D.C. Associates: Where do people live? How much do you pay in rent? Forum

[Anonymous User]

office is going to be walking distance-ish from dupont circle.

Don't know DC that well so any suggestions of where to live/where most people live would be helpful?
I dont mind being in a busy part of town as long as its convenient.

And I have absolutely zero conception of what is reasonable rent in DC...
looking for 1bd but desperately craving in unit laundry...

help?

[Anonymous User]

Office is near Union Station; I live in Arlington in a 1bd with in-unit washer/dryer and pay $2200 for ~850 square feet.

[Anonymous User]

If you're open to an English basement you could probably get a place with a w/d in decent shape for the $1,500 range. If you want to be above ground you're probably talking $1,800 minimum for a reasonably safe area (assuming you want central air, which...you do). I think realistically for a fairly nice/updated 1 bed with w/d in a reasonably nice area you're looking at $2,100+.

I currently live in Petworth (don't think this is a particularly popular neighborhood among biglaw associates, but I like it and it's relatively affordable). Last year I lived in Mt Vernon Triangle (I believe 1 br in my complex would be ~$2,100 now after free rent). Capitol Hill, Dupont Circle, Shaw, Logan Circle, Adams Morgan all worth a look I think. I'm sure others who have been here longer will have more recommendations.

Alexandria, Arlington, Bethesda, Silver Springs, etc. are also options if you're open to that but I'm less familiar with prices outside the city. The one thing I'll say is Crystal City is probably the cheapest place to live in the immediate vicinity of DC (that is relatively safe) but I've heard it's not exactly a fun place to live (very bland / soulless).

[Anonymous User]

Check the Metro map and see if "walking distance from Dupont" means you'd want to take the Red Line, or if you'd be comfortable walking to/from Farragut West. If it's the Red, I would really recommend living near a Red station as my QoL improved immeasurably when I cut out a twice-daily Metro transfer by just living by the same line as my office stop.

I'll focus on the Red line for now - around Dupont will have options but will also be expensive. You could go up further north in some place like Tenleytown which would be more affordable. There are lots of biglaw associates and similar yuppies on the other side of the Red line too in NoMa. Basically zoom in on 1st and M NE and go out about a block or two in each direction and you'll see like 10 apartment complexes that have sprung up there right by that Metro stop that are filled with late 20-somethings doing jobs like biglaw.

For a "luxury" apartment building, with 24/7 desk staffing, package acceptance, gym, pool, etc. (and in-unit W/D, of course) you are probably looking at low $2000s to start for 1 bedrooms, in the 600s for square footage. If you want something like a bigger 1-bedroom (in the 700s), a nice view, high floor, etc., you can get over $2500.

[papermateflair]

The "luxury" buildings almost always have in-unit laundry - that was a deal breaker for me when I moved to DC (I want to do laundry in my own place), and that wasn't really hard to find. I assume it's an issue if you're like, renting a basement apartment from an individual, but otherwise you should be able to get a place with laundry with no problem.

If you're going to be in DC it'll probably be $2300-$2500 in certain buildings depending on size. I live in Alexandria and am paying $2000/month for a decent sized one bedroom with in unit laundry, a pool, etc.

[Learned Paw]

You should also take a look at the bus lines near your office. I work in the same general area and the "S" lines down 16th Street are pretty convenient and it can be cheaper than living right next to the metro.

I pay ~2200 for a one bed in a "luxury" building in Columbia Heights with in-unit w/d, a gym, etc. It's about a 25 minute commute door to door.

[12YrsAnAssociate]

Sounds like you're young and would be fine with living in DC, so my info might be of no use to you.

I have a family, and I liked Bethesda because it's on the red line, so the commute's not bad, and in my opinion it's better suited for family life (e.g., lots of good schools, other families, soccer practice type stuff). Also, it's only a 7 (or so) mile bike ride from Bethesda to Dupont Circle using the Capital Crescent Trail if that's at all of interest to you.

Housing is expensive compared to most places, but really cheap compared to where I was living before. I paid $3,500 a month to rent a 4-bedroom house in Bethesda, whereas in my prior city it was $6,000 a month for a smaller one.

[Wanderingdrock]

If you're open to an English basement you could probably get a place with a w/d in decent shape for the $1,500 range. If you want to be above ground you're probably talking $1,800 minimum for a reasonably safe area (assuming you want central air, which...you do). I think realistically for a fairly nice/updated 1 bed with w/d in a reasonably nice area you're looking at $2,100+.

