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1.
General Advice
Washington, D.C. is an expensive place to live. Here is some advice to keep in mind during your housing search:
When renting ask the following questions:
- Which utilities, such as gas, water, and electricity are included in the rent?
- On average, how much are the utilities per month?
- Are there laundry facilities available, if not are there any near by?
- How much money is required to move in; security deposit, first/last month’s rent?
- Is the apartment furnished?
- Is it in close proximity to restaurants, grocery stores, shopping areas, metro, etc.?
- Proximity to public transportation
- Safety of the neighborhood
It is often hard to find an apartment, unless you are with a school program, without visiting the Washington area first. For temporary accommodation while looking for housing Washington has many inexpensive hostels.
An essential thing to keep in mind is transportation needs. Parking is extremely limited in Washington and can often be expensive. It is essential to ask about the proximity to the Metro. D.C. Metro information can be found at: www.wmata.com
Other tips:
- Many apartments are unfurnished, it is important to keep this in mind when renting an apartment.
- Another housing option in the Washington, D.C. area is shared housing. Usually 4-6 people sharing a large house, splitting rent and utilities. Shared housing typically offers temporary leases, are often pre-furnished, occupied by people in their twenties, are cheaper, and offer a way to meet some people knowledgeable of the area. Housing to share listings can be found in local papers (Washington City Paper/Washington Post) and through university off-campus housing referrals.
- If your college/university has an alumni chapter in the Washington metropolitan area, the office on you campus can provide with its address or telephone number. The local chapter can be a good source of housing information.
- Bulletin Boards in local cafes are also good resources but require you to do some legwork.
- Sometimes landlords do not advertise vacancies in newspapers but post signs on their properties. The best way to find these rentals is to walk or drive through neighborhoods in which you would like to live.
- Some Realtors are contracted with landlord to rent housing, either in apartments or condominiums. Consult the ads under the real estate heading in the Yellow Pages of a telephone directory to ascertain which Realtors handle rentals.
- Some of Washington’s neighborhoods must be approached with caution. Neighborhoods in Washington can change dramatically from block to block. Consider both the block where you plan to live and the blocks that you will have to walk through to get there.
2.
About Renting
The Security Deposit
If you are considering renting housing, you'll need to factor in the cost of a security deposit. A security deposit usually equals one month’s rent, which you give to your landlord in addition to your first month's rent. Your security deposit is held to pay for any damages which might occur during your occupancy, to pay for cleaning/repairs when you move out (if you don't leave your apartment in satisfactory condition), or to hold if you don't pay your rent. Mainly, the security deposit is an initial expense to consider when renting, one you should get returned provided you fulfill the requirements in your lease when vacating.
Allow Time for Reference Checks
Many landlords require reference checks (employer, past rentals, credit rating, and the like) prior to your move-in, so allow time for this. Once a lease is signed, it usually means at least a week before you can move in.
Furnishings
One solution for furniture is to rent a furnished apartment or find space in a group house. In addition, Washington has an abundance of lower-priced furniture stores and you may want to investigate leasing furniture rather than buying. The following are a few of the agencies within the metropolitan area. Consult the yellow pages for other listings.
General Furniture Leasing, 1129 20th St., NW, 20036, 202/296-6555
Leases are available for a period of 3, 6, 9 months or longer. A deposit for the first month's rental fee is required. Locations also in Alexandria and Rockville. Special discounts are available to students. Furniture Renters of America, 2101 L St., NW, 20037, 202/293-9400 or 800/950-5354
This agency rents all types of furniture with flexible leases and rent-to-own options. They also supply house wares and linens, and offer a maid service for separate fees. Another alternative to buying new or leasing furniture is buying secondhand pieces. Be sure to check bulletin boards at area universities for end-of-semester furniture sales or consult newspapers for ads on garage sales, estate closings2
3.
Neighborhoods: Washington, D.C.
