November 29, 2009

Guide to DC Housing

Questions to Consider before Looking for Housing:

  • How long do you plan to live in Washington DC? Three months? Six months?
  • Do you plan to live with others or alone?
  • How much can you afford to pay for housing?
  • Do you need access to public transportation or will you have a car?
  • Do you want on-site laundry facilities? How close are you to grocery stores, dry cleaners, and drug stores?
  • What kind of environment will most accommodate your needs and wants?
  • How close will your residence be to the office?

Housing Market

A wide variety of housing is available throughout the Washington, DC area. However, real estate in the metropolitan DC area can be costly. If cost is a key issue, remember that the farther away from the city you live, the less expensive the housing. If you rely on public transportation, keep in mind that living in the city requires less travel time. If you own a car, you should know that parking is generally a problem in the city, as street parking is scarce and garages often cost approximately $10 per day. Many interns prefer to live in Northwest DC, or in Virginia or Maryland, near a Metro stop. Listed below are descriptions of safe, accessible neighborhoods within a 20 mile radius of the DC area.

Washington, DC is arranged in quadrants - NE, SE, SW and NW - with the Capitol building at the center of the quadrants. Like any city, it has its share of crime. In looking for housing, you should keep in mind that certain areas are safer than others within the DC area. In general, avoid housing within Northeast and Southeast DC past 11th street. If you decide to live in Northeast or Southeast DC, keep in mind that it is usually safer in areas nearer to the Capitol.

With any housing, you should make sure to see it and check out the neighboorhood before agreeing to rent there.

Southeast/Capitol Hill - This historic area is well known for its many federal and governmental offices as well as the Library of Congress, and the Capitol. Many federal employees and students live in the Southeast area. Due to the diversity of its residents, rental rates vary widely in the area. Affordable and safe housing is available but rent out very quickly. The neighborhood is served by the Blue and Orange lines at the Capitol South and Eastern Market stations.

Adams Morgan - This diverse neighborhood is located near Dupont Circle and Kalorama, centered around Columbia Roads & 18th St. NW. It is located near the Red Line at "Woodley Park-Zoo/Adams Morgan" and "Dupont Circle" stations. Adams Morgan is an urban area, home to many students, families, and diplomatic officials, as well as many ethnic restaurants and markets. Moderately priced apartments are common to this location, making the demand also high. It takes about 20 minutes to walk from Adams Morgan to either Metro station.

U Street - U Street is a diverse, hip neighborhood off Metro's Green line. It is near a variety of bars and restaurants, ranging from Ehtiopian food to jazz and rock shows. It fills up on the weekends with people barhopping, and is also home to the famous Ben's Chili Bowl. Apartments in this neighborhood can be expensive, but group housing is also available.

Dupont Circle - This area, know for its lively urban and cultural life, as well as luxurious office and retail space, offers a variety of housing opportunities, including older high rises, apartment buildings and rooms within private homes. Dupont Circle is located along Connecticut Avenue, between Foggy Bottom to the south, and Adams Morgan to the north. The Metro rail (Red Line) and Metro buses run directly through the area.

Foggy Bottom - Foggy Bottom is surrounded by the State Department and The George Washington University, and is served by the Blue and Orange lines on the Metro. There are housing opportunities within group housing or basement apartments in private homes. The rent is high and opportunities somewhat few, particularly in this area.

Georgetown - Home to one of the city's most popular shopping and nightlife Meccas, Georgetown offers some of DC's highest real estate rates. Many apartments do not rent to students, but instead to government and diplomatic officials. However, townhouses are available to several students willing to share the cost. Also, families occasionally rent rooms or basement apartments out in their private homes. Georgetown is not immediately near a Metro rail stop, but there are regularly running city buses. This area, because of its proximity to Georgetown University, has a large student population.

Glover Park - This quiet neighborhood, sometimes referred to as Upper Georgetown, is located near the National Cathedral around Wisconsin Avenue. There are plenty of group housing opportunities in this area, as well as smaller apartments, which often rent at reasonable rates. Glover Park is not located near a Metro stop, but Metro buses and taxicabs run through the neighborhood. This area tends to be particularly popular with graduate students.

Cleveland Park/Woodley Park - Located conveniently on the Metro's Red Line just a 15-30 minute ride from downtown DC, these are elegant neighborhoods situated near attractions such as the National Zoo, and many shops, restaurants, and bars. They have a variety of housing options, including apartments, group housing, and apartments in private homes.

Tenleytown/American University - This affluent area is home to many American University students. It is located conveniently on the Red Line approximately 20-40 minutes from downtown DC, and is near many stores and restaurants. There are few apartment buildings in the neighborhood, but some private homes may rent rooms or "in-law" suite spaces.

Friendship Heights/Bethesda - These neighborhoods are conveniently situated on the Red Line approximately 25-45 minutes from downtown DC, at the DC/Maryland border. This posh area contains luxury high-rises, elegant boutiques, lots of restaurants, and two large shopping malls. Housing opportunities may exist for renting a room in a group house or a basement apartment in a private home, but rental rates on the average are high.

Takoma Park - This diverse, artsy Maryland town is right over the DC line. It is located on the Red Line and offers Metro-bus and Ride-On bus services. Many group houses are available in this area that are especially popular among young people.

Alexandria, Virginia - This historic and charming city is home to many students, young adults, and families who choose to live outside the city, yet near downtown Washington, DC. It is located 30-50 minutes outside DC on the Yellow Line at "Braddock Street" and "King Street" stations. A key attraction to Alexandria is Old Town, a restored colonial area with a wide array of shops, restaurants, and bars.

Arlington, Virginia - This area offers relatively low rent housing options including townhouses, high-rise apartments, duplexes, and individual homes, and is home to many undergraduate as well as graduate students. It is located near an abundance of restaurants, and shops, as well as the large Fashion Center shopping center. Arlington is located on the Blue, Yellow and Orange Lines with a commute ranging from 20-45 minutes and including stations such as "Rosslyn", "Ballston-MU", and "Pentagon City". This area offers reasonable rental rates in older apartment buildings.

About Renting

Important features in looking for an apartment:
  • Location near a Metro stop
  • A short-term lease
  • Security
  • Furnished (it's easier to get something that's already furnished, but you can lease furniture as well)
  • Convenience to services important to you; grocery stores, laundromats, parks, and transportation services
  • Maintenance within living area
Off-Campus Subletting

One of the most convenient housing options is subletting from students who attend area universities. The down sides of sub-letting are that you may not have an official contract with a landlord and you will have to deal with issues such as separating phone bills. The positives are that you will have an automatic short-term lease, sub-lets are usually partial, if not fully furnished, and most are located in areas with other students or interns. The universities and their web sites listed below contain apartment listings and some have helpful search engines.

Safety and Security

Living in Washington DC, you should take extra precautions both in where you live, as well as while you are out and about in the city, as DC has its share of crime. When looking into housing, be sure to look for security in and near the building (i.e. locked doors, access to laundry room by non-residents, well-lit hallways and laundry rooms, grilled windows on ground floors and well-lit streets near the building). Always be aware of your surroundings and use common sense when traveling throughout the city. At night, avoid deserted areas like parks or public facilities, such as restrooms. Try to travel in groups, especially if you are a woman. Try to avoid carrying large purses or bags that make you an easy target for robbery. Also, carry backpacks or bags in front of you while you are in crowded areas, especially on the Metro. Never leave personal belongings, particularly purses and wallets, unattended. It is often a good idea to carry emergency contact information on you when traveling alone. Being aware and thinking ahead make it less likely that you will be the victim of theft or of a violent crime.

Please feel free to contact our office at (202) 224-5244 if you have any remaining questions about finding housing, transportation, expenses, or any other information related to interning in Washington, DC.