This is probably directed at Kelraz since he lives there, but perhaps there are others of you that live near there. Anyway, I am transfering to the DC area next month (Arlington VA to be specific) and I have just now started looking for an apartment. I am getting sticker shock from the internet searches so far. What is considered a reasonable amount of rent for a studio or one bedroom apartment? I don't care if its in a complex or just some place over a garage as long as it has heat, power and places to hook up washer/dryer. Is there any specific neighborhoods that are better priced but not DMZs? I am pretty much looking for close proximity to Wilson Blvd, Metro access and various stores being either near by or not too many Metro stops down the line. My main mode of transportation is my mountain bike and Harley.

Any help would be appreciated.

Prepare to pay a lot of money.

I have a 2 bedroom/bathroom in the Van Ness area. Rent runs us just over 2700/month not including utilities. Last year I was in the Bethesda area, and paid around the same. If you are willing to live in the city, Columbia Heights is going through some massive gentrification right now. You can still get some places for really cheap though.

I'm not sure how the housing is in the Arlington area. I'd imagine it's much cheaper than downtown, but I'd still expect to pay 900 a month.

My main mode of transportation is my mountain bike and Harley.



Better be sure to include the need for a secure shelter for the Harley.

Lummus try out Craigslist and post exactly what you're looking for and what you want to spend, you may get lucky. Its a very transitional area so people are always moving to / from the area. Since you're going to drive, you don't need to be near a Metro stop and that'll save you some bucks too.

Arlington is very close to Falls Church and Alexandria too so you can broaden your searches to those areas as well. For a 1 bedroom you can get by with a place just under $1200 probably (all utilities included) and may be able to beat that on Craigslist. I rent out 2 rooms in my house at $800 a piece and that includes rent, utilities, maid service, the pool, and dish detergent / paper towels / etc. Avoiding the commercial places are the easiest way to save a few bucks, and renting out a 2 bedroom townhouse in Arlington for $1500 is probably a better experience than a $1500 1 bedroom apartment through a commercial place.

From the description of what you're looking for, some metro stops you may want to look near are Rosslyn, Courthouse, Clarendon, Ballston, Virginia Square, East Falls Church. I live at West Falls Church and my girlfriend lives in Clarendon, we'll be neighbors!!! Pentagon City and Crystal City actually aren't very far from those areas too via the Blue Line or a ~10 minute drive up 110.

PM me the addresses of places you're looking at and I can tell you about the areas, or IM me (SexyChadAU on AIM).

When you get into town Wein and I will have to take you out for a beer. On that note Wein, this weekend my girlfriend is headed back to Ireland so I'm free and headed down to Adam's Morgan on Saturday if you're up for it!

I'm free and headed down to Adam's Morgan on Saturday if you're up for it!

Shouldn't you have graduated to Dupont by now? :p

No, because I'm not a homosexual. Sorry :(

Wow all this talk of Northern VA makes me somewhat nostalgic. I moved away from the area (Dale City) in 1989. Looks like the cost of living up there has skyrocketed since I left.

Since you're going to drive, you don't need to be near a Metro stop and that'll save you some bucks too.


I guess you ignored where he said his modes of transportation are his mountain bike and a harley, so he needed to be near a Metro stop...

You can bike to a stop, they're practically every 2-3 miles. Most places in walking distance are $600-$5000 more than places even 8 blocks away.
A large number of people in the city don't have cars, bikes, or any of that and walk everywhere and use ride share programs like Zipcar if they ever need a car.

No, because I'm not a homosexual. Sorry :(
Heh, I remember hearing that when I was visiting friends in DC about 15 years ago -- guess it hasn't changed.

When they built the Nats Stadium they bulldozed about ~10 gay bars / strip clubs. That crowd has relocated to Dupont where there were already a few gay bars. Ainwein just likes it because he can wear his sequins and not get strange looks.

I go to Adam's Morgan, sure you might get shot, but at least your odds of going home with a lady are slightly higher than the odds of going home with a dude. (Not that there's anything wrong with that!)

You missed a good time. I was reminded last night the main reason Adam's Morgan is better than any other neighborhood - the Amsterdam Falafel Shop. Check and mate.

I dont like falafel =(

But everybody loves Amsterdam, don't they?

I can vouch for West Falls Church as a decent place to live without having to worry about if you have your Kevlar vest on or not. Obviously the closer you are to the metro stop, the higher rent prices will be. But you should them around $200+ less a month (average-ish) from living in DC itself.

You'll be a bit farther out from the happenings in the city, but its only like 4 stops (I think) into Clarendon which is always a good time.

A good friend of mine lived in Ballston too, but she rented a house with two other girls and I think her rent w/util was around $800. Parking was a bitch though, usually had to meet her at the mall when I would drive in to have dinner with her.

parking at that mall is one dollar evenings and weekends though. that's a good deal!

My sister lives in a 3 bedroom 2 bath in Arlington, and knows the area fairly well. I will ask her if she knows of any decent places around the area.

Tell your sister I said sup :o

She said it was just a one time thing and to please stop sending her flowers and love poems.

I am sorry man.

lol... /comforts Oip :D

I hate to be the worrying kind, but I would suggest some research on motorcycle thefts in the area, and make a decision on what you are looking for with the Harley in mind. Will there be a secure garage, or storage area?

Having a car stolen is a real sense of being violated. Having your Harley stolen is that x 10, at least.