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i am 33, single with 2 dogs (40lbs & 20lbs) and am thinking of moving to dc next summer. i currently have a ~700 sf duplex w/ a yard and washer/dryer and pay $750 rent. i love this city but have lived here for over 20 years and am looking for a huge change.
i've heard SO many great things about living in dc but i'm a little nervous about where to live, how much rent will be, jobs, etc. i've never lived anywhere where there was good public transit so i've always had a car to get me around.
i'm just looking for insight on housing and just day to day life there. i won't know anyone (my closest relative lives in philadelphia) so i'll be starting from scratch. anyone else in my situation out there?
Someone get me on the next plane to Texas please. Well prepare for sticker shock. This is one of the most expensive areas in the country. You can still make it here but expect to pay more or have roommates.
Really and truly it depends on what type of atmosphere you are looking for and what you'll be doing for a living, along with where you'll be working. So let's say you'll be working in downtown DC and want to get your urban living on. A little row house or duplex will be way more. I dont' know maybe $2K a month (maybe more) in a popular neighborhood like the area around U street or even more in Dupont or Georgetown. Mt Pleasant is a little cheaper and well...pleasant. One bedrooms start at $1400-$1600 in the city and $1100-1200 in the suburbs. So the expense and having a job that will cover your expense is key. Other stuff costs a little more but the increase in rent is the biggest one.
Deposits are usually the equivalent of one month's rent, and pet charges vary. Some landlords don't care, some have a similar fee, but a lot don't allow them at all.
On the job front, there seem to be a lot of interesting positions, but competition for them is fierce. When I list a job with my firm I am inundated with tremendously qualified applicants. Usually I go with someone who has a recomendation from someone I know. If you have an 'in' somewhere, be sure to exercise it - everyone else is!
Life here is what you make it. DC is a town of neighborhoods and it seems like each has its own character. DC has never felt like a home to me, but I truly do enjoy it here in my late 20's. It has a lot to offer. If you have a friend here, come visit for a few days and explore.
what are deposits like? i just had to put down $750 + $100 for each dog, all refundable.
If you go with a large apartment complex/property management company, you'll have a Non-refundable pet fee of anywhere between $200-500/per dog and monthly pet rent of anywhere between $20-100/month per dog. Plus most of these places that do allow pets have wall to wall carpet which is just disgusting if you own pets. I find private owner/landlord on craigslist to be a much more feasible option. Most just charge an additional refundable deposit.
It would be helpful to know what kind of job you are seeking and what your budget will be for your rent. Also, do you care if you are living outside the city? Are you willing to share a house or apartment with others? Are you seeking to be in a politically liberal area or one that is slightly more conservative? This is not a homogenous metro area at all so we could help you better with more information about you...
Not in your situation but have lived in DC area a long time and have been to Austin. It would be a big lifestyle change here--high prices, fast pace, less friendly, very very job oriented, less of certain types of culture, although more of some others.
I find it high-stress and draining to live here.
i am 33, single with 2 dogs (40lbs & 20lbs) and am thinking of moving to dc next summer. i currently have a ~700 sf duplex w/ a yard and washer/dryer and pay $750 rent. i love this city but have lived here for over 20 years and am looking for a huge change.
i've heard SO many great things about living in dc but i'm a little nervous about where to live, how much rent will be, jobs, etc. i've never lived anywhere where there was good public transit so i've always had a car to get me around.
i'm just looking for insight on housing and just day to day life there. i won't know anyone (my closest relative lives in philadelphia) so i'll be starting from scratch. anyone else in my situation out there?
Hi, so did you make the big move? Maybe we can trade info? I want to move to Austin. Why do you feel the need to move? I have lived in the dc area my entire life! argh...tough city!
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