Bringing a car for the summer? (sublets, apartment complexes, rentals)

[batgirl52]

I'm going to be interning in DC this summer and bringing my car. Yes, I know it sucks to have a car in DC, but I need it. Which neighborhoods should I be looking to rent in where parking isn't impossible/insanely expensive?

Some friends have recommended these neighborhoods as being safe: friendship heights, Tenleytown, van ness, woodley park, cleveland park, foggy bottom
What is the street parking situation in these neighborhoods? Typical parking space rental prices? And how difficult is it to get a temporary resident parking permit in DC?

I'm also looking at renting along the Orange/Blue lines in Virginia. Anyone know how parking is close to the metro stations further out? I know that the Metro parking lots on the MD side tend to fill up, and am wondering how the VA side compares.

[gzjht1]

Here's informaton from DC Motor Vehicles on temporary parking permits:

This type of permit is valid for six months and is NOT renewable.

* Valid out-of-state driver's license
* Valid out-of-state vehicle registration with temporary DC resident's name on registration
* Proof of Insurance with temporary DC resident's name on insurance as required by the issuing registration jurisdiction
* Proof of Insurance as required by the issuing registration jurisdiction
* Proof of DC residency
* If you live on a street zoned for residential parking, as indicated by a two-hour residential restriction sign on your block, you may obtain a residential parking permit (RPP) for an additional fee

In short, if you have a lease with your name on it, you should be able to get the parking permit. Wouldn't hurt to have a letter from your summer employer, as well.

If you end up in Northern Virginia (such as Arlington), you may find apartment rentals with garage spaces. My 1BR apartment is in Arlington runs $1600 and includes a parking space (underground), swimming pool, small workout facility, tennis courts and a shuttle during rush hour to/from the Ballston Metro. We're actually only a 10 minute walk to the Metro.

The DC neighborhoods you listed are fine - in addtion to apartment rentals in some of those areas might basement apartments or an apartment within a private house with its own entrance. Check out Craig's List - summer is not that far away and folks will be looking for others to fill sublets.

Good Luck!!

[DCguy03]

I just recently moved to Arlington, and it is a great place to live if you want to be close to (but not in) DC.

I don't have a car myself, but you might want to consider renting a parking space from someone. Some of the apartment complexes with parking garages will have parking "included," but in reality it will just be hidden in the rent. There are some spaces in Rosslyn on Craigslist for around $100/month, and that neighborhood is right across the river from DC.

One other note - the best summer sublets tend to go pretty quickly, so get yours secured before May if you can!

[NOVAmtneer82]

Yeah in fact as someone who did the summer internship thing several years back, last month was prime time to get the best sublets. Parking anywhere in DC will not be cheap, most parking garage spaces will be well over $200 per month or you can get a parking permit and spend an hour driving around city neighborhoods looking for a parking space. Arlington is a better bet, I also live there and most apartment complexes have resident parking lots. Don't feel bad about needing a car, although the area does have an excellent public transportation system, the infrastructure layout of everything outside DC (or even in some city neighborhoods for that matter) warrants the need for a car. Most new job centers are unfortunatley located away from the Metro system aka Tysons, Fairfax, Reston, the Dulles area, etc.

[Bluefly]

you could also do Zipcar and just use a car when you really need it.

[batgirl52]

Duh, I didn't even think about looking for a parking space on Craig's List! Thanks for the tip

[talktobrent]

if you live in the outer parts of DC (you mentioned tenleytown/friendship), you coud rent a room in a house with a driveway/garage. I lived in tenleytown in a house with a driveway and it worked out nice. ads on craigslist will usually advertise off street parking and such. if you're used to the freedom of a car, it will be nice to have it on the weekends.