Job in Arlington - Need Housing Help!

[mlv311]

Originally Posted by nsomniac

My job will be located right near the Clarendon Station of the Metro rail.

Unfortunately that is one of the most expensive areas to rent in Arlington (the Court House - Ballston corridor, particularly Clarendon). You may be able to find a 2-bedroom basement apartment in that area (North Arlington) for $1500 or so. You might want to consider Shirlington, Fairlington and Falls Church for more affordable options.

[adamf]

Originally Posted by nsomniac

Adamf - What part of the Midwest ya coming from? We've sort of been all over... from Kansas City originally but have spent the last several years in Minnesota...

Omaha

[chrisherbert]

South Arlington is cheaper than North Arlington, and should be relatively accessible by bus if you'd rather not drive. If you do drive the commute won't take more than a few minutes. Try to find the least desirable, most run down Arlington neighborhood you can. The entire county is safe but prices will lower in places that don't look safe.

Still, $50-$60k is probably not going to do it. If you wife can get another job with a similar salary, then okay.

[DCguy03]

nsomniac, that is a great location! My roommate actually works on that same block, too. Here is my advice on that area:

-The "main strip" is Clarendon Blvd, and this is where the really pricey apartment buildings are. I have found that you can save a lot of money, however, by living just 2-4 blocks away from this main street, on either side of Clarendon Blvd. I live 4 blocks away from the Court House metro station and pay $1700 for a 2 bedroom apartment...but you can find some cheaper than that.

-Look on craigslist for apartments. You can oftentimes find better deals there, especially with private landlords renting out a duplex/townhouse/small apartment bldg.

-One of the other ways to do this is to just simply go check out a few places on a Saturday by foot.

It is definitely worth it to live close to your work. You will love the Clarendon area -- it is safe, lively, and is just a few metro stops away from downtown DC!

Does this help? If you'd like more specifics like which apt complexes are good I'd be happy to share some insight on that too.