Federal Government Jobs Process and Moving Advice

[Mrs. 14th & You]

You're not using the wrong apt. finder services; it really does cost that much to live within walking distance of Metro. In NW DC and the close-in 'burbs, you're incredibly lucky to get a one-bedroom for under $1200/mo. Studio/efficiency units are a relatively new phenonmenon in this area brought on by a growing population and booming real estate market. My impression is that most of these small units are in newly constructed buildings, which are inherently more expensive than existing construction. To put it in perspective, my husband was paying about $1000/mo. six years ago for a large one-bedroom that was 45 minutes from DC by Metro (he had to drive to the station) and nearly an hour outside center city by car (assuming no traffic).

I second the suggestion that you look to rent a room in a group house of young people. Northwest DC has plenty of neighborhoods with such offerings. Try upper northwest around Woodley Park and Cleveland Park (super safe, scenic). Try also U Street and Shaw (younger population, near nightlife).

[Rochefort]

Originally Posted by Mrs. 14th & You

You're not using the wrong apt. finder services; it really does cost that much to live within walking distance of Metro. In NW DC and the close-in 'burbs, you're incredibly lucky to get a one-bedroom for under $1200/mo. Studio/efficiency units are a relatively new phenonmenon in this area brought on by a growing population and booming real estate market. My impression is that most of these small units are in newly constructed buildings, which are inherently more expensive than existing construction. To put it in perspective, my husband was paying about $1000/mo. six years ago for a large one-bedroom that was 45 minutes from DC by Metro (he had to drive to the station) and nearly an hour outside center city by car (assuming no traffic).

I second the suggestion that you look to rent a room in a group house of young people. Northwest DC has plenty of neighborhoods with such offerings. Try upper northwest around Woodley Park and Cleveland Park (super safe, scenic). Try also U Street and Shaw (younger population, near nightlife).

Thanks for the advice and specific locales! It's still quite a bit of sticker shock looking through some of those studio/efficiency units. But, I'll see what I can find in the Woodley Park and Cleveland Park areas on Craigslist. Hopefully, some nice, respectful roommates (who can give me some privacy). Same for U Street and Shaw.

Otherwise, as for the government job hiring process, I've learned that all I can do is wait it out.