Where should I live if I work in Union Station? (Alexandria: apartment complexes, rental)

[ssmssm]

Are those red shaped area safe to live? How about crime rate?

Things to consider for living:
1) Single, no kids, so no worry about school district.
2) Try to have more privacy, so don't wanna share. (own apartment or studio)
3) Entry level job, salary is low, so try to keep rent under 1k per month. At least not exceed too much above 1k. So I think I cannot live too close to DC, since my budget is too low for me to live close to DC.
4) No parking space around office (unless park in garage, but that costs too much), so I have to take metro(preferably living in walking distance around metro station, so that no need to pay parking fee in metro station, or sometime cannot even find a parking space).

Someone suggested me to live far out of DC(lower rent) and take VRE (Rail service in Virginia - VRE), but the commute time costs too much, not worth to do so.

I have another thinking, living close to a bus station (if the bus goes to Union Station frequently).

I know my budget cannot offer too many options for me, but I still try to find a best way within my budget.

Any suggestions?

Thank you very much!

[ssmssm]

Which line should I focus on? Yellow line or blue line? I mean where is bigger chance to find an apartment within my budget?

Thanks.

[OrangeFish]

Does it have to be in Virginia? How about Maryland in Silver Spring or (perhaps) Takoma Park?

[CAVA1990]

For the amount of money you'd spend commuting you could rent a studio apartment right near the station and walk. I highly recommend the neighborhood around 2nd and 3rd Streets between E and H streets NE. Lots of young college grads around there and plenty of nice spots to hang out (like Ebenezer's coffee house). They have bike share there and are building a new Giant close by. You wouldn't even need a car as they have zipcars you can rent by the hour or day. If you're single it's ridiculous to live in the burbs and commute in.

[Carlingtonian]

I too would suggest living in DC--specifically, in the NE quadrant, probably (given your budget) above H Street. It's still somewhat sketchy at night, the farther north you go--but during the daytime it's completely fine. The NY Ave Metro is right there, near the ATFE headquarters.

[nimchimpsky]

Originally Posted by OrangeFish

Does it have to be in Virginia? How about Maryland in Silver Spring or (perhaps) Takoma Park?

Both on the red line, which would make metroing into Union Station much easier. You could live pretty far out in Maryland too, technically as far as Frederick, because the MARC train comes into Union Station every morning.

[nimchimpsky]

Originally Posted by Carlingtonian

I too would suggest living in DC--specifically, in the NE quadrant, probably (given your budget) above H Street. It's still somewhat sketchy at night, the farther north you go--but during the daytime it's completely fine. The NY Ave Metro is right there, near the ATFE headquarters.

Not to alarm the OP, but a fair warning--I go to school in this area and shootings are an everyday occurrence. A friend of mine got sideswiped in the head with a bullet two weeks ago and another friend of mine got mugged on Florida Ave and 6th street (not far from NY Ave metro or H street) ...at 1:40 in the afternoon. Daytime is safer but not safe.

[Carlingtonian]

Originally Posted by nimchimpsky

Not to alarm the OP, but a fair warning--I go to school in this area and shootings are an everyday occurrence. A friend of mine got sideswiped in the head with a bullet two weeks ago and another friend of mine got mugged on Florida Ave and 6th street (not far from NY Ave metro or H street) ...at 1:40 in the afternoon. Daytime is safer but not safe.

Wow! I'm actually shocked. Four years ago, when the wife and I moved back to the DC area, I moved in advance of her and stayed with a friend who lives near 6th and M St. NE. Daytime, it was tranquil. Nothing really going on at all. (The people next door did have a pit bull permanently in the front yard, but they were quiet and kept to themselves.)

At night, the only hinky situation I remember was when I once I went for a run and saw a crowd of people gathered around a car--so I just crossed the street.

I wonder if it's actually gotten worse since then.

[ACWhite]

In answer to the OP, both of your red areas are VERY safe, but they will probably stretch your budget.

[FindingZen]

If you are looking at managed apartment complexes or buildings, my personal recommendation is to look at those 1BRs starting at $1200. Anything less than that which still seems convenient may have some issues with maintenance or general quality of life. Of course, privately-owned apartments may offer a different rental range.

Close to the Huntington Metro, there is the Cityside (formerly Belle Haven Towers) apartments. It is not fancy but it is the most affordable of the high-rises within walking distance or quick bus ride from the Metro.

Nearby Old Town Alexandria is a laid-back if sometimes expensive place to hang out. You'll enjoy walking or biking along the Mt Vernon Trail and admiring the waterfront. Most of your typical midscale retail and restaurant options can be found further down Route 1. If you are tempted to look into the "bargain" garden apartments down there, I would do due diligence. Catching the REX bus to and from Huntington can be a drag.