Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
A little about me: I'm getting an entry-level job in the District, just graduated college in Decemeber. The organziation I will be working for will pay my Metro/transportation costs, and I will be recieving an annual salary of $32,500 a year. I have no other expenses. I have no loans, car payments, etc, and I live fairly cheaply. I really want to live in DC.
Can I get a small efficiency/apartment for $1000 a year in DC? Will I qualify based on my income? I don't want roommates. Is this unheard of, with the salary I will be making?
$1000 a year? Maybe in Bangladesh. I'm sure you mean $1000 a month. If so, It sounds like a roommate as stated above or a small basement perhaps with a private entrance. There could be small apartments for a grand a month but most likely located in a rough area of DC.
If you have no other bills/loans, I think its conceivable for you to find a place on your own. You can without a doubt find a basement apartment in a new townhouse somewhere.
Do you have a car? You'd have better luck getting an apartment for that price in the suburbs, especially along a bus line (I think Foxchase in Alexandria has small 1-bedrooms priced in that range). It's a nice place to live, but can be a hassle without a car (however, the Foxchase complex is right by a shopping center with a grocery store, Chipotle, Chinese food, pizza, and a drug store).
Otherwise, I'd say that living in DC on that salary is entirely possible....but you need a roommate or two. A lot of people with that sort of budget rent rooms in group houses, as well. It may not sound appealing, but it can be a good way to meet a group of people right from the start.
I also forgot to mention, AeroGuy made a good recommendation. In the past few years that area was essentially gutted and rebuilt, and they just put the finishing touches on some of the buildings last year. For the money, it's a good, relatively safe, location. It's also an easy walk to Barracks Row/Capitol Hill from there, where there's a bunch of bars and restaurants.
I didn't realize that 400 M was so inexpensive, but that's great (most of the other 1-bedrooms I've seen in the SE/SW Waterfront area are ~$1200/month).
I didn't realize that 400 M was so inexpensive, but that's great (most of the other 1-bedrooms I've seen in the SE/SW Waterfront area are ~$1200/month).
Me neither. I was looking at places around there and couldn't really find anything affordable. I'm not sure I even saw many studios for that cheap.
Me neither. I was looking at places around there and couldn't really find anything affordable. I'm not sure I even saw many studios for that cheap.
I'm not sure, but I think 400 M was just finished. I also get it confused with the condos near 400 M Street SW, so maybe that was it. Still, a good price for the location!
Actually, I found a nice studio efficiency apartment in Adams Morgan for $865 a month, ALL utilities included, and since I will be taking home a salary of roughly $24,000 annually after federal and city taxes, that means I have about $2000 a month in disposable income. (my salary is actually going to be $32,500 a year).
That is more than enough for me to live on. I am single. My company is paying my Metro costs, my medical/dental/vision insurance is already taken care of, and since I have no other bills, loans, insurance, or payments of any kind, I think I'll manage quite nicely. I have an extensive wardrobe, don't need work clothes. I spend about $300 a month on groceries, which means I have about $800 left over a month for "miscellaneous expenses" like toiletries and going out.
Can I live in DC making only $32,500 a year? By my calculations, I most certainly can! Unless I'm missing something. Can someone come up with any errors in my calculations or point out a flaw in my reasoning? Thanks!
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I'm sure you mean $1000 a month. If so, It sounds like a roommate as stated above or a small basement perhaps with a private entrance. There could be small apartments for a grand a month but most likely located in a rough area of DC.