I currently live in Petworth (don't think this is a particularly popular neighborhood among biglaw associates, but I like it and it's relatively affordable). Last year I lived in Mt Vernon Triangle (I believe 1 br in my complex would be ~$2,100 now after free rent). Capitol Hill, Dupont Circle, Shaw, Logan Circle, Adams Morgan all worth a look I think. I'm sure others who have been here longer will have more recommendations.

Alexandria, Arlington, Bethesda, Silver Springs, etc. are also options if you're open to that but I'm less familiar with prices outside the city. The one thing I'll say is Crystal City is probably the cheapest place to live in the immediate vicinity of DC (that is relatively safe) but I've heard it's not exactly a fun place to live (very bland / soulless).

I also live in Petworth, but TITCR. Petworth may be where you go to buy your starter home; all those other neighborhoods are where you look to rent if you can afford them, which we can (or buy, but not necessarily if you're looking for a starter home as a junior/mid-level associate - maybe a condo though).

I would add that having an in-room W/D is great, but as someone who's had it in room and in the basement at different times while working in DC Biglaw, I'd urge you to consider whether it's a dealbreaker. We were able to afford (today it would be ~$2100/month) an 800sqf 1-bedroom in an older building in Woodley Park, a 5-min walk from the Metro - which means you'd have an easy Metro ride to your Dupont Circle office, or could bus or bike very conveniently. 800sqf is A LOT for 1 or 2 people by DC standards, and the Woodley Park location is unbeatable. (One time a couple of guys robbed a convenience store in NE and made the mistake of crashing their getaway car in NW near Woodley Park; the neighborhood was crawling with cops and circled by helicopters for 2 hours until they were caught, because the risk of an international incident with all the rich diplomats on/near Embassy Row makes it one of the safest neighborhoods in DC.) The tradeoff was that the apartment... uh, looked older I guess? The kitchen was still pretty updated, if small. And we had to go to the basement to do laundry. Not ideal if you've got kids! Otherwise, a pretty good trade to afford the location. And I'm someone who really thought a modern apartment with W/D was necessary, and rented a brand new place out in the 'burbs before moving to Woodley Park because I hated the commute.

In DC you can choose two of modern, well-located, or cheap, but not all three. My advice is to prioritize location and affordability at least in the beginning, get a feel for where you'd buy if you're staying long term (hope you do!), and save save save while the location helps you maintain good mental health via outdoor amenities and a short commute that doesn't depend on the Metro not sucking or the Beltway not having traffic. Once you have sufficient savings/investments, then you've got freedom to change jobs or move neighborhoods as you like.

[elmar]

If you're open to an English basement you could probably get a place with a w/d in decent shape for the $1,500 range. If you want to be above ground you're probably talking $1,800 minimum for a reasonably safe area (assuming you want central air, which...you do). I think realistically for a fairly nice/updated 1 bed with w/d in a reasonably nice area you're looking at $2,100+.

I currently live in Petworth (don't think this is a particularly popular neighborhood among biglaw associates, but I like it and it's relatively affordable). Last year I lived in Mt Vernon Triangle (I believe 1 br in my complex would be ~$2,100 now after free rent). Capitol Hill, Dupont Circle, Shaw, Logan Circle, Adams Morgan all worth a look I think. I'm sure others who have been here longer will have more recommendations.

Alexandria, Arlington, Bethesda, Silver Springs, etc. are also options if you're open to that but I'm less familiar with prices outside the city. The one thing I'll say is Crystal City is probably the cheapest place to live in the immediate vicinity of DC (that is relatively safe) but I've heard it's not exactly a fun place to live (very bland / soulless).

I also live in Petworth, but TITCR. Petworth may be where you go to buy your starter home; all those other neighborhoods are where you look to rent if you can afford them, which we can (or buy, but not necessarily if you're looking for a starter home as a junior/mid-level associate - maybe a condo though).

