Hey, Metro DC-Area Folks!

[corilannam]

I have gotten word that a truly super-fantastic fangirl is planning to move to our fair city (being the District of Columbia) in about 6 weeks to take a super-fantastic job. Needless to say, she is going to be in need of a place to live on the pittance that an actual super-fantastic DC job pays.

I can advise her about what's available in my little corner of Montgomery County, but she's in need of more advice of where else to look for affordable (but non-crackhouse) housing in other parts of the area. Due to work location, she'd prefer to be close to the Blue, Orange, or Red lines.

So if you have a moment, please comment with whatever house-hunting wisdom you can think of with regard to areas to look, areas to avoid, other resources, etc.

She's also happy to look at house/apartment sharing with the right kind of person, so if you know of any excellent fannish types who are looking for a housemate, that's good info, too!

Comments

[neotoma]

Montgomery County Apartment Rental Guide and Listings

She might want to use GoogleMaps to figure out the walking distance to the Metro/bus route of any apartment that she's going to consider.

She might want to use WalkScore to evaluate the walkability of the areas she considers, as well.

[fox]

Depending on your definition of "affordable", there's a program at my building that's slightly different than programs at some other buildings - I'm priced out of "low-income" housing, but I clear "moderate-income" housing by a mile, the median household income around here being what it is. Granted I don't know anything about availability, but nevertheless, pls feel free to contact me on agent.reynard at gmail for further details if interested.

[thelostglove]

I'm going to be moving mid-July and we're looking for a third roommate now, on the red line.

If she wanted to talk more about apartment-hunting in DC in general, I've done this twice in the last six months, and she's more than welcome to PM me.

[natlyn]

Here's an informative and fun description of DC neighborhoods that may be helpful.

[elynross]

Yayayay! I pointed out to said awesome fangirl that you, yet another awesome fangirl, was in the DC location (and I know I'm not the only person who did), and I have MUCH ENVY for you both, being in such lovely geographical proximity. *g*

[corilannam]

I am delighted to have such good references! :-D And I am thrilled that geography is working in my favor this time.

[elynross]

Strangely, I never hear about awesome fans moving close to me... *sulks*

[nnaylime.livejournal.com]

Well, of course, up into Frederick co - along the MARC lines will take her into Union Station (Red Line). Or VA along the VRE lines. Disadvantages--slave to the MARC or VRE schedule, longer commute. Advantages--cheaper.

[mellacita.livejournal.com]

Define...affordable? *g* And also she should bear in mind the cost of commuting. When I lived in Alexandria, I paid 400 less a month and paid almost 300 a month in metrorail and bus fares, plus three hours of commuting daily. So living closer might be worth it, if she has to come into the District.

[inlovewithnight.livejournal.com]

Stumbled across this on friendsfriends- I actually will be looking for a roommate starting this summer. And fannish roommates are always great! I live in Silver Spring, right across the street from a Red Line stop. If you'd like to put her in touch with me, my e-mail is inthefootnotes at gmail.com

[tayawulf.livejournal.com]

Hi, honey. I loved living on Columbia Pike in Arlington. There's some really affordable housing there, and the bus line goes straight up the Pike to the Pentagon, or you can do a little jag to Pentagon City, and pick up the Metro at either place.

I miss you! :)

[corilannam.livejournal.com]

I miss you, too! *hugs* What have you been up to?

I lived on Columbia Pike, too! For all of a month and a half, but I did like it there, and it was a nice short ride to the Pentagon. And it was right after college, so it must have been dirt cheap (well, 13 years ago, anyway....)

[taffimai.livejournal.com]

Hi! My roommate's lease is up for renewal now -- I hope she will stay, but if not I will drop you a note.

I would also add that I've had very good luck looking for houseshares and roommates on craigslist. Obvious, but....