A wide variety of housing options are available throughout the metropolitan Washington, DC area. Personal preference is generally the deciding factor in choosing a place to live. No matter what you decide, there are tradeoffs. If cost is a key issue, remember that generally the farther away from the center of the city, 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 difficult in the city, as street parking is scarce and garages often cost $10 per day or more. Listed below are brief descriptions of some neighborhoods in and around metropolitan Washington, DC.
Northwest (NW): The largest area of the District, it is composed of several contrasting neighborhoods, including older areas and those being modernized and renovated. Most neighborhoods within Northwest, DC are served by both Metrobuses and the Metrorail system. As neighborhoods do vary within the city, visitors are well advised to visit the prospective home and investigate the neighborhood in order to assess the safety of the area. Commuting time varies throughout this area, but generally ranges from 10-40 minutes. The following are individual descriptions of neighborhoods in NW DC:
- Adams Morgan: This is an urban area near Dupont Circle and Kalorama, centered around Columbia Roads & 18th St., NW. Adams Morgan20has a diverse population, both ethnic & economic - students, young families, diplomatic officials, recent immigrants & longtime residents of the District. The neighborhood is very culturally diverse with many international restaurants & markets, including the Latin Market on Sunday, plus many inexpensive shops & free festivals. Adams Morgan is also referred to as Washington Heights, Dupont Circle North or Mount Pleasant. Housing options and prices vary enormously. Adams Morgan is an easy walk from the Woodley Park stop on Metrorail's Red Line or the U Street-Cardozo stop on the Green Line.
- Cleveland Park: Cleveland Park is a well-to-do historic neighborhood of single-family houses and large apartment buildings. While housing is relatively expensive, there are some large apartment buildings on Connecticut Avenue where summer sublets may be possible. The Cleveland Park Metro stop is conveniently located in an attractive area of small stores, restaurants, and a classic movie theater.
- Dupont Circle: The Circle is actually the entire area around the intersection of Connecticut and Massachusetts Avenues, surrounded by Foggy Bottom to the south, and Adams Morgan to the north. Dupont Circle is a busy office and luxury shopping area, as well as an urban cultural center. The streets and avenues that radiate from Dupont Circle offer many types of accommodations at various prices, from older high-rises to smaller apartment buildings to basement apartments or private rooms in a home. The neighborhood is conveniently served by Metrorail's Dupont Circle stop on the Red Line.
- Foggy Bottom: Foggy Bottom is George Washington University's campus and surrounding neighborhood. Housing is expensive and limited. Advantages to living in this area include a close proximity to the GW campus, The White House, The Kennedy Center, Watergate Hotel, Pennsylvania Avenue, museums, government agencies, and national associations. Housing options include high-rise apartments and townhouses. Dupont Circle West and the West End may also be considered part of the Foggy Bottom neighborhood. Metrorail's Orange and Blue Lines stop at Foggy Bottom.
- Friendship Heights: The area located around upper Wisconsin Avenue, this neighborhood is located on the DC/Maryland border. This posh area contains luxury high-rises, elegant boutiques, lots of restaurants, and two large shopping malls. Some opportunities may exist for renting a room in a group house or a basement apartment in a private home, but rental rates on average are high. Friendship Heights surrounds Wisconsin Avenue, with regular bus service and a Metrorail station on the Red Line.
- Georgetown: The Georgetown shopping area caters to tourists, students and young adults, but housing in this area is expensive and at a premium. Occasionally townhouses are available to rent by several visitors who share the cost. Families sometimes rent individual rooms, or basement apartments in their private homes. This area can be reached by any bus on Pennsylvania Avenue, but is not directly served by Metrorail.
- Glover Park: This neighborhood is a quiet, secluded area located just above Georgetown within walking distance of American University and the National Cathedral. The population of Glover Park consists of students, young professionals and "thirty-something" families. Group houses abound in this area, along with smaller garden apartments at reasonable rates. There are many restaurants and shops, and metrobus transportation is available. Glover Park may also be referred to as Cathedral, Observatory, and Upper Georgetown. It is served by the Wisconsin Avenue bus, but is a good walk from the nearest Metrorail station, at Cleveland Park.