I would add that having an in-room W/D is great, but as someone who's had it in room and in the basement at different times while working in DC Biglaw, I'd urge you to consider whether it's a dealbreaker. We were able to afford (today it would be ~$2100/month) an 800sqf 1-bedroom in an older building in Woodley Park, a 5-min walk from the Metro - which means you'd have an easy Metro ride to your Dupont Circle office, or could bus or bike very conveniently. 800sqf is A LOT for 1 or 2 people by DC standards, and the Woodley Park location is unbeatable. (One time a couple of guys robbed a convenience store in NE and made the mistake of crashing their getaway car in NW near Woodley Park; the neighborhood was crawling with cops and circled by helicopters for 2 hours until they were caught, because the risk of an international incident with all the rich diplomats on/near Embassy Row makes it one of the safest neighborhoods in DC.) The tradeoff was that the apartment... uh, looked older I guess? The kitchen was still pretty updated, if small. And we had to go to the basement to do laundry. Not ideal if you've got kids! Otherwise, a pretty good trade to afford the location. And I'm someone who really thought a modern apartment with W/D was necessary, and rented a brand new place out in the 'burbs before moving to Woodley Park because I hated the commute.

In DC you can choose two of modern, well-located, or cheap, but not all three. My advice is to prioritize location and affordability at least in the beginning, get a feel for where you'd buy if you're staying long term (hope you do!), and save save save while the location helps you maintain good mental health via outdoor amenities and a short commute that doesn't depend on the Metro not sucking or the Beltway not having traffic. Once you have sufficient savings/investments, then you've got freedom to change jobs or move neighborhoods as you like.

Chiming in to say the bolded is correct and the right way to prioritize. As one more datapoint, I know someone who bought in Brookland and rents out their studio basement with w/d and kitchenette and it's $800 a month including utilities. That said, you live in dark basement and you're relatively far from downtown.

[Anonymous User]

Damn how crappy is that basement? I rent mine out for $1,550 not including electric and it's not exactly finished like a condo. My gf rented one pre-COVID that was definitely not up to code in Shaw and still paid $13-something.

[Anonymous User]

Anon because giving away generally where I live, but highly recommend east village of georgetown. I am in the furthest east part, only a 7 minute walk from the dupont metro and probably walking distance from your office. You can pay low 2000s for a solid 1br. I am in one for $2085 and have a w/d, though I got an an amazing deal. Look at buildings like kew gardens, highbridge, etc. Lots of english basements in this area as well.

[Wanderingdrock]

Anon because giving away generally where I live, but highly recommend east village of georgetown. I am in the furthest east part, only a 7 minute walk from the dupont metro and probably walking distance from your office. You can pay low 2000s for a solid 1br. I am in one for $2085 and have a w/d, though I got an an amazing deal. Look at buildings like kew gardens, highbridge, etc. Lots of english basements in this area as well.

I had no idea you could get a 1-bedroom with in-unit W/D in Georgetown, walking distance from Dupont Circle Metro, for the low-2000s, but if this kind of deal isn't just a quirk of Covid timing, this is actually the correct response. This location is the best anybody has mentioned in this thread, myself included.

[wwwcol]

Anon because giving away generally where I live, but highly recommend east village of georgetown. I am in the furthest east part, only a 7 minute walk from the dupont metro and probably walking distance from your office. You can pay low 2000s for a solid 1br. I am in one for $2085 and have a w/d, though I got an an amazing deal. Look at buildings like kew gardens, highbridge, etc. Lots of english basements in this area as well.

I had no idea you could get a 1-bedroom with in-unit W/D in Georgetown, walking distance from Dupont Circle Metro, for the low-2000s, but if this kind of deal isn't just a quirk of Covid timing, this is actually the correct response. This location is the best anybody has mentioned in this thread, myself included.

The idea that anything in Georgetown is the best location mentioned in this thread is downright bizarre. Maybe for a very specific type of person, but most people would prefer at least one of AdMo/DuPont/CH (stuff to do) or CapHill/Eastern Market (quieter, more family stuff) or Woodley/Cleveland (reasonable prices, often around $17-1900 for a 1br, but still close to Admo/DuPont) or even NoMa/Navy Yd (new units) over Georgetown.

[Anonymous User]

Anon because giving away generally where I live, but highly recommend east village of georgetown. I am in the furthest east part, only a 7 minute walk from the dupont metro and probably walking distance from your office. You can pay low 2000s for a solid 1br. I am in one for $2085 and have a w/d, though I got an an amazing deal. Look at buildings like kew gardens, highbridge, etc. Lots of english basements in this area as well.

