The Norwood Apartments (Washington: rentals, how much, transfer to)

[ffknight918]

Another question about some apartments. Most people on here are very honest and helpful so I figured I should ask. It's only about $900 for a studio and $1000 for a 1BR. Seems like Logan Circle would be a decent place to live since it's near a lot. I looked up reviews and most people seemed to like the place. Anyone have any experience here? How about the area? 1417 N Street Northwest Washington, DC 20005 Thanks.

[juniperbleu]

Regarding the area, I have friends at 14th & P and 17th & Massachussetts who all really like the area. It's fairly convenient to Dupont Circle and downtown and there's a Whole Foods somewhere there.

I don't know about that particular apartment building. The price seems a little low, so I'd make sure to check it out.

[ffknight918]

Thanks. I've read that the area is fairly quiet and doesn't have THAT much to do. It's only a few blocks from Dupont though. So is it really that big of a difference? I'm guessing if anything, it's a 5-10 minute walk to most things that I'd need.

[Pfish]

It's a really convenient area - arguably walking distance to most of what you'd need. It's not exactly the center of any one thing but it's in the middle of everything. Whole Foods is on P between 14th & 15th. Several coffee shops. Logan itself is a beautiful circle with lots of huge late-Victorian mansions. Walk straight north up 14th to U St. and you'll be in the heart of the funky U Street neighborhood with its restaurants and clubs. Straight west will land you in DuPont with all its shops and restaurants and the fountain. On a beautiful spring or fall day you can hang out in the circle with a book and a cup of coffee watching the people go by and feeling like you own the world. You're arguably close enough to walk downtown to whatever you might be interested in.

Frankly the only thing that surprises me is the price tag - that seems low for such a great area. Is it a really small place or an old building without central air?

[ffknight918]

Thanks. Here's a link to it. The Norwood in Washington, DC

[Pfish]

Considering that the extra $100 will get you an extra 100-200 sq. ft. (that's a $0.50 - $1 per sq. ft. marginal increase over the initial $2.25 per sq. ft) the basic economics say you should definitely upgrade to the 1 BR.

If you can live in a 500 - 600 sq. ft. apartment I think you should do it. (Of course, I know nothing about you: like how old you are, how much space you're used to and how much stuff you have, how important it is to you to be able to go out to a variety of coffee shops/restaurants/clubs/museums/etc. within walking distance, how convenient school or work is, how much you enjoy a nice walk in the city, etc. - so, you know, take my opinion for the in-depth analysis of your needs which I'm upfront denying that it could possibly be!)

Worse comes to worst, you'll have signed a one-year lease and during that period you'll have plenty of time to search out another neighborhood which suits you better. In the meanwhile you'll live in a secured building in proximity to nice architecture, colorful streets, and lots of city amenities. At a seriously reasonable price. Good luck whatever you decide!

[Pfish]

If you find my opinion helpful, feel free to mod me up. I can always use more good karma.

[ffknight918]

Thanks Pfish.

I'm 21 and would be making about $46k starting. If I make the move it will be because I am offered a job with the DC Fire Dept.

Work isn't a huge factor since the station could change. Public transportation may not be an option due to being at work before the Metro starts running.

I'd like to be near a lot. I'm willing to sacrifice living space to be in an area with a lot going on. Definitely don't mind walking around the city.

Like you said in your last point, my first year would just be to get to know the area. I'm from Milwaukee so I don't know TOO much about DC. I flew out 3 times last summer and researched the heck out of it, but that's it. So saving money would be nice.

If I take the job, I'd eventually want to move out to NoVa or somewhere that would cater a bit more to children. However, right now I'd rather enjoy the excitement of the city. It would be just me right now, and maybe my girlfriend if she decides to transfer to a DC area school. Thanks again!

[Pfish]

Good for you - $46K is a nice paycheck for a 21-year old. Best of luck to you!

& P.P.S. Don't write off the city because of children, yet. Check out this news story about a Mandarin Immersion Pre-K to 8 public charter school right here in DC:

The DC Education Blog: Yu Ying profiled in CBN News broadcast