Moving from NJ to DC (rent, neighborhoods, college)

[Kimmaranclh]

Hi,

I'm most likely moving to DC next spring/summer and I was wondering if you could help me out with some neighborhood info.

I'm most likely going to live with a roommate or do the studio/1br thing for a bit. I'm self-employed but also have office skills if money gets a bit tight. I'm looking to pay around 1000 a month in rent (hence the need for a roommie) and I also have a car that is coming with me so parking is important.

I would love to be near cafes, good restaurants, some nightlife but not the just turned 21 scene (I'm 30 and single), and a park nearby would be great as well.

My most important criteria is safety. I'm no dummy when it comes to street smarts but I wouldn't mind being somewhere that the hair isn't standing on end 24/7 everytime I need to go to the car or walk the dog.

So based on that...I'm looking to be within 5 to 10 miles of the city so I'm open to neighborhoods in the city as well as on the perimeter.

Any input is appreciated!!

[akorosdc]

Personally, I'd advise somewhere in Arlington or Alexandria. Especially if you don't have to commute (or use a metro to commute) you can get more for your money once you're 1+ miles from a station. Also, further from a station parking won't really be an issue.

Foxchase in Alexandria is pretty nice, and within your budget. I used to live near King & 395 and loved that area as well. Both are 10-15 minutes from Old Town, which has a bunch of restaurants, shops, cafes, and some good bars for nightlife. It's definitely not a college-y scene, it leans much more to late 20s+. There's several parks in the area (as well as a dog park), and is very safe. As for getting to DC, it's a 10-15 minute drive, or you can drive up 395 to Pentagon City and take the metro in from there (<10 minute drive).