Anon because also posting specific info about where I live. I've lived in G'town for several years. I pay $1,750 for a one-bedroom in a rent-controlled building. It's smaller and basement laundry, but great view from my windows, central air, and well-maintained building. The area isn't for everyone but I love it. G'town has a bunch of rent-controlled buildings (the regulation is written to capture older buildings which are in abundance in this area) that can lead to really cheap rent. I assume you're at one of the Dupont/West End area firms (i.e. Weil, Aiken Gump, etc.). Busses all over G'town that run frequently. I could likely get door-to-door to Weil in 10 minutes with the bus or only a 20 minute walk. Not a bad set up at all. I can also walk to M street and Wisconsin avenue, which are the main shopping and dining areas of G'town, in 5-10 minutes.

G'town is pretty sleepy and residential in this area, so likely wouldn't appeal to someone who wants bars and nightlife. I'll second what others are saying about sticking to the Red Line. I would check the area just east of Dupont and Woodley Park--so Kalorama, west AdMo, west Logan Circle--first. In case helpful when looking at a map, this is the area between Connecticut Avenue and 15th Street (from E to W) and Dupont Circle and Calvert (N to S). You won't find a ton of big buildings in this area, but you should have several options for one-bedroom places. A good location for easy commute to Dupont and also a short walk to AdMo, 14th street, and U street if you want more nightlife. I would strongly recommend against going east of 15th street or you'll end up with an unnecessarily bad commute with public transportation. This puts you on the Green/Yellow line, which necessarily requires a transfer on the metro and longer commute.

[Wanderingdrock]

Anon because giving away generally where I live, but highly recommend east village of georgetown. I am in the furthest east part, only a 7 minute walk from the dupont metro and probably walking distance from your office. You can pay low 2000s for a solid 1br. I am in one for $2085 and have a w/d, though I got an an amazing deal. Look at buildings like kew gardens, highbridge, etc. Lots of english basements in this area as well.

I had no idea you could get a 1-bedroom with in-unit W/D in Georgetown, walking distance from Dupont Circle Metro, for the low-2000s, but if this kind of deal isn't just a quirk of Covid timing, this is actually the correct response. This location is the best anybody has mentioned in this thread, myself included.

The idea that anything in Georgetown is the best location mentioned in this thread is downright bizarre. Maybe for a very specific type of person, but most people would prefer at least one of AdMo/DuPont/CH (stuff to do) or CapHill/Eastern Market (quieter, more family stuff) or Woodley/Cleveland (reasonable prices, often around $17-1900 for a 1br, but still close to Admo/DuPont) or even NoMa/Navy Yd (new units) over Georgetown.

Different folks, different strokes, I guess. I've loved Georgetown since I was a kid riding my bike down the Capital Crescent Trail. It's walkable and urban-residential and mostly quite quiet by downtown standards, but with restaurants and nightlife within blocks of that. The biggest objections to it most folks I've talked to have are 1) that it's not convenient for Metro, but the poster above noted they're a 7-minute walk from Dupont Circle Station, and 2) it's mostly old (construction and people) but again, the convenience and affordability the above poster found outweighs that. Like, if you don't like the waterfront, just walk to Dupont. Another 15-20 minutes' walk will take you to Adams Morgan. For somebody with an office in Dupont Circle, the eastern tip of Georgetown at that price with a "solid" 1-bedroom with in-unit W/D really seems unbeatable. (But yeah, if your heart is set on a newer unit or living literally above bars and restaurants, definitely look elsewhere.)

Those are all great neighborhoods. However, for those following the advice I gave further up in the thread (to prioritize location and affordability vs. modernity), this particular apartment seems like it hit the sweet spot. Of course, query whether another like it is on the market in that area, and check out Adams Morgan, Dupont, Capitol Hill, Woodley Park, etc. so as not to keep all your eggs in the "I struck gold in Georgetown" basket.

[Anonymous User]

Anon because giving away generally where I live, but highly recommend east village of georgetown. I am in the furthest east part, only a 7 minute walk from the dupont metro and probably walking distance from your office. You can pay low 2000s for a solid 1br. I am in one for $2085 and have a w/d, though I got an an amazing deal. Look at buildings like kew gardens, highbridge, etc. Lots of english basements in this area as well.

