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Welcome! I moved here 2 1/2 years ago from the Midwest too and love it. There are a ton of considerations, but I spent the most time finding the right neighborhood - had to find the right balance between cost, convenience & the right mix of people. If you can, come visit a few times and check out neighborhoods at different times of day to see what you vibe with.
Just here to say that national harbor to VA is NOT a 2 minute drive. Letâs not be ambitious here lmao
Definitely check out the U Street area and other areas around Meridian Hill Park (Adams Morgan, Columbia Heights etc.). Shaw is also strong option for what youâre looking for. NoMa is a bit more up and coming but still walkable and a bit more affordable. H Street NE (east of Union Station) is another interesting area that is up and coming. Some inner suburbs also offer walkability and some bars/restaurants, downtown Silver Spring comes to mind.
Typically you want to avoid âeast of the riverâ communities (I.e. Anacostia, Congress Heights) because they tend to be more hit and miss and have less amenities. Those areas are having an uptick in development but nothing near the pace of other areas in the city. You wouldnât be in walking distance to any bars or restaurants worth mentioning.
Good luck on your search! DC is a great place to call home, particularly for young black professionals.
If youâre looking at east of the river, I would checkout Deanwood as it seems to have the most momentum right now. Also, I think NoMa and H St NE offer the best value (check out Senate Square). Donât know when you plan on moving but signing a lease between October - February has the best deals.
I live in Deanwood now it's next up on the gentrification block.
I'm the same age as you and live in Arlington. You can find reasonable (for the area) apartments. I love it. Loved here 9 years. Everything mentioned above is within 20 minutes driving. Main points if DC are within 10 to 15 minutes.
Agree with @Slalom 1. Come visit a few times. Most people move here and only consider VA because it is "safer", but take a look at other neigborhoods. I live at National Harbor and love it. It is in Maryland, but it is a 2 minute drive to DC and VA.
I live in a part of Alexandria thatâs very popular with young black professionals. âPark Centerâ is about 10 minutes from DC, but a lot cheaper. Also about 15 min to the airport!
The DMV area is nice but the cost of living and the traffic are out of control. Depending on what area you decide to live, rent on the low end in many areas is about what you would pay to live on the gold in Chicago. Also, you will want to live close to where you work because if you have to get on the beltway during the morning or evening rush you are easily looking at about an hour commute. Plus going from the CTA to the Metro will be another huge disappointment.
Thanks all! I have some time scheduled to visit this summer so I'll start checking out locations. I travel weekly so the airport being accessible (I don't need to live close to it but no more than a ~40min commute), with a nice social scene is ideal. I love the city feel of Chicago, walkability, parks, plenty of bars/restaurants in my area. Any suggestions of areas to check out when I visit? Also, any areas to avoid living in?
@K1 how do you like living in National Harbor? I was looking into moving there but couldn't get a great feel on "living" there since I've only been on the weekends. What's the commute into the city like (w/o metro), getting in/out of NH, noise levels, etc.?
Just wanted to highlight that east of the river has some places that are coming up and would be a good real estate investment. AKA gentrification!
@A1 I love it. The noises and traffic arent that as bad as people suggest.
@BA1 Yes, it is literally a two minute drive to the VA state line/ Alexandria. I know because I work in VA. The National Harbor is the last exit in MD before you get on the bridge, and the first exit when you make it to the other side is Alexandria. Nothing ambitous about that.
As far as the commute into the city without traffic, I cant speak to that since I have only had to go to Navy Yard which is about 15 minutes away with light traffic.
Carver Langston (I live there) and Trinidad are also up & coming in the gentrification lottery. Starting to see the Lululemon girls and their toy dogs more & more.