Commuting from D.C. to central Jersey/Princeton (Washington, Princeton Junction: sublet, apartment)

[xnchen]

Hello everyone,
I just finished grad school, I got a job offer at Washington D.C.

I live comfortably in NJ right now. I have church and friends. I do not know anyone in D.C. But job strikes my interest quite a bit.

I plan to stay in D.C on weekdays. I want come back on weekends.

How's the commute from D.C. to, say Princeton like? What are your advices?

[pcity]

If you plan to stay in DC during the week, there won't be a daily commute from NJ. You'll drive or take the train down on Sun. or Mon. and come back to NJ on Fri. or Sat. I don't really understand what kind of advice you're asking for here.

[Bane1976]

Take a train. DC traffic is not easy.

[ieee488]

You can commute by Amtrak from Princeton Junction to DC every day.
The train ride is about 2.5 hours each way.

Otherwise, I have no idea what you are wanting to do.

[daliowa]

You can look at Amtrak schedules & prices: Train & Bus Tickets - National Railroad - USA & Canada | Amtrak

Expect to pay over $100. per Amtrak ticket.

Can you afford to keep an apartment in NJ & one in D.C.? Keep in mind that's two rents, two electric bills, etc. You should also find out about tax implications.

[pinkydapimp]

it would be very expensive to do this commute every day. You would need to look for an apt or cheap sublet down there for during the week. Maybe airbnb might work? Either way thats still not cost effective. Take the leap and move down there. its a cool town.

[Mightyqueen801]

Originally Posted by pinkydapimp

it would be very expensive to do this commute every day. You would need to look for an apt or cheap sublet down there for during the week. Maybe airbnb might work? Either way thats still not cost effective. Take the leap and move down there. its a cool town.

The OP, who has not come back, clearly says he would stay in DC during the week and come home on weekends.

[ieee488]

Originally Posted by Mightyqueen801

The OP, who has not come back, clearly says he would stay in DC during the week and come home on weekends.

1.5x - 2x his costs
unless he is getting paid major bucks, he'll need to find a room to rent in DC with kitchen priviledges

[Mightyqueen801]

Originally Posted by ieee488

1.5x - 2x his costs
unless he is getting paid major bucks, he'll need to find a room to rent in DC with kitchen priviledges

Yes, and I bet doing that trip every weekend will get old fast.

[xnchen]

I'm back, didn't now you guys are so fast. Thanks!

Trip every weekend might get old fast. And o my, $125 per ticket? I am persistent, but the weather might not let me.

Work: The job pays about $50,000. I am there for the research experience.

D.C. vs Jersey: I respect the capital, but I feel home at Jersey. The Jersey culture, Jersey girl!

Rent: I have a few months to go my current lease. I plan to rent a decent place in Jersey, but cheap one D.C.

Travel: looks like it's the AmTrak tickets will break the bank.

I have a few weeks to decide if I want to take the job.