I had no idea you could get a 1-bedroom with in-unit W/D in Georgetown, walking distance from Dupont Circle Metro, for the low-2000s, but if this kind of deal isn't just a quirk of Covid timing, this is actually the correct response. This location is the best anybody has mentioned in this thread, myself included.

The idea that anything in Georgetown is the best location mentioned in this thread is downright bizarre. Maybe for a very specific type of person, but most people would prefer at least one of AdMo/DuPont/CH (stuff to do) or CapHill/Eastern Market (quieter, more family stuff) or Woodley/Cleveland (reasonable prices, often around $17-1900 for a 1br, but still close to Admo/DuPont) or even NoMa/Navy Yd (new units) over Georgetown.

Anon from above. This is likely true about Georgetown more generally but I would strongly recommend against Navy Yard/NoMa, CapHill/Eastern Market, or Columbia Heights if you work near Dupont Circle. Those are all miserable commutes.

In case helpful, an infamous article written about Navy Yard during the Trump administration that highlighted how young admin staffers all lived there because they felt most welcome. That's the vibe, plus widely inconvenient for getting most anywhere else in the city (save Capitol Hill). I would strongly recommend against living there unless that's what you're looking for. Columbia Heights also has a not great reputation for gun violence and crime. It's otherwise nice, and much more diverse and historically DC than most other areas of the city, but an unfortunate reality you'll have to deal with more often there than other areas of the city.

[Anonymous User]

Anon because giving away generally where I live, but highly recommend east village of georgetown. I am in the furthest east part, only a 7 minute walk from the dupont metro and probably walking distance from your office. You can pay low 2000s for a solid 1br. I am in one for $2085 and have a w/d, though I got an an amazing deal. Look at buildings like kew gardens, highbridge, etc. Lots of english basements in this area as well.

I had no idea you could get a 1-bedroom with in-unit W/D in Georgetown, walking distance from Dupont Circle Metro, for the low-2000s, but if this kind of deal isn't just a quirk of Covid timing, this is actually the correct response. This location is the best anybody has mentioned in this thread, myself included.

The idea that anything in Georgetown is the best location mentioned in this thread is downright bizarre. Maybe for a very specific type of person, but most people would prefer at least one of AdMo/DuPont/CH (stuff to do) or CapHill/Eastern Market (quieter, more family stuff) or Woodley/Cleveland (reasonable prices, often around $17-1900 for a 1br, but still close to Admo/DuPont) or even NoMa/Navy Yd (new units) over Georgetown.

Different folks, different strokes, I guess. I've loved Georgetown since I was a kid riding my bike down the Capital Crescent Trail. It's walkable and urban-residential and mostly quite quiet by downtown standards, but with restaurants and nightlife within blocks of that. The biggest objections to it most folks I've talked to have are 1) that it's not convenient for Metro, but the poster above noted they're a 7-minute walk from Dupont Circle Station, and 2) it's mostly old (construction and people) but again, the convenience and affordability the above poster found outweighs that. Like, if you don't like the waterfront, just walk to Dupont. Another 15-20 minutes' walk will take you to Adams Morgan. For somebody with an office in Dupont Circle, the eastern tip of Georgetown at that price with a "solid" 1-bedroom with in-unit W/D really seems unbeatable. (But yeah, if your heart is set on a newer unit or living literally above bars and restaurants, definitely look elsewhere.)

Those are all great neighborhoods. However, for those following the advice I gave further up in the thread (to prioritize location and affordability vs. modernity), this particular apartment seems like it hit the sweet spot. Of course, query whether another like it is on the market in that area, and check out Adams Morgan, Dupont, Capitol Hill, Woodley Park, etc. so as not to keep all your eggs in the "I struck gold in Georgetown" basket.

Original anon who made this georgetown rec, I actually got my place summer of 2019, so not a Covid fluke. The area is rent controlled which is another huge +. I can walk to dupont bars in 10 minutes, so I really don’t agree that it’s too far from nightlife, unless, like has it has been mentioned, you need to be on top of bars and restaurants. I would recommend looking at places north of M and east of 30th or so if you are considering georgetown and want convenience.

[Anonymous User]

Anon because giving away generally where I live, but highly recommend east village of georgetown. I am in the furthest east part, only a 7 minute walk from the dupont metro and probably walking distance from your office. You can pay low 2000s for a solid 1br. I am in one for $2085 and have a w/d, though I got an an amazing deal. Look at buildings like kew gardens, highbridge, etc. Lots of english basements in this area as well.

