New fed looking for room to rent/apt near DC (for rent, student loans)

[UP 270]

Hello. I'm a single childless 37 yo black male who will be working at the DC Naval Yard. I will be a GS-9 making $53,435 and I have $100,000 in student loans to pay on. I plan on signing up for the income based repayment plan so that should help keep the payments manageable. I have no other debts except $300/month for the car. I'm ok using public transportation and have been finding roommates on craigslist for the last 4 years.

To minimize my rent while staying relatively safe, where should I live. Also, I would like a place with many single females between 27-37. I'm ok with an hour commute via public transportation. $900/month would be nice for rent. Thanks.

[ChristineVA]

My daughter is in a similar paying job in DC (Navy Yard also) and just found a VERY small room to rent in DC for $900 a month plus utilities. It is very small. But she is happy and very glad to have gotten rid of the commute. She found her room through Craigslist and it was a tough go finding something. Cheap rooms are very competitive. It's almost like trying to get accepted into a frat/sorority! She is on the Green Line for the Metro which is good for a Navy Yard commute. Since you are a government worker, you can get the transit subsidy. Parking is also free on the Yard but VERY scarce after 6:30 AM.

If you go out into the suburbs you might find a cheaper rent with roommates, but not much cheaper. So I'd stick with DC and do the roommate thing. DC is also the got a good vibe/nightlife so it sounds like you want to be close to that. Not sure you'd be happy 1 hour out.