Can someone live OK on 35-45K in the Washington DC area?

[goldenmom7500]

Originally Posted by Raymo853

I am trying to move to DC, making 20K more than the original poster's range but about to give up and not take the job. Evey place I look at in the 1100-1400 range is bad, has an insane owner that wants a commitment for two plus years, is way to far from a metro stop, or something else crazy. I could see putting up with it if I were a bit younger but at 35 I am thinking I am just too old to be poor living in a city again.

First, you can find something nice in that range! Just post something on the DC or VA board, and everyone will help you.

Second, I understand, but a great job in DC can be a true life investment. You only realize this when you head back to middle America and they say "you worked there? you were part of that?".

[flyaway185]

Where are you looking for housing? Because I've been checking Craigslist for housing on a much lower budget and have seen 1 Bdr. and studios in really nice areas for that price. I've seen a few efficiencies in Capitol Hill and some apartment buildings' advertised rates are in that range. In fact a lot of the buildings I've been looking at in Cleveland, Woodley Park and Van Ness (all of which are great areas and super close to the metro) have been in that range.