- Logan Circle: The area around this Circle, north of downtown and east of Dupont Circle, consists mainly of Victorian mansions, many of which are currently being renovated and revitalized. Due to its proximity to downtown DC, this area has a mixture of accommodations, some considered safer than others. Prices are affordable, but visitors are advised to visit the neighborhood to decide upon their comfort level.
- Penn Quarter: North of Pennsylvania Avenue, NW in the heart of Downtown, lies a revitalized community of eclectic art galleries, numerous new restaurants and engaging attractions including the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, National Building Museum, US Navy Memorial, Ford's Theatre, International Spy Museum and the Shakespeare Theatre. Prices are high, but many of DC’s attractions are within walking distance.
- Woodley Park: Woodley Park is a comfortable neighborhood of town houses and large apartment buildings. It is north of Dupont Circle, south of Cleveland Park, and west of Adams-Morgan. Like Cleveland Park, housing is relatively expensive, but the convenience of the area may be worthy. Metrorail's Red Line station at Woodley Park is in the middle of a small but attractive shopping area.
Northeast (NE): This is the area around Catholic and Gallaudet Universities and Union Station, a large shopping and dining complex housing the Amtrak train terminal. Although parts of Northeast can be unsafe after dark, neighborhoods do vary greatly and should be explored as an option. Housing is generally less expensive, if less luxurious. Metrobuses travel regularly through all major arteries within Northeast, and the Green and Red Lines of Metrorail service neighborhoods of this area.
Southeast (SE): The neighborhood most famous in this area is "Capitol Hill", location of the U.S. Capitol, the Library of Congress and many other major government offices. Southeast is a very historic area, consisting of important federal buildings and residences representing diverse architectural styles. Housing options and prices in Southeast vary greatly, and some areas in Southeast are considered Ahigh risk.@ Public transportation via metro buses and the Metrorail system are available on a frequent basis with Orange/Blue Line stations at Capitol South and Eastern Market.
Southwest (SW): This is the downtown area near the Smithsonian museums on the Mall and Washington's waterfront. Southwest includes a wide range of economic and ethnic groups and is the location of many federal office buildings. Housing may be available in apartment complexes in this area at reasonable rates. Public transportation exists in the way of metrobuses and the Metrorail system with a Green Line stop at Waterfront, Blue/Orange Line stops at Smithsonian, and Blue/Orange/Yellow/Green Line stops at L=Enfant Plaza.
4.
Neighborhoods: Maryland
Bethesda, Maryland: The downtown of Bethesda is rapidly being developed and has a very urban feeling. The Bethesda stop on Metro’s Red Line is centrally located on Wisconsin Avenue. There are many large, new apartment buildings, some of which are rental, but in general the rents in Bethesda will be higher than other neighborhoods in DC and Maryland. There are many restaurants in Bethesda, of all types and price ranges.
Silver Spring, Maryland: Located on the other end of the horseshoe loop of the Red Line on Metro from Bethesda, but not far geographically, Silver Spring is less developed and less upscale than its neighbors in Montgomery County: Chevy Chase and Bethesda. Several large apartment buildings are convenient to the shopping district on Colesville Road and Georgia Avenue. Metro’s Silver Spring stop is central to, and above it all here, where the subway is actually elevated.
Takoma Park, Maryland: Takoma Park is also on the Red Line of Metro, but farther to the east, across the border from the Northeast quadrant of DC. The Takoma Park Metro stop is near a small, low key central shopping area. Takoma Park, also known as the Peoples’ Republic of Takoma, prides itself on its liberal reputation as an environmentally conscious, politically liberal neighborhood of comfortable older single-family homes.
5.
Neighborhoods: Virginia
Alexandria, Virginia: Alexandria, an attractive historic city, offers a wide price range in housing and a wide variety in types of housing, although many landlords may not advertise in newspapers. Many visitors, young adults, and historic, established families live in Alexandria. The main thoroughfare from DC to Alexandria, Shirley Highway (Memorial and 14th St. Bridges) is very crowded during rush hour. A key attraction of Alexandria is Old Town, a restored colonial area with a wide array of shops, restaurants, and other attractions. The Yellow and Blue Lines on Metrorail make three stops in the Alexandria area.
