Yet another question abut moving, housing and quality of life (apartment, to rent)
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I’ve searched through this forum and several others but still can’t get a good idea of DC geography in my mind. I am considering a job in DC but am worried about the commute and/or cost of living. I’d be working at a government building at 1000 Independence Ave SW. I really don’t want to commute more than half an hour each way. Is that in any way realistic while living in a moderately safe neighborhood? If so, could a monthly housing budget of $1,800 get me a apartment that would allow a dog? Any way I could buy even a condo within a 30 minute commute in the $500K range? I know there’s a lot of options, it’s just difficult to tell by looking at a map. Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Last edited by fishguy29; 08-20-2014 at 06:53 AM..
Reason: Clarity
Yeah absolutely doable. Just spend a few minutes on Craigslist and you should find stuff for under $1,800 near Metro stops. 1000 Independence is near the Smithsonian and L'Enfant Metro stops. Almost anywhere near a Metro stop in the District of Columbia or in nearby towns like Arlington or Silver Spring will be under a 30 minute ride to Smithsonian and L'Enfant.
If you lived in Navy Yard or Capitol Hill, two neighborhoods where I know for a fact you can find 1 bedrooms for under $1,800 you'd have a 5 to 10 minute commute.
Dog might be hard. As someone who lives with a dog, there are a lot of places that requires additional deposits and fees every month, which raises your rent. And some place just flat out refuse dogs in the building. $1800 isn't that bad, but if I understand what you're saying, the dog will need some space. $1800 get you some tiny studio or tinier one bedroom in DC.
There are options, and there are good options. Like any other dog owners, they try to avoid the city like the plague. Let me make that clear, GOOD dog owners avoid them like plague, because DC doesn't have a central park like NYC. There are just spots, and I see dogs number 2 on streets all the time, which is no good, especially if you have a dog that's over 20lbs.
I would suggest moving out a bit. Take the White House as the central point, then look within 10 mile range. Within 3 mile range, you will be able to find a house for $500,000 with a small yard (about 1800 sq ft), and within 6 miles you will find more.
The best way to go about it will be to rent a house and get a roommate. Last time I checked, in NW, you can rent a house for about $4000 or so, with 3 bedroom at 1800 sq ft. That means, you can get a roommate and pay about $2k, plus utilities, tv, etc, and have enough room to be comfortable and close to work (via metro - which you're a fed, they pay for).
Good luck. Try Trulia or Hotpads. They usually do pretty good.
500K for a house within commuting distance is definitely doable. I live on Capitol Hill (fairly far east), and a house on my block just sold for 470K. Small house (2 bed, 1 bath), but the house is nice and has a small yard. Plus, although there is no Central Park, Lincoln Park is a 5 minute walk from my house and there are always dogs in the park running around.
I find it interesting that people only talk about the metro as a commuting option. I ride the bus (D6) to work every day and it could not be easier. Walking to Potomac Avenue or Stadium Armory or Union Station for that matter would be a 15-20 minute walk, whereas the D6 is a 1.5 minute walk and it gets me downtown in about 15 minutes. So, bus routes and bus lines could also help to figure out a quick commute.
As weird as this sounds a small house is more doable than an apartment that allows a dog. DC is a bit weird, and it's cheaper to buy then rent if you have the money for the downpayment.
It really depends on what kind of neighborhood you want to live in...and what kind of housing you want.
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