Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
To have a car or not really depends on the individual. This is one of those things where you just have to make the call for yourself. Everyone's situation is a little different.
You don't "need" a car in DC, but its nice to have one provided its not too much of a financial burden. Similar to having Premium Cable TV or a gym in your building. Its more of a luxury than anything else.
I only use my car on the weekends. One reason I don't want to part with it is because its a rare model that was produced in limited numbers. Plus it comes in handy for road trips, visiting family during the holidays, moving and shopping. Another factor to consider is what if you change jobs and your new job is not downtown or near a Metro stop? I just like knowing.. if all else fails.. I can still drive.
Great info guys, I will definitely be looking into public transit heavily, and will probably look into bringing my car. It would be hard to leave it behind me, I love it too much for that. As far as budgeting goes, how would you guys go about this? I'm not a big spender, and would be looking to save, pay off student loans month by month. I luckily don't have payments on my car anymore, and am still on my mom's insurance policy (we'll see how long that lasts). I've heard of the whole 50/30/20 rule as it applies to budgeting money, but do you all have any further insight for a young guy looking to get his sea legs?
Great info guys, I will definitely be looking into public transit heavily, and will probably look into bringing my car. It would be hard to leave it behind me, I love it too much for that. As far as budgeting goes, how would you guys go about this? I'm not a big spender, and would be looking to save, pay off student loans month by month. I luckily don't have payments on my car anymore, and am still on my mom's insurance policy (we'll see how long that lasts). I've heard of the whole 50/30/20 rule as it applies to budgeting money, but do you all have any further insight for a young guy looking to get his sea legs?
DC is expensive. So pick your top expenses wisely. If you want to save money you will have to sacrifice something else... a nice place, good food, nightlife, cable TV, etc. Decide what you can't live without and what you CAN live without.
Does anyone know of good areas to move to within the neighborhood, or maybe some areas to stay clear of? With my experience around the Capitol Hill area, I've only ever felt safe; of course, that was in the heart of everything, probably less residential than the periphery. Not to offend anyone of you who may live in the area, but I've read from other posters in the DC area that the northeast section of the neighborhood (specified places such as along Maryland Ave.) may not be the best. Is there any merit to that claim, or is that more so just perception?
Does anyone know of good areas to move to within the neighborhood, or maybe some areas to stay clear of? With my experience around the Capitol Hill area, I've only ever felt safe; of course, that was in the heart of everything, probably less residential than the periphery. Not to offend anyone of you who may live in the area, but I've read from other posters in the DC area that the northeast section of the neighborhood (specified places such as along Maryland Ave.) may not be the best. Is there any merit to that claim, or is that more so just perception?
Definitely truth to that as well as near Stadium/Armory and Potomac Avenue. Not terrible hoods, but not the best either.
If I was looking for a place, I would probably generally look west of 11th Street SE. Of course Eastern Market and Barracks Row are awesome hoods.
Capitol Hill-adjacent areas with a younger vibe would be around H Street NE and maybe around Navy Yard. That said, the Eastern Market/Barracks Row area is great for 30-somethings but by no means boring.
There aren't very many places to go out yet around Navy Yard, but the new apartment buildings are filled with very young renters -- and thousands more will arrive this year.
I've never owned a car, and regularly feel bad for those who have to put up with parking hassles and traffic and dents/crashes and all of that. However, to each their own.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
