Manhunting in DC is the worst (see my entire blog for evidence of this true and very disheartening fact). BUT there is an even worse task…worse than suffering DCD caresses…and worse than suffering their sad attempts at being decent human beings…and even worse than their pitiful attempts to impress with their itty, bitty manhoods. What could this harrowing task be? What could give me cold sweats, fits of tears, and make me fear for my life? Apartment hunting (on a budget).
If you have $3,000/month to spend on an apartment, then you are set. You can have everything your little heart has ever wanted right smack in the center of the most powerful, political city in these fine states. You can have a full size washer and dryer, central air, metro access in your basement, parking, free coffee, a party room, roof top with a grill and olympic-size pool, bug-free, rat-free, marble-laden paradise. Sounds like heaven.
Now, come back to reality. You just graduated from law school (read: debt, debt, debt), you took your dream job (instead of the job that would actually pay you a decent wage), and your best roommie is in the same penniless situation. In this situation, your apartment options are significantly more limited. You have to choose your priorities and you can only have two: food, safety, affordable living, metro access, or rodent-free. The sacrifices to live in DC are plentiful and painful. Welcome to the fabulous life, my ass!
In the next few days, I’ll be updating you on some of the sweet locations we’re exploring. I warn you now, it’s sad, scary, and not meant for children (it will squash all their hopes and dreams for the future…much like my own). Come on universe…you sent me a man, now send me an apartment!
8 responses so far ↓
Frank L // August 15, 2008 at 4:51 pm |
Virginia.
From Crystal City you are closer to the best parts of the city then most places you could afford IN the city, you get a vote, a blue vote would count this year, you pay less taxes, are close to strange and exotic places like “Old Town” and “Del Ray” and you get to live in a “Commonwealth.”
Don’t get me wrong-I’m condo shopping and I want to buy in DC near the ballpark, but for renting Yellow Line Virginia is where it is at.
addy // August 15, 2008 at 7:47 pm |
I feel your pain. We were looking for over 2 months to find a place we liked that we could afford. I love the place we found – but I still drive 35 miles each way to and from work, and there are LOTS of bugs and “nature.”
Amanda // August 16, 2008 at 12:20 pm |
I’m really afraid to read about this hunt, as I am looking for an apartment in Boston come December, and I’m not looking forward to it.
Sheri // August 16, 2008 at 3:49 pm |
Moving is one of the most horrid experiences, but I don’t think I could choose only two of those options
Hang in there.
Playful Professional // August 17, 2008 at 4:14 am |
If you need any feedback on Alexandria/Arlington apartments, I’ve done my share of apartment hunting (twice) in the past year. There really are some crappy places out there but some decent ones if you can afford like $1500 a month. It really is pretty much ridiculous. Good luck!
Tiffany // August 21, 2008 at 11:32 pm |
I hate Virginia. Stop giving her advice about Commonwealths. We just moved from one and don’t want to be STUCK in another one.
I’d rather live in a bug infested, drug rigged, crime laden, housing project located in the center of the formal murder capital of the country than to ever live in Virginia.
Tiffany // August 21, 2008 at 11:36 pm |
Plus, Virginia is for white people and the lovely fanfrickingtastic will be cohabitating with a sbwwaa…(sexy black woman with an afro). So, thanks, but NO thanks to Virginia.
imfb // August 23, 2008 at 2:46 pm |
I’ll be saying a prayer that you find a great place!