UrbanTurf Reader Asks: Where Can I Rent in DC and Get the Most Bang for My Buck?

• November 24, 2009

by Mark Wellborn

In this week’s installment of UrbanTurf Reader Asks, a new DC resident inquires about where he can get the most bang for his buck when it comes to renting in DC. His priorities are the usual Holy Trinity for renters in the city: space, location and price.

“I recently moved to DC for a new job and have been crashing on my friend’s couch while I look for an apartment. I know very little about DC, but was hoping that if I outline a few parameters for the type of rental that I am looking for, UrbanTurf’s knowledgeable readership could offer their two cents. I can pay up to $1,500 or $1,600 for a one-bedroom apartment and I would like at least 800 to 900 square feet of living space. I don’t need to be in the thick of the nightlife and restaurant scene, but would love to at least be close, and I want to be no more than a 5-10 minute walk from public transportation. Oh, and I don’t need a doorman; walk-ups are fine. Thanks for your help.

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12 Comments

1. JohnW said at 3:39 pm on Tuesday November 24, 2009:

   Shaw, U Street, Logan Circle. If you want a good tool for figuring out rent in different areas, use this: http://www.rentometer.com/

1. AmyH said at 5:20 pm on Tuesday November 24, 2009:

   I would look at Capitol Hill as well.

1. Stella said at 6:13 pm on Tuesday November 24, 2009:

   Unfortunately you’re going to have to make a trade-off in the holy trinity, as you’ve just described an urban real estate legend. Neighborhoods like Logan Circle, U Street, Dupont, Adams Morgan, and even Columbia Heights have $2.50-$3/SF rents, so your budget won’t get you the size you’re after. Besides, the average 1BR in DC is probably closer to 600 SF. Some areas of the Hill could get you there. Look for English basements on Craig’s List. Those are always the best bang for your buck, though certainly not ideal… Good luck and welcome to DC!

1. Lauren said at 6:17 pm on Tuesday November 24, 2009:

   800 sq ft is pretty big for a 1BR in DC, and the 1BRs that are that size in U St, Logan Circle, Adams Morgan etc are probably more than $1500-1600. For that you could either settle for 600 sq ft or if the space is really important maybe try Van Ness or Southwest.

1. uriel said at 10:09 pm on Tuesday November 24, 2009:

   I live in Capitol Hill and love it.  I have also live in CH and Petworth.  I am a fan of the latter.  You can get a nice one even two bedroom there for that amount, close to the metro.  You will not be in midst of everything, but since that is not a priority, you should be fine.  You will also save a few dollars a month.  Visit the place; speak to the residents.  It is truly a nice place.

1. SWalltheway said at 10:32 pm on Tuesday November 24, 2009:

   Don’t overlook SW Waterfront area.  Rents are considerably less than Dupont, slightly less than Capitol Hill, and you can be near two metros (waterfront & Fed. Center SW) and about 4 blocks from the National Mall. I’ve seen spacious 1 BR’s go for $1300-1400/mo. It’s overall pretty safe, and the new safeway will be a treat.

   Places like Petworth require you to be dependent on Metro to pretty much get anywhere. It’s nice to be able to walk downtown without too much hassle.

1. OutinShaw said at 9:59 am on Wednesday November 25, 2009:

   I highly recommend Shaw. You can definitely get what you are looking for in that neighborhood, and it is very close to downtown with access to Metro and buses.

1. PleasantPlainer said at 11:50 am on Wednesday November 25, 2009:

   Go for Capital Hill North (south of Florida, North of H Street). My wife and I lived there before buying in Pleasant Plains and we miss that ‘hood! If you stay east of the tracks and west of say 5th or 6th street, you’ll have easy walking to 2 Red line metros (NY Ave/Union Sta.) and tons of new goings on within walking distance. Convenient, lots of amenities, and a stellar neighborhood association.

1. Jay said at 9:23 pm on Wednesday November 25, 2009:

   Try Sixteenth Street Heights.  Our super-nice one bedroom basement apartment is three houses from the 16th St. bus lines & 3 miles due north of the White House.  The apartment is newly renovated, surprisingly light, and comes inclusive of all utilities and WiFi.  All you need to do is supply your own phone, if needed.  And while there’s ample street parking, an off-site secure space is negotiable.  Oh, did I mention that the urban myth exists?  Our apartment is approx. 1400 sq. ft. AND it is within your budget.

1. Meg said at 8:22 am on Sunday November 29, 2009:

   I agree on SW - I rented down there for a while and it’s a pleasant walk back from Penn Quarter’s restaurants, but leafy and quiet. I rented in the building next to Arena stage and had 800 sq foot…and rent control. There’s also a new building right next to metro and the (by spring time) new Safeway that opened as apartments rather than condos and looks to be very pet friendly. But keep an eye out for rent control buildings in DC (I think everything over X units built between 1945 and 1975 or so), they, plus the fact that it’s a very tenant friendly city (you automatically switch to a month to month lease after 12 months) makes it a much better place to rent than MD or VA, I think.

1. Urban Igloo said at 12:07 pm on Thursday December 17, 2009:

   If you are trying to stay within the District and still relatively close to the action, I would have to agree with the proponents of SW.  There is some great development going on next to the Waterfront metro stop on the green line, which is only 1 stop from L’Enfant Plaza where you can transfer to Orange, Blue, or Yellow. Overview of the development (http://www.waterfrontstation.com/overview/)  Also keep in mind that new construction, buildings less than 25 years old, will typically have smaller floor plans, but cost more because of added amenities.  Other areas that offer similar value would be Upper Columbia Heights/Petworth, Shaw, or Friendship Heights.

1. 3rd and G SW said at 5:20 pm on Sunday February 21, 2010:

   I’m a big fan of SW. I have lived here 20 months now after moving in from College Park when I got my first job here. Basically everything north and west of South Capitol and M is a lot nicer. During the summer, it is even