I had no idea you could get a 1-bedroom with in-unit W/D in Georgetown, walking distance from Dupont Circle Metro, for the low-2000s, but if this kind of deal isn't just a quirk of Covid timing, this is actually the correct response. This location is the best anybody has mentioned in this thread, myself included.

The idea that anything in Georgetown is the best location mentioned in this thread is downright bizarre. Maybe for a very specific type of person, but most people would prefer at least one of AdMo/DuPont/CH (stuff to do) or CapHill/Eastern Market (quieter, more family stuff) or Woodley/Cleveland (reasonable prices, often around $17-1900 for a 1br, but still close to Admo/DuPont) or even NoMa/Navy Yd (new units) over Georgetown.

Different folks, different strokes, I guess. I've loved Georgetown since I was a kid riding my bike down the Capital Crescent Trail. It's walkable and urban-residential and mostly quite quiet by downtown standards, but with restaurants and nightlife within blocks of that. The biggest objections to it most folks I've talked to have are 1) that it's not convenient for Metro, but the poster above noted they're a 7-minute walk from Dupont Circle Station, and 2) it's mostly old (construction and people) but again, the convenience and affordability the above poster found outweighs that. Like, if you don't like the waterfront, just walk to Dupont. Another 15-20 minutes' walk will take you to Adams Morgan. For somebody with an office in Dupont Circle, the eastern tip of Georgetown at that price with a "solid" 1-bedroom with in-unit W/D really seems unbeatable. (But yeah, if your heart is set on a newer unit or living literally above bars and restaurants, definitely look elsewhere.)

Those are all great neighborhoods. However, for those following the advice I gave further up in the thread (to prioritize location and affordability vs. modernity), this particular apartment seems like it hit the sweet spot. Of course, query whether another like it is on the market in that area, and check out Adams Morgan, Dupont, Capitol Hill, Woodley Park, etc. so as not to keep all your eggs in the "I struck gold in Georgetown" basket.

Original anon who made this georgetown rec, I actually got my place summer of 2019, so not a Covid fluke. The area is rent controlled which is another huge +. I can walk to dupont bars in 10 minutes, so I really don’t agree that it’s too far from nightlife, unless, like has it has been mentioned, you need to be on top of bars and restaurants. I would recommend looking at places north of M and east of 30th or so if you are considering georgetown and want convenience.

[Anonymous User]

Anon because giving away generally where I live, but highly recommend east village of georgetown. I am in the furthest east part, only a 7 minute walk from the dupont metro and probably walking distance from your office. You can pay low 2000s for a solid 1br. I am in one for $2085 and have a w/d, though I got an an amazing deal. Look at buildings like kew gardens, highbridge, etc. Lots of english basements in this area as well.

I had no idea you could get a 1-bedroom with in-unit W/D in Georgetown, walking distance from Dupont Circle Metro, for the low-2000s, but if this kind of deal isn't just a quirk of Covid timing, this is actually the correct response. This location is the best anybody has mentioned in this thread, myself included.

The idea that anything in Georgetown is the best location mentioned in this thread is downright bizarre. Maybe for a very specific type of person, but most people would prefer at least one of AdMo/DuPont/CH (stuff to do) or CapHill/Eastern Market (quieter, more family stuff) or Woodley/Cleveland (reasonable prices, often around $17-1900 for a 1br, but still close to Admo/DuPont) or even NoMa/Navy Yd (new units) over Georgetown.

Different folks, different strokes, I guess. I've loved Georgetown since I was a kid riding my bike down the Capital Crescent Trail. It's walkable and urban-residential and mostly quite quiet by downtown standards, but with restaurants and nightlife within blocks of that. The biggest objections to it most folks I've talked to have are 1) that it's not convenient for Metro, but the poster above noted they're a 7-minute walk from Dupont Circle Station, and 2) it's mostly old (construction and people) but again, the convenience and affordability the above poster found outweighs that. Like, if you don't like the waterfront, just walk to Dupont. Another 15-20 minutes' walk will take you to Adams Morgan. For somebody with an office in Dupont Circle, the eastern tip of Georgetown at that price with a "solid" 1-bedroom with in-unit W/D really seems unbeatable. (But yeah, if your heart is set on a newer unit or living literally above bars and restaurants, definitely look elsewhere.)

