Between this blog and folks finding me on other various websites; I am often asked about helping renters look for an "inexpensive" rental apartment.

While I do not specialize in working with renters; I do always offer what advice I can - and steer them in the right direction if I cannot help them.

Washington DC is a transient city.  Many new college grads, interns, congress aides and the like; flock to DC to start a new career or get that 1^st notch in their resume. It is also not surprising that many of these folks do make the salaries that are often required to live "in" the city and live the "city life".

Moreover, many of these folks "think" the salary they are getting is "good"'; as compared to some-place-mid-west.... But even what is considered a "great" salary in much of the country - means little to the expensive Washington DC living.

Below shows some of the current rents in Washington DC:

Studios:  $1260/ Dupont       $1550/ Van Ness-Cleveland Park    $2100/ Logan-Downtown

1 Bedrooms:  $1400/ Dupont   $1600/ Columbia Heights   $1975 Foggy Bottom  $2450 Georgetown

2 Bedrooms:  $1975/ Columbia Heights   $2200/ Cleveland Park  $2940/ Dupont   $3500/ Georgetown

While there are always ‘cheaper' neighborhoods - those people wanting to live the ‘city-life', always want to live in the chic neighborhoods.  Sadly - they cannot afford the chic neighborhoods and are often disappointed.

I recently had someone ask me to find her a 1 bedroom rental for $600 a month.  She of course wanted one of the chic neighborhoods or Dupont or Adams Morgan, maybe even Chinatown or Logan Circle.  She was dismayed when I told her the cheapest I could find was about $1800 a month.  She was even angry at me!

I am sure the same thing would happen to me if I decided I wanted to live in Manhattan.  Heck; I can't even afford a hotel room in Manhattan; let alone a decent place to live.

My advice to folks moving to DC in entry-level jobs:  Before you say ‘yes' to that "great paying job in the big city".  Check out the local costs of housing, transportation and "living".  Make sure that the "great" salary they are offering - really is a great salary.

Call James for all your Real Estate needs and questions; servicing Virginia, Maryland and the Greater Washington DC area.

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Chevy Chase
5028 Wisconsin Ave NW  Suite 100
Washington DC 20016
202-351-5800 Main Office
Licensed in DC,MD,VA