The District of Columbia is part of one of the biggest metropolitan areas in the country, and you know what that means: Finding an apartment there is no walk in the National Mall. If you’re getting ready to move to D.C., or if you’re just hoping to find a new place to live in the city you already call home, here are a few tips for your apartment search.
Give yourself a couple months. Apartment hunting takes time in Washington. Most locals agree that two months is about the right span of time for an apartment search, especially if you’re hoping to find a place managed by a company, rather than an independent landlord. Keep in mind that two months before you’re ready to move is about the time you should start actively looking; you should already have a general idea of where you want to live before then.
Know your priorities. Before you even start researching apartments, it’s a good idea to come up with a budget you need to stick to and a list of priorities you have in an apartment. For instance, are you willing to pay more to live closer to the downtown area? Do you need a pet-friendly place for you and your dog? Know what factors are must-haves and what you’re willing to give up.
Do some research. D.C. is divided into four quadrants known as Northwest, Northeast, Southwest and Southeast. Each has its own set of unique neighborhoods — Dupont Circle in Northwest, for instance, offers shops and dining, whereas the Waterfront in Southwest offers views of the Potomac River. If you aren’t sure where you want to live, the easiest way to figure it out is to do some research, and if you know people who live in the area, ask them for advice. Check out a neighborhood’s popularity, cost of living, crime rate and how easy it is to get around. Narrow your search to no more than two or three neighborhoods before you start searching for apartments online.
Choose your location carefully. As you’re researching neighborhoods, you’ll probably discover something that every Washington native knows: Apartments near the Metro are way more expensive. This is pretty typical of big cities and their public transit systems, so it should come as no surprise. Also, if you’re planning on driving your car rather than use the subway, make sure you ask landlords or building managers about parking — it’s not often included in the price of rent in the District.
If you do have a car and you’re looking to find an inexpensive apartment, you may want to consider looking outside the city proper. As you get into the Maryland and Virginia suburbs, you may find it easier to find a nicer place for less money per month.
Think about living with a roommate. If you don’t have a car, and you want to live in the city near the Metro, finding a roommate may be a huge money saver for you. The median rental rate for a studio apartment (often called efficiencies in the D.C. area) is $1,600. However, it’s possible to split a two-bedroom apartment for substantially less. The median rental rate for a two-bedroom is $2,350, which means you could save more than $400 per month living with a roommate. Plus, sharing an apartment means you’ll be splitting your utilities bills as well — bonus!
Come prepared. Apartment hunting in the District is very competitive, which means it’s necessary to go into the process fully prepared. Bring your two most recent paystubs, copies of your credit report and a photocopy of your ID. Gather the information of two previous landlords you can use as references. (If this is your first apartment, you can use previous employers — they’ll be able to vouch for your responsibility.) If you have low credit or no credit, consider finding a co-signer, like a parent or older sibling.
Don’t be a commitment-phobe. If you see an apartment that meets all of your main criteria, don’t hesitate. D.C. apartments are first-come, first-served for the most part, which means if you don’t apply right away, someone could easily apply within the next few hours.
More from U.S. News
5 Tips for Finding an Apartment in New York City
10 Ways Millennials Are Changing Homebuying
9 Tips for Finding an Apartment in Boston
7 Tips for Finding an Apartment in Washington, D.C. originally appeared on usnews.com