Those are all great neighborhoods. However, for those following the advice I gave further up in the thread (to prioritize location and affordability vs. modernity), this particular apartment seems like it hit the sweet spot. Of course, query whether another like it is on the market in that area, and check out Adams Morgan, Dupont, Capitol Hill, Woodley Park, etc. so as not to keep all your eggs in the "I struck gold in Georgetown" basket.

Original anon who made this georgetown rec, I actually got my place summer of 2019, so not a Covid fluke. The area is rent controlled which is another huge +. I can walk to dupont bars in 10 minutes, so I really don’t agree that it’s too far from nightlife, unless, like has it has been mentioned, you need to be on top of bars and restaurants. I would recommend looking at places north of M and east of 30th or so if you are considering georgetown and want convenience.

[Anonymous User]

Sincere apologies for the triple post, not sure how it happened

[Anonymous User]

Don’t mean to hijack the post. I’m going to be working in the judiciary square area. Thinking about Alexandria. Is this a decent commute or should I look closer? Thanks

[Anonymous User]

Anon because giving away generally where I live, but highly recommend east village of georgetown. I am in the furthest east part, only a 7 minute walk from the dupont metro and probably walking distance from your office. You can pay low 2000s for a solid 1br. I am in one for $2085 and have a w/d, though I got an an amazing deal. Look at buildings like kew gardens, highbridge, etc. Lots of english basements in this area as well.

I had no idea you could get a 1-bedroom with in-unit W/D in Georgetown, walking distance from Dupont Circle Metro, for the low-2000s, but if this kind of deal isn't just a quirk of Covid timing, this is actually the correct response. This location is the best anybody has mentioned in this thread, myself included.

The idea that anything in Georgetown is the best location mentioned in this thread is downright bizarre. Maybe for a very specific type of person, but most people would prefer at least one of AdMo/DuPont/CH (stuff to do) or CapHill/Eastern Market (quieter, more family stuff) or Woodley/Cleveland (reasonable prices, often around $17-1900 for a 1br, but still close to Admo/DuPont) or even NoMa/Navy Yd (new units) over Georgetown.

Anon from above. This is likely true about Georgetown more generally but I would strongly recommend against Navy Yard/NoMa, CapHill/Eastern Market, or Columbia Heights if you work near Dupont Circle. Those are all miserable commutes.

In case helpful, an infamous article written about Navy Yard during the Trump administration that highlighted how young admin staffers all lived there because they felt most welcome. That's the vibe, plus widely inconvenient for getting most anywhere else in the city (save Capitol Hill). I would strongly recommend against living there unless that's what you're looking for. Columbia Heights also has a not great reputation for gun violence and crime. It's otherwise nice, and much more diverse and historically DC than most other areas of the city, but an unfortunate reality you'll have to deal with more often there than other areas of the city.

Can’t believe I am defending NoMa and Navy Yard, but:

NoMa to Dupont is actually a very easy commute - it’s like 6 stops on the Red line. No transfer. Much more convenient than most parts of DC and anywhere in Virginia.

Navy Yard being the most Republican neighborhood in DC means that it’s 85% liberal instead of 90%. You can actually look up the Biden/Trump vote share at a granular level and see this. I have never gotten a Trump/Republican “vibe” from Navy Yard. AOC lives (lived?) in Navy Yard, in a really nice building above the Whole Foods.

Lots of people do not like these neighborhoods for valid reasons IMO - they both can feel artificial and corporate and some have gentrification concerns. But they are also popular because they are the two best neighborhoods in DC for new luxury units at decent prices in neighborhoods that have at least something going on.

There is a lot to choose from in and around DC that if an incoming associate puts in just a little legwork, they’ll find the neighborhood that’s the best fit for them. There are very different vibes at different price points all over the place.

[Anonymous User]

Anon because giving away generally where I live, but highly recommend east village of georgetown. I am in the furthest east part, only a 7 minute walk from the dupont metro and probably walking distance from your office. You can pay low 2000s for a solid 1br. I am in one for $2085 and have a w/d, though I got an an amazing deal. Look at buildings like kew gardens, highbridge, etc. Lots of english basements in this area as well.

