Ok just got a job in DC! Need some help... (apartments, lease)

[Megad00dle]

Well I found out this morning that I got a position in DC. I will be making $30,000 (yeah- entry level job for a new grad). I am coming to the sad realization that I probably can't afford Arlington and all the good deal apartments are full.

I have a question about another area. I found an apt. complex called "M Street Towers". Its located at 1112 M Street, 20005 and seems to be a few blocks from the Mount Vernon Metro Stop. (Right by the Convention Center) I see Logan Circle, Scott Circle, Mt. Vernon Square nearby as well. Is this a good area??? I will not have a car and need to rely on public transportation 24/7.

Another location I have found is 1414 17th street, nw 20036

I am a young professional and would like to be near similar people if at all possible. Why is it that the "young professional areas" -Dupont circle, arlington- are the most expensive? Aren't we supposed to be the ones who are broke???

Any comments would be greatly appreciated!!!

[Defined_Within]

I'm going to be honest with you, as a fellow young professional "22" DC is a hard place to set up shop. I been trying to find out the "secret" of how ppl are actually making it up here but no one is telling LOL. If I were you and just signed a offer letter of 30k. . I'd hit craigslists and try to find the cheapest yet decent living situation near a metro possible. Do all you can to save your money.Work up the ladder with you new position, while looking for other opportunities in your field that will pay more. . You can almost rule out staying in those places you named alone unless your actually willing to work just to pay your rent off 30k. Congrats on your job. . .there is alot of opportunity here if you work hard and know/meet the right people.

[Zippy7fo]

Your not gonna make it unless you do the group house deal....Look to find a new job as sson as you get here. I got paid that amt a long time ago. No way employers should be paying anything less than 55 grand...

[Kit624]

Hi! I'm a young professional who just moved here as well, and was making about the same until I quit my job and decided to move back home. It's pretty hard. I have found even renting in a group house (which, do you really want to do?) or renting a room from someone else, it's still no less than $1000/month. With a salary of 30K, you are looking at about $2000/month after taxes. So your rent is about half, and I think that's pretty normal. That doesn't usually include food, transportation, student loans, or anything else. There's no way you can buy a house.

What I did was a month-to-month lease. I am really glad I did!!! After 'trying out' the area, I can leave when I want. Now, I was an independent contractor, so the job flexibility might be different in your situation. But in mine, it was possible to leave. I'm glad it was! My goal for the next two years was to save money so that I can go back to school and study for post-graduate work. Saving isn't happening here--it's all just going towards living and I feel like I'm back in grad school, living paycheck to paycheck. Since I am in education, I will never make a lot of money here. I'm out. I don't want to sell my soul to the corporate world in order to survive, which is whatyou have to do here. Or, you have to be married and have two incomes. That might be possible--you'd be looking at a different situation. Also, you have to not mind a fifty hour commute each day (ok, exagerating. But 1.5 to 2 hours each way is normal here).

But, best of luck! I do hope you like it. There IS a lot of opportunity here, and if you are lucky, you might find it! :-)

[Megad00dle]

thanks for the comments. My parents are willing to help me out with rent so that I can make it. This is a GREAT job opportunity so getting a diff. job is not an option. I really just wanted to know if those addresses were a good area for my age people...(22)...also that it is safe.

I also found another which is right across the street from the Woodley Park-zoo/adams morgan metro stop on connecticut/woodley road. (address- 2700 connecticut ave, nw)


thanks for all your help!

[Defined_Within]

Well why didn't you say moms and pops were shoving out dough to help you out?? In that case you can stay anywhere you want in the areas you brought up and have access to all the fun!! You have to keep your eyes open anywhere you go but those areas are packed with ppl majority of the times so I don't really think you would have any problems.

[J-Man]

Originally Posted by Megad00dle

Well I found out this morning that I got a position in DC. I will be making $30,000 (yeah- entry level job for a new grad). I am coming to the sad realization that I probably can't afford Arlington and all the good deal apartments are full.

I have a question about another area. I found an apt. complex called "M Street Towers". Its located at 1112 M Street, 20005 and seems to be a few blocks from the Mount Vernon Metro Stop. (Right by the Convention Center) I see Logan Circle, Scott Circle, Mt. Vernon Square nearby as well. Is this a good area??? I will not have a car and need to rely on public transportation 24/7.

Another location I have found is 1414 17th street, nw 20036

I am a young professional and would like to be near similar people if at all possible. Why is it that the "young professional areas" -Dupont circle, arlington- are the most expensive? Aren't we supposed to be the ones who are broke???

Any comments would be greatly appreciated!!!

$30,000 a year in DC?? You're lucky you're parents will be helping with rent. If not, you'd be in big trouble trying to live in that area.

[Tuneful]

Sounds like you have sticker shock, a common occurrence here. Any areas that are desirable to many (and often relatively safe) are going to be expensive. I also find car insurance expensive here and the Metro at $3-4 a trip and up for where I go. Supermarket choices are limited and often very crowded and eating cheap takeout gets old.
I am not young, am a mid-level professional in the federal government, and I still find this area very expensive.
Sharing often has to be considered unless you are willing to pay $1200 plus for a studio or $1500 plus for a 1BR or you luck into a cheaper apt in a house.
I would advise people to get the DC work experience (it's where I got a lot of good experience) but if they eventually want to buy a home in a good neighborhood that is not a condo selling for $200K-300K and up, and they aren't being bankrolled by someone else, they better be prepared to consider some other areas.
All JMHO.

[PenguinSix]

A group house is really the way to go not just for money but for 'settling in' to DC. You instantly have a few people to hang out with, go to dinner with, etc and you can meet friends of friends etc. Moving into a place by your own (which has advantages, of course) can make it a little tougher to get connected.

[aceofspadez]

$30,000 a year!!You company stiffed the heck out of you!!!That is so low!! I would definelety be looking for other oppurtunities than that because your sure arent gonna make it on your own on a 30k salary.