21/Female NYU Graduate moves from Lower East Side to DC, where on earth should I live?
I honestly know nothing just about D.C. But I have a undertaking there starting within August so I'm about to find out. I want somewhere slightly cheapish, but most significant is the culture, bar scene, and relaxed young at heart professional or student population. Basically, I'm looking for a neighborhood in DC to rent that's as close as possible to what I'm disappearing -- Downtown NYC. Where should I look? What should I read?
Help?
Thanks for your time!
Answers:
Let me suggest that you also consider Arlington, a moment ago across the river from Georgetown. It's filled at the present time with 20-somethings who find housing better and a tad cheaper than within DC, while still supporting an urban lifestyle. Biking trails, ethnic restaurants, shopping, bars, much smaller number crime than in DC, a "green-leaning" county rule, easy Metro access, plus you can literally wander across Key Bridge into DC.
I agree near Don that North Arlington is really nice (I lived in Courthouse and loved it), but I come up with it is going to seem enormously sleepy to you compared to NYC.
Columbia Heights is a neighborhood that has really turned around within the last 5-7 years and really have a lot for the money, plus it is on the Metro procession.
Adams Morgan is probably the closest you're going to get to the surface of NYC, but it can be expensive and the Metro stop that they "call" Adams Morgan is really not in the heart of the neighborhood. But it's markedly funky, ethnic, and I don't find it pretentious.
Although NW DC (Cleveland Heights, etc.) is really, really nice, again, like North Arlington, I don't conjecture it's going to have adequate of a nightlife and shops to be a fit for you.
Hope this helps - enjoy a great time in DC!
I would recommend staying within the district. There are plenty of neighborhoods that are vibrant, close to public transportation, safe(for adjectives intensive purposes), and teeming with infantile professionals and culture. Housing isn't cheap, but it will most likely be right around what you're currently paying.
Recommendations:
U Street Corridor(start at 13th/U street and be in motion East or west 4 blocks, north and south several blocks). Tons of bars, shopping,public transporation is angelic. Music venues are centered here and you're manner close-ish to downtown and plenty of other things. It's also going to be less expensive than some other equally cool neighborhoods.
Columbia Heights--On green vein, probably most housing options at best prices while still mortal able to live surrounded by a very cool neighborhood(just built DC's solely Target, there are cool bars/restaurants, etc..)
Adams Morgan(say 18th/Kalorama)--Expensive but the center of DC's largetst banister scene. On the weekends it has the knees-up till you puke crowd, but there are lots of fun things to do. Metro can be a travel in constant parts.
Dupont Circle--More expensive, but beautiful and amazing location near no shortage of things to do.
Logan Circle Area(13th/P st)--Another area that's close to everything but is still remarkably affordable(all things considered of course). Close to Whole Foods, U street, chinatown.
There's also Foggy Bottom(Where GW is), and Georgetown(not my scene but it is for some--not cheap if you're looking close to M st) and Chinatown/Penn Station.
If you have a roommate, contained by any of the above areas(maybe not right downtown in Chinatown), plan on paying 800 to 1000(cheaper I don`t know in big group houses) for an average apartment. No motor necessary.
If you want Virginia, look at Clarendon and Rosslyn and Courthouse nouns. Although i didn't find it the cost to really be any different and there's just smaller amount stuff to do within walking distance and it's not as pretty.
Good Luck.
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