I had no idea you could get a 1-bedroom with in-unit W/D in Georgetown, walking distance from Dupont Circle Metro, for the low-2000s, but if this kind of deal isn't just a quirk of Covid timing, this is actually the correct response. This location is the best anybody has mentioned in this thread, myself included.

The idea that anything in Georgetown is the best location mentioned in this thread is downright bizarre. Maybe for a very specific type of person, but most people would prefer at least one of AdMo/DuPont/CH (stuff to do) or CapHill/Eastern Market (quieter, more family stuff) or Woodley/Cleveland (reasonable prices, often around $17-1900 for a 1br, but still close to Admo/DuPont) or even NoMa/Navy Yd (new units) over Georgetown.

Anon from above. This is likely true about Georgetown more generally but I would strongly recommend against Navy Yard/NoMa, CapHill/Eastern Market, or Columbia Heights if you work near Dupont Circle. Those are all miserable commutes.

In case helpful, an infamous article written about Navy Yard during the Trump administration that highlighted how young admin staffers all lived there because they felt most welcome. That's the vibe, plus widely inconvenient for getting most anywhere else in the city (save Capitol Hill). I would strongly recommend against living there unless that's what you're looking for. Columbia Heights also has a not great reputation for gun violence and crime. It's otherwise nice, and much more diverse and historically DC than most other areas of the city, but an unfortunate reality you'll have to deal with more often there than other areas of the city.

Can’t believe I am defending NoMa and Navy Yard, but:

NoMa to Dupont is actually a very easy commute - it’s like 6 stops on the Red line. No transfer. Much more convenient than most parts of DC and anywhere in Virginia.

Navy Yard being the most Republican neighborhood in DC means that it’s 85% liberal instead of 90%. You can actually look up the Biden/Trump vote share at a granular level and see this. I have never gotten a Trump/Republican “vibe” from Navy Yard. AOC lives (lived?) in Navy Yard, in a really nice building above the Whole Foods.

Lots of people do not like these neighborhoods for valid reasons IMO - they both can feel artificial and corporate and some have gentrification concerns. But they are also popular because they are the two best neighborhoods in DC for new luxury units at decent prices in neighborhoods that have at least something going on.

There is a lot to choose from in and around DC that if an incoming associate puts in just a little legwork, they’ll find the neighborhood that’s the best fit for them. There are very different vibes at different price points all over the place.

I lived in Eckington when I first got to DC, and second that on NOMA. Stupid name aside, it’s an extremely accessible neighborhood. My wife computed to DuPont and should often walk, or else take the bus. Took less time than where we live now.

Also second the point on Navy Yard. Anyone who thinks it’s some Trump haven hasn’t actually been there. It’s just new.

[moseymouse]

Mount Vernon Triangle has a lot of luxury apartments and you can walk to Dupont Circle. 1 bedroom apartments are probably around $2,200 for washer dryer in unit in a building with a concierge, fitness center, and pool. Not the most fun neighborhood, but walkable to most places that you want to go and enough restaurants and bars around to keep you busy. Close to Georgetown Law so a good amount of law students in the neighborhood so be aware

[Anonymous User]

OP, it will depend on what you mean by “near DuPont.” My guess is that you mean near the Farragut Metro stops (North and West). My office is right there.

I have a 2-bed in a northern part of Navy Yard (near AOC’s old building) with my SO and we pay $3,400. I think a 1-bed in our building goes for between $2,400 and $2,800. There are cheaper buildings near us. Navy Yard actually has a very reasonable housing selection because new buildings come in so fast. (We looked at a ton of neighborhoods).

My commute is direct, living on the northern part of Navy Yard, I can walk to the Capitol South metro in less than 10 minutes. My commute is less than 30 minutes door to door. Having access to Orange/Blue/Silver and Green has been nice as well. O/B/S has had problems and I was able to avoid those by doing a green-to-red transfer. While transferring is a pain, it’s not the worst.

I actually really like Navy Yard. I don’t need a car. It’s safe and clean. It seems like everyone owns a dog so there are always people out walking around, even late at night. We are close to restaurants but spend most of our time in other neighborhoods on weekends. It is nice being a quick walk to Capitol Hill and a quick train to the Wharf.

We spent a summer in NoMa and absolutely hated it. If I were living off the red line, I’d do something like Woodley Park.