Hi all!

When I moved from Huntington, LI, a few years ago, I used this service: http://www.apartmentdetectives.com/

It's more expensive than doing it yourself, but this woman's lived in the area for over 20 years, so she knows what's what and what's where. She investigates the apartments personally and sends you digital photographs so that you can see for yourself, and she helps with the paperwork.



As for living in DC, I can only say that taxes in the District are OUTRAGEOUS -- ~10% income, ~10% sales...yikes! I saved enough in taxes alone to make my move from a one bedroom in NW DC to a two bedroom in North Arlington come out about even.

Wherever you end up, enjoy! The DC area is a great place to live and work and play :-)

shannon - I beg to differ that the rest of Alexandria besides Old Town is "scuzzy". I live in a small, quiet townhouse complex near Landmark, and although there are apartment buildings around there, there are also houses, convenient shopping, close to both 395 and 495, a metro 1 mile away etc. I have a big townhouse that is 4 years old and in a great neighborhood. No worries about crime or anything at all. I certainly do not find this area "scuzzy", especially when a neighbor's townhouse just sold for over $400,000. :)

Good luck with apartment shopping, everyone. I love the Alexandria area, but I agree that Arlington is a little younger and "hipper", but more expensive.

karen

Great stuff everyone - thanks - any more suggestions for the Red Line metro in particular?

Have a great day : )

We just got an apartment in DC because my husband was commuting and hotel-ing there so much. We are in Arlington (Pentagon City). The apartment is about 1000 sq feeet, it is fairly new, its located over a mall, and the Metro is next door at the Fasion Center Mall. The loaction just cant be beat, I have never lived in such a convenient place. We hardly ever take our car out. However the price is 2100 a month!

We are looking to buy a condo, probably in the District, maybe Dupont Circle area or Foggy Bottom.

Washington Post did a story last Saturday about the apartments at 1600 16th Street NW. They're 1000 square feet and go for $ 1000 a month. I'll try to go through my old newspapers and be more ewxact.

The Post did a story on 1600 16th Street, NW apartments on April 17. It's at the corner of 16th & Q. Rents are at about $ 850 to $ 1050 a month, great for DC in a fashionable area. Square footage is tight- 409 sq. feet to 892 sq. feet. All 84 apartments are efficiencies and most are occupied by one person. Most of the turnover are college students. The article notes that the apartments have one 21 year resident and one 8 year resident. The apartemtns were built in 1940 but are well-maintained and a noisy heating system was replaced by a quiet, brand-new one last year. The manager for 26 years is Johny Moncrief whom, I would guess, would be the person to call. The phone is (202) 667-6600. Travelgirl, you will enjoy this location much better than Falls Church.