Scared to death of Craigslist!!!! Help me..... (section 8, apartment) - Washington, DC (DC) - City-Data Forum

bzyboy25 · 03-23-2013, 12:54 AM

Want to move here really bad. Looking for a room to rent in the DMV from May to August. Is $500/montn a reasonable/realistic price that most renters offer? Best I can do.

How do I recognize scam ads? Are there telltale signs?

HELP!!!

jokerstars · 03-23-2013, 01:16 AM

$500 a month outside of the ghetto is probably a scam.

Snd485 · 03-25-2013, 10:49 AM

I wouldn't be too afraid of Craigslist. Just use some caution, go visit potential places during the day. Take time to talk to the ppl who live there for more than just a few minutes. I do agree with the above poster that $500/month is really low. Where is this place? If you're looking for a room in a shared house in a decent neighborhood, it'll prob cost at least $700. If you want to be really close to metro, $900 is more realistic.

mettler · 03-25-2013, 01:26 PM

I find that if the ad is in all caps its a scam

Kchloee · 03-26-2013, 10:43 AM

I found my dream apartment via craigslist...no need to fear.

However... $500 anywhere in or around DC is not realistic, ghetto or not. That will get you a room in a house, maybe.

11KAP · 03-26-2013, 10:50 AM

maybe a month to month somewhere
next to some section 8 neighbors.

bzyboy25 · 03-27-2013, 09:00 AM

Thats the best I can do. Im not rich.....msybe not a luxurious place, ss longbas its livable. Doesnt matter to me. A room in a house would do too.

spencgr · 03-27-2013, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bzyboy25

Thats the best I can do. Im not rich.....msybe not a luxurious place, ss longbas its livable. Doesnt matter to me. A room in a house would do too.

Unfortunately, the replies you received were for "livable", not luxurious places. And that's for a room, not a separate place. If your budget is only $500, maybe DC isn't the place for you.

TurboTalon · 03-29-2013, 02:00 AM

Probably not going to happen. I'm moving here soon and wanted to find a 1br for 1200-1300 but it's looking like it's gonna be 1800. I guess health insurance and eating can wait a few years lol.

htmella · 03-29-2013, 05:46 AM

My room in Old Town Alexandria the first time I lived there was 425 a month. So there is hope! (But also lots of scams, that are usually pretty obvious if you use your gut and common sense) Good luck!