Hello Everybody,


1. I am looking for 1BR Apt around 700 sq ft. Willing to pay not more than $1300 .

Silver Spring Is a good bet. That is probably the only place "close in" where you can come close on an apartment that size and that price. Or maybe Takoma Park. Otherwise expect to pay $1300 for a 400sqft studio. Not kidding.

[kalnasr]

Originally Posted by confusedasusual

Silver Spring Is a good bet. That is probably the only place "close in" where you can come close on an apartment that size and that price. Or maybe Takoma Park. Otherwise expect to pay $1300 for a 400sqft studio. Not kidding.

Thank you very much. I wonder if these two cities/neighborhoods are safe. I could found some apartments online around Howard for around $1300 (I don't know how big they are) but I am not sure how safe is the area. Moreover, I won't be close to college students with parties and drinking over weekends and some of week days.

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by kalnasr

I wonder if these two cities/neighborhoods are safe.

If you have lived in Norfolk, VA, you will have less to worry about in Takoma Park or Silver Spring. They are also good areas if you want to avoid student parties.

[kalnasr]

Originally Posted by goldenage1

If you have lived in Norfolk, VA, you will have less to worry about in Takoma Park or Silver Spring. They are also good areas if you want to avoid student parties.

Thank you very much. if you are familiar with Norfolk Area, I was living in Ghent which is one of the best neighborhood to live in Norfolk. I paid $800 for 1BR.