North Arlington, Virginia: Arlington is an inner suburb of Washington, immediately across the Potomac in Northern Virginia. There are many types of relatively inexpensive housing in North Arlington including townhouses, garden apartments, large high-rises, luxury apartments, duplexes, and individual homes. Rents are typically lower in Virginia than in DC. North Arlington is served by several stops on Metrorail's Orange Line.
South Arlington, Virginia: There are many moderately priced accommodations in South Arlington. As in North Arlington, there are varied types of housing. Crystal City is a section of high-rises off of US Route 1 overlooking the Potomac River and accessible by Metrorail on the Blue Line. A new development of apartment complexes has been built at Pentagon City, adjacent to the Fashion Centre shopping mall and also accessible on the Blue Line.
6.
University On-Campus Summer Housing
The following universities offer short-term housing for visiting interns during the summer months. Spaces are limited, so it is advisable to write or call as soon as possible for an application for the upcoming summer.
The American University
Office of Summer Housing and Conferences
Rockwood Building
4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW
Washington, D.C. 20016
Telephone:(202) 885-3370 or (202) 885-1154
Fax:(202)885-1154
E-mail: housing@american.edu
Web site: www.american.edu/other.depts/summer/services/housing.html
Catholic University of America
Housing and Residential Services
Cardinal Station
106 Bonaventure Hall
Washington, D.C. 20064
Telephone: (202) 319-5277 or (202) 319-5615
Fax: (202) 319-6725
E-mail: cua-summers@cua.edu
Web site: www.cua.edu
The George Washington University
Summer Housing Services
2020 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Box 327
Washington, D.C. 20006
Telephone:(202) 994-2552
Fax:(202) 994-0353
E-mail: gwhouse@gwu.edu
Web site: gwired.gwu.edu/gwhousing/summerhousing
Georgetown University
Conference Camp; Guest Services
103 Harbin Hall Road 0D
Box 571117
Washington, D.C. 20057-1117
Telephone:(202) 687-4560
Fax:28202) 687-4590
E-mail: summerhousing@georgetown.edu
Web site: www.georgetown.edu/housing/summer
Georgetown Law- Office of Residential Life
Telephone:(202) 662-9290
Website: www.law.georgetown.edu/reslife/summer/app_directions.html
E-mail: housing@law.georgetown.edu
Howard University
Office of Residential Life
24014th Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20059
Telephone:(202)806-5661
E-mail: Residencelife@howard.edu
Gallaudet University
Summer Programs
Kendall Green
800 Florida Avenue NE
Washington, D.C. 20002-3695
Telephone:(202) 651-6090
Fax:(202) 651-6095
University of Maryland, College Park
Resident Life Assignments
Annapolis Hall
College Park, MD 20742
Telephone:(301) 314-7883 or (301) 314-9750
Web site: www.resnet.umd.edu
7.
University Off-Campus Housing Referrals
Student housing offices at universities listed below are good sources of information for off-campus accommodations. You can pick their posted listings for housing, but you need to go there in person; no mail or telephone inquiries are accepted.
Georgetown University Off-Campus Housing Office
Harbin Hall, 1st Floor
37th & O Streets NW
Washington, D.C.
Hours: Monday – Friday 10am – 5pm
Telephone:(202) 687-8467
Georgetown University Law Center Off-Campus Housing Listings Website: www.law.georgetown.edu/reslife/offcampus
8.
Non-University Housing Options
Institute for Experiential Learning
In Old Town Alexandria, Virginia
Telephone: 1-800-IEL-0770 or (202) 833-8580
The apartments are dorm/suite shared with four students living in each apartment. All students are either undergraduate or graduate students affiliated with IEL or other intern programs. The apartments are fully furnished and a shuttle to the Metro is provided, which is also a ten-minute walk away. The complex is close to shopping, restaurants, and Historic Old Town.
Washington Intern Foundation (WIF) Housing
Telephone:(202) 548-5298
E-mail: jbarton@interns.org
Housing is found at a number of close-in Capitol Hill locations. Two basic living arrangements exist: Apartments can accommodate two, three, or four interns and often have shared bedrooms (two interns in one bedroom); Town homes or row houses offer shared or private rooms and shared common spaces.
The Washington Center for Internships and Academic Seminars
In Northern Virginia
Telephone: 1-800-486-8921 or (202) 336-7600
E-mail: housing@twc.edu
These bed spaces are leased on a space-available basis. The apartments are usually two-bedroom, two-bath, four-person apartments in luxury high rise20buildings. Each apartment is fully furnished with local telephone and basic cable TV service provided. Resident assistants and full-time student services professionals are on call 24/7. Each building is a short distance to the Metro.
The International Student House
Telephone:(202) 387-6445
Web site: www.ishdc.org
The International Student House provides permanent dormitory housing for international students and some domestic students as well. They are often booked so be sure to call early.
Thompson-Markwood Hall
Three blocks from the Union Station Metro
2352nd Street NE
Washington, D.C. 20002
Telephone: (202) 546-3255
For women only; all residents must be age 18-34. Thompson-Markwood Hall offers dormitory rooms with shared baths.
Bed and Breakfast League, LTD
PO Box 9490
Washington, D.C. 20016-9490
Telephone:(202) 363-7767
Web site: www.bedandbreakfast.com
Reservation service representing 60 houses throughout the DC area; Price Depends on area available or available housing.
9.
Other Sources
The following are Web site listings of apartment classifieds:
Washington City Paper Classifieds
Washington’s hip city paper that offers an invaluable wealth of apartments for rent, highly recommended.
Web site: www.washingtoncitypaper.com
Washington Intern Student Housing
Web site: www.internsdc.com
Washington Post/ Apartments.com Listings
Web site: www.washingtonpost.com
Craig’s List
Web site: www.washingtondc.craigslist.org
Apartment Search
Dupont Circle
1645 Connecticut Avenue NW
Washington, D.C. 20009
Telephone: (800) 260-3733 or (202) 737-7386
Sublet Information
Web site: http://www.thesublet.com
HomeStay
Web site: http://www.homestaydc.com
DC Pages
Web site: http://dcpages.ari.net/Real_Estate/Rental
Rent.Net
Web site: www.rent.net/cgi-bin/chome/RentNet/scripts/home.jsp
Roll Call Classifieds
Web site: www.rollcall.com/classifieds/
DC Registry Search
Washington rentals and provides good information on moving to the area Web site: www.dcregistry.com
Roommate Assistant
Web site: www.roommate-assistant.com
The Apartment Connection
Web site: http://tac.reslyn.com/fstop.html
10.
Hostels
If you are unable to secure accommodation before you arrive or want to spend some time searching in the city, there a several hostels that offer affordable short-term accommodation (some even offer long-term too). Hostels usually offer dormitory style rooms and private rooms with shared bathrooms and showers. Usually frequented by young travelers, hostels can be a fun and enjoyable place to stay while you look for an apartment.
India House Too
Near Takoma Metro
300 Carroll St NW
Washington, D.C. 20012
Telephone:(202) 291-1195
American Guest House
Arlington, Viriginia
Telephone: (703) 768-0335
E-mail: info@americanguesthouse.com
Washington International AYH Hostel
1009 11 Street NW
Washington, D.C. 20001
Telephone: (202) 737-2333
Columbia Guest House
Telephone:(202) 265-4006
E-mail: CGHROB@erols.com
11.
Books
Recommended to help you become more acquainted with the city once you are here. These offer great information on shopping, dining, entertainment, and loads of other helpful information.
- Let’s Go Washington City Guide
- Lonely Planet Washington, D.C.
- Fodor’s Washington, D.C.
- Frommer’s Irreverent Guide to Washington, D.C.
12.
Web sites
There are also countless Web sites that offer great introductory information on Washington. Some of these include:
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