Washington DC people, I need your help about housing

[skim milk]

Someone I know is moving to the area and needs advice on where to move.

The person is starting work in one month and wants to move in around August 1st.
Here's some description of what the person is looking for:
- Somewhere around Dupont Circle or anywhere along the red line right by the metro station (the place where work will be is near Gallery Place station)
- Looking for a studio (so no roommates) with good sunlight and safety with doorman
- If not in DC, somewhere in Virginia where it's safe and right by the metro (like Rosslyn?). Any recommendations?
- what's your take on living in VA versus DC?
- Anyone know any real estate agents, buildings, managers, etc?

This is not for me, trying to help someone I know out and would like to read your answers before I respond

 

[Regs]

This person is obviously making the mistake of their life.

I'll let others respond now. Bye.

 

[Fenixgoon]

all i know is this - it's going to be EXPENSIVE AS HELL

 

[dabuddha]

Need more info. How much are they wanting to spend. How long of a commute are they willing to make?

 

[SP33Demon]

Expect to spend anywhere from 1200-1800/month for a studio in the area. What's their age? If they want good nightlife, Ballston-VA Square-Clarendon-Courthouse are good bets with metro right near there. Old towne is a lot of fun as well. Crystal City/Pentagon City aren't as happening but you're closer to the city.

Dupont is a lot of fun I've heard and your friend is working there then it's the way to go.

 

[Vette73]

Stay in N.VA near a metro stop. Save money and less crime.


<- Springfield VA near the Springfield Metro stop.

 

[skim milk]

Originally posted by: dabuddha
Need more info. How much are they wanting to spend. How long of a commute are they willing to make?

I know the person was willing to sign a lease for a studio for $1500 in DC so in that ballpark.

I think she wants to be on a red metro stop due to her job (located in Gallery Pl. metro) and not have to transfer, but it looks like Dupont Circle is the only place worth living that is on the red line. If not in DC, somewhere closeby like Rosslyn. Some place that is city like, and not suburban

 

[skim milk]

Originally posted by: SP33Demon
Expect to spend anywhere from 1200-1800/month for a studio in the area. What's their age? If they want good nightlife, Ballston-VA Square-Clarendon-Courthouse are good bets with metro right near there. Old towne is a lot of fun as well. Crystal City/Pentagon City aren't as happening but you're closer to the city.

Dupont is a lot of fun I've heard and your friend is working there then it's the way to go.

age is 26

 

[Cal166]

Bethesda or Rockville? Takes 30mins train ride to get to Chinatown.

 

[shocksyde]

Originally posted by: Cal166
Bethesda or Rockville? Takes 30mins train ride to get to Chinatown.

Yeah, check out places near the red line in MD. Bethesda, Potomac, Rockville, etc.

 

[skim milk]

Originally posted by: shocksyde

Originally posted by: Cal166
Bethesda or Rockville? Takes 30mins train ride to get to Chinatown.

Yeah, check out places near the red line in MD. Bethesda, Potomac, Rockville, etc.

oooh, no Maryland guys.

The person didn't even mention MD to me so I think only DC or VA (as close as possible to DC if VA)

 

[SP33Demon]

Off the Red line, Woodley Park/Adams Morgan is chock full of nightlife and only one stop from Dupont. I've also read that one more stop up, Cleveland Park is up and coming. Going the other way, Union Station is up and coming with the nicer areas near the Capitol Hill/Stanton(sp) Square area. Also, living in the Chinatown area would be ideal but she will pay a lot more for housing, it's at a premium there.

Off the Orange/Blue lines just south of Red's Union Station is Eastern Market and Capitol South metro stops which is really nice but I wouldn't go any farther east than Eastern Market.

The only bad thing with VA's orange/blue lines is that your friend would have to transfer at Metro Center (Or L'Enfant Plaza if coming from the East like Eastern Market) to get onto the red line. So it's probably best (timewise) to live off the Red unless she doesn't mind the extra 20 minute transfer to work.