Best time to look for an Apartment? (Alexandria, Burke: fit in, apartments)

[Plotster]

I have offered and accepted a job working at the NGA facility at fort belvoir North (in Springfield I belive) starting in July. Since I live in Mississippi right now apartment hunting is a bit tricky. I am able to come up for about 1 week to find a place but I dont know when the best time to visit would be. Is the middle of May too soon or should I wait until the begining of June. I am 26 and single so I am looking more at the Alexandria and arlington areas. I would love to have a place in walking distance to resturants, bars and shops but my budgest is a little on the low side so I am also looking at Woodbridge and other areas that are a little cheaper (and less single friendly). I could use all the advice I can get so dont be shy please.

Thanks

[roninsedge]

I suggest looking for potential places online, calling them and seeing how early you can reserve an apartment to rent. Whittle down your choices and come on down and take a look at however many you want/can fit in.

[oneasterisk]

What's your budget? That's the big factor. Cost of living is very high compared to Mississippi. I visited my brother in Gulfport and was amazed that you can get 2bdrm apartments for $700 plus the come with a small yard. It's at least $400+ more here in VA.

[CaliTerp07]

Generally 60 days out is as early as you want to look (because previous tenants won't give their notice until then). You're coming at peak transition time, so there should be no shortage of available units--the only issue will be your budget.

If you're willing to take on a roommate, you'll be much more likely to get that place in alexandria or arlington. Craigslist has a section for room/house shares, and I've been successful in the past finding roommates that way. You could line up a bunch for the week you're up here and meet people in person then.

[Pandoras]

Originally Posted by Plotster

I have offered and accepted a job working at the NGA facility at fort belvoir North (in Springfield I belive) starting in July. Since I live in Mississippi right now apartment hunting is a bit tricky. I am able to come up for about 1 week to find a place but I dont know when the best time to visit would be. Is the middle of May too soon or should I wait until the begining of June. I am 26 and single so I am looking more at the Alexandria and arlington areas. I would love to have a place in walking distance to resturants, bars and shops but my budgest is a little on the low side so I am also looking at Woodbridge and other areas that are a little cheaper (and less single friendly). I could use all the advice I can get so dont be shy please.

Thanks

I think the earlier the better. There is typically a surge of interns looking for lodging in late May early June before their internships start. Be prepared for a quick decision on good apartments. Some apartments also have waiting lists as well.

[Teebyrd86]

I made a quick desicion (2nd place I looked at in desperation, no time to look at anymore) when I moved here and lived in the place a whole year, a year in misery. The good thing about renting tho its you can get out if you hate it.. and after living in an area for a year you get a sense of where you want to live perminatly.

[vermonter16]

I think the sooner you look the better. Then - you can narrow down your choices and since you already know what you want, can keep in touch with the management to find out when something becomes available.

[South Jersey Styx]

Start looking now. As Pandoras said, interns and temp folks will flood the city in the summer; there's almost always a shortage in [rental] housing during summers in DC.

[statecollege]

Any time is good. It wouldn't hurt to make an early "scouting" trip to see which potential areas will suit your needs even before finding a place. Having amenities within walking distance sounds romantic, but it may not be practical. You need to seriously consider the commute as a factor perhaps more important than walkable stores. Thus, I recommend you include Burke, W. Springfield, and Lorton in your search. Commuting from any of these to NGA will be a breeze, and I guarantee you will value that over being able to walk to Giant, Safeway, or the local boutique. While these areas may not have a walkable downtown, there are so many small commercial areas scattered around that many of the amenities you desire may be walkable --and certainly a short drive--from certain apartments or condos. Keep your eyes to Crag's List; that seems to be a favored rental medium these days. For example, my daughter and her husband found a great 1-BR garden condo through an owner's Craig List ad for $1100 in Burke with a walk-out patio facing a wooded area and small lake.