Best Place to Live in DC or VA for Young, Single Female (apartment)

[twigglesmg]

I'm a single, young 26 year old female that will be moving to DC next month. I'll be working near the green line's Waterfront - SEU Station. I'm in the process of looking for an apartment.

I'm looking for the following:

-Somewhere I can park my car, I'll likely be taking the metro in, but would like to keep my car, preferably off-street parking (garage, etc would be great even if I have to pay a little more)
-A pet-friendly place, I've got 2 cats
-Roughly 700-1000 sq ft.
-Someplace relatively safe

I'm hoping to spend less than $2,000/mo. ideally that would include utilities, etc, though I'm flexible.

I'm not too familiar with DC, so I'm definitely open to any suggestions. If anyone knows of any good apartment buildings, etc that would probably be ideal. I've been thinking about the Arlington or Mount Pleasant areas, but any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[akorosdc]

The typical popular neighborhoods are Dupont Circle, Logan Circle, or U Street. U Street would be the easiest, as it's on the green line (same as Waterfront). Parking will be either harder to find, or expensive in those areas, though. I don't know Mt. Pleasant very well, but have heard good things about it. You could also look somewhere in Capitol Hill as well, it wouldn't be a bad commute.

Another option is you could look at places in the SW Waterfront area itself. It's quiet, but my roommate and I like living here. It's also often cheaper than the other areas I mentioned. I'd just try to stay north of M Street SW. There are several high-rise type apartment buildings/condos, and a bunch of townhouses.