living, working & dating in DC (apartments, rental, prices)

[thinkingofmoving...]

I work for the federal government in a city of about 325,000 people and I am considering applying for job promotions located in DC (most likely) and NYC (less likely). I travel to DC regularly so I am somewhat familiar with the city.

Depending on the job I would be earning between $52,000-58,000. My preference is to live in DC by myself in a two-bedroom apartment or a one bedroom with den. Would that be within my price range? What do people like and dislike about where they live?

Also, how easy is it to date and/or have relationships in DC? I have heard DC is a transient city so that people don't seriously date, that single women outnumber single men 17 to 1 (I have no idea where that number is from but I have heard it more than once. It is an urban legend?) and that in general it is hard to meet people and/or make friends. I know the answers to what the dating life is like in any place depends on who you are and what you are looking for but what is the dating life like for women in their late 30s and early 40s? I work hard but I am not a type A personality. In addition to work, cultural activities are important to me (this summer I finish a graduate degree in filmmaking and art), I regularly walk and hike, I cycle some and occasionally go club dancing but I also spend a fair amount of time in low-key activities like reading, spending time with friends, etc.

Thanks. I appreciate any insight.

[TheseGoTo11]

Originally Posted by thinkingofmoving...

that single women outnumber single men 17 to 1

If that's true, then 16 out of every 17 single women must be spending every Friday night at home, certainly doesn't seem 90%+ female if you go out during the weekend in Arlington or DC.

This place has more 30+ singles than any other I know of. That said, apartments are expensive, although on your budget you might want to look into some of the older buildings near Clarendon, in Arlington. They're safe, near other singles, but don't have the jacuzzis, pools, and other amenties of the $2,000 a month buildings.

[itlchick]

Seems like a lot of people here do eharmony.com or match.com. It's a very career-driven place, and so many people don't have a lot of time.

[thinkingofmoving...]

Thanks that is good to know that dating is possible. Maybe the female-male ratio being out of balance is a myth.

In order to live within the city would I pay $1,400-1,600 for rent or closer to $2,000?

[juniperbleu]

Originally Posted by thinkingofmoving...

In order to live within the city would I pay $1,400-1,600 for rent or closer to $2,000?

For a 2-bedroom or 1-bed+, closer to $2000 if not more. That is, unless you're willing to push the limits a bit in an "edgier" area, then you might be able to find a deal. For the price range and what you want, I'd go for a close-in suburb like Arlington or Alexandria. They're more urban and you'd be more likely to get a bigger-sized place. Even still, you'd probably end up pushing $2000. If you'd be willing to do a studio or 1-bedroom, then you could live in DC for $1600 or less.

In NYC you'd be looking at the same sort of rents (if not higher), plus the general cost-of-living is higher. I've founds rental prices in DC to be a little lower than NY, slightly on par with San Francisco, but the general cost of living (i.e. food, etc.) to be similar to slightly cheaper cities like Philadelphia. (Anyone correct me if I'm wrong)

[presto125]

Hi- I looked at this forum because I'm thinking of moving back to DC after living overseas for about 14 years. My husband and I currently live in England.

The part I wanted to respond to deals with your background in filmmaking and art.

I mention this because I think you would appreciate DC regarding the arts, in particular the Smithsonian.

The Smithsonian claims it is the largest museum complex in the world. Quite apart from all the great exhibits you can see, the Smithsonian Resident Associate Program is fantastic: It's got wonderful lectures and programs from a very wide spectrum.

I'm a good deal older than you are, but when I lived in DC, I went to a lot of those lectures and programs and met a good number of people that way.

I have also lived in New York City, Seoul, S. Korea, and Jerusalem, Israel, as well as around nine years here in England. My husband and I are a few hours north of London now, and we go there frequently.

I mention this to say that still, with this traveling and moving about - the Smithsonian's range and excellence of programs has always stood out for me.

Hope I've been helpful.

[DCNative]

Originally Posted by juniperbleu

For a 2-bedroom or 1-bed+, closer to $2000 if not more. That is, unless you're willing to push the limits a bit in an "edgier" area, then you might be able to find a deal. For the price range and what you want, I'd go for a close-in suburb like Arlington or Alexandria. They're more urban and you'd be more likely to get a bigger-sized place. Even still, you'd probably end up pushing $2000. If you'd be willing to do a studio or 1-bedroom, then you could live in DC for $1600 or less.

In NYC you'd be looking at the same sort of rents (if not higher), plus the general cost-of-living is higher. I've founds rental prices in DC to be a little lower than NY, slightly on par with San Francisco, but the general cost of living (i.e. food, etc.) to be similar to slightly cheaper cities like Philadelphia. (Anyone correct me if I'm wrong)

That sounds about right. It's expensive.

17 to 1 female to male ratio? That's a new one! If that was true, I might have stayed in DC.

[chip1980]

dating in dc, meet men at the metro stop at the pentagon......they make good money

[Krys...]

Hmm...interesting...

[jnestorr]

Originally Posted by DCNative

That sounds about right. It's expensive.

17 to 1 female to male ratio? That's a new one! If that was true, I might have stayed in DC.

Woot 17 to 1.....I guess i'm gonna have to ditch Alexandria for DC. 17 to 1 really, I couldn't tell though. I rarely hang out in DC anyways despite being less than 10 miles away from there.