Good temporary areas to live in DC (lease, houses)

[tcmptn]

I am a single, 23 year old male graduate student and just landed an internship in DC (Capitol Hill)...It was a last minute thing and I will be moving down there in a few weeks. As such, I am scrambling to figure out where I want to live. I will only be down there August-January so I can afford to spend a little more (~1000-1200/mo).

I currently live in Boston, and know nothing about DC. I would love an easy commute, but also want a place where it is easy to meet people my age or in a similar position. What are some good neighborhoods besides capitol hill (Its the only one i know) with good amenities and a good population of younger, active, fun loving people? Does anyone know how tough it would be to get a 4 or 5 month lease??

Also, any recommendations for solid nightlife spots?

Thanks.

[PenguinSix]

Just live on Capitol Hill.

Most Hill staff live in group houses, so the underlying lease is out there and then they bring in this guy or that guy for a few months or years as needed. As kids go to law school or whatever space opens in a group house and viola, you're sorted.

I know it might seem a bit strange but it's really how they survive up on the Hill with relatively low salaries and very high living expenses. It also gives you an entree into some social worlds so you can go to parties, bars, do things etc instead of spending 4 months trying to meet people.

Rollcall.com has listings, as does 'The Hill" newspaper. There are also bulletin boards by the restaurants at the House and Senate office buildings with 'roommates wanted' signs you can check out.

Good luck.

p.s. if you really don't want to live on the Hill but stay closer in, consider Dupont Circle, Foggy Bottom, Georgetown, Chinatown. Also maybe U Street, Woodley Park, Cleveland Park, Logan Circle. All have a lot of young people and night life and are relatively close to the central core of DC proper.

[CaseyMac]

Look for something in Clarendon in Arlington. Right on Metro's Orange Line and tons of nightlife right there.

You could think of Cambridge as Arlington like Boston to DC. Both nice places separated by a river.

[wbmscm]

We are here temp. and Clarendon/Courthouse area (in Arlington) have all that, except I'm not sure about rent b/c we are renting a corp. apt.