Living in Southeast? (apartments, for rent, violent crime)

[Jtrain12]

I've recently accepted a job in Arlington. However, since it's an entry level job, it doesn't pay especially well. Ideally, I'm looking to pay no more than $850 a month plus utilities. I've been looking at apartments in Arlington and DC, but there is nothing and I mean NOTHING in that price range, even with having roommates, which I'm ok with. There are a good number of places in SE DC, however that are in my price range. However, everyone I've talked to talks about SE like it's a third world country. So I'm wondering....what's it really like? Would there be places that would be ok for someone like me (early 20's, male, white) to live, or should I just suck it up and pay more than I can afford?

[HurricaneDC]

A lot of people play it up like it's the Anbar Province or something. It's not idyllic but it's not a war zone. Most of the violent crime is between people who kinda attract that sort of stuff (gangbangers, drug dealers, etc). Yes, people can get caught up in the crossfire unfortunately, but I think it happens a whole lot less than you'd think. Apart from that, you have to take some precautions that you really ought to take anywhere: don't walk home alone drunk at 2AM, for instance.

Property crime is also pretty high around there, and there is some preventative stuff you can do (don't leave valuables exposed in your car or home, lock your doors and windows, get a nasty former military german shepherd). But there's still a chance that you get the one moron who figures he'll break into a car anyway hoping he'll strike gold.

And all that said, it's a place where generally you're safer if you know the area. If you are an outsider then you may stick out and that may make you a more vulnerable target (because you don't know the lay of the land). Put a guy from Landover, MD there and he'll feel pretty fine but put someone from Potomac, MD there and he'll be calling for a National Guard escort.

[movinghere]

I think that if you look hard enough you should be able to find a room in a group house in your price range if not a room in an apartment. Getting a room in a 4-6 bedroom group house is usually cheaper than getting a room in a 2-br apartment. You might be able to find a room in your price range in Columbia Heights, Capitol Hill, or somewhere in Arlington.

[The Heartbreak Kid]

Jtrain where you moving from?

[yrb]

Originally Posted by Jtrain12

I've recently accepted a job in Arlington. However, since it's an entry level job, it doesn't pay especially well. Ideally, I'm looking to pay no more than $850 a month plus utilities. I've been looking at apartments in Arlington and DC, but there is nothing and I mean NOTHING in that price range, even with having roommates, which I'm ok with. There are a good number of places in SE DC, however that are in my price range. However, everyone I've talked to talks about SE like it's a third world country. So I'm wondering....what's it really like? Would there be places that would be ok for someone like me (early 20's, male, white) to live, or should I just suck it up and pay more than I can afford?

You may be able to find a studio for $900-950-1000 in South Arlington/Columbia Pike area. Especially if you qualify for affordable housing (maybe even cheaper then)

[stateofnature]

It's important to note that Southeast is a big area with variety. When people talk about it being a warzone, they are talking about the parts east of the Anacostia river. But Southeast also includes parts west of the river that are pretty nice like most of Capitol Hill and the Navy Yard area. I live in the SE Hill and love it. If you found a good deal in these parts, by all means go for it.
But my neighborhood is not cheap, so I am guessing you are asking about living east of the river. If that is the case, then I would say with a few exceptions that those areas are indeed as bad as you have heard and are in fact some of the most dangerous in the country. If you are very street smart and used to an inner city environment you could maybe pull it off but otherwise don't risk your safety just to save money.
Instead, why not just move into an open spot in someone's apartment or group house in a safe part of DC or Arlington? Look on the shared housing listings on craigslist.

[Snd485]

You should be able to find somewhere with roommates for $850 plus utilities in DC or Arlington. Where have you been looking? I second that you definitely shouldn't move to Anacostia, but the other parts of SE are nice. The area near the Stadium Armory and Potomac Ave metros is decent and cheaper than some of the nicer areas in SE DC like E Market and where Stateofnature lives.

[boreatwork]

With that demographic and lack of DC knowledge.....don't do it

[terrence81]

Yeah I second the above. I'm surprised that you haven't found anything in Arlington. The only thing I'm thinking is that you were looking for roommates in the "cool" part of Arlington i.e, Clarendon, Ballston, Courthouse, etc. You should be able to find a room for rent in south Arlington. I pay around that amount and it includes utilities. Before I was paying $680 and again it included all utilities and cable. The problem of course being that it is not near any metro lines but there are plenty of buses.

I live in south Arlington and will admit that it is not as polished and nice as Clarendon and Ballston but there's hardly any crime. Its way way way safer than trying to get a place in Anacostia.

If you just have to live in the city near a metro. Then I would suggest that you look at the less trendy neighborhoods. Capitol Hill is more affordable than say Dupont or Georgetown. I hate to say it but it sounds like you've been just looking in the trendy spots. You can branch out and find your price range if you're willing to have roommates without living in a dangerous part of SE.

Falls Church is another option to consider but I think you can find roommates in that price range in other parts of Arlington or Alexandria. At that price range you will NOT be able to live on your own in a safe area.

[Jtrain12]

In regards to finding a roomate via Craigslist, I've tried that, but haven't had too much luck (actually made a post about it about a week ago) //www.city-data.com/forum/renti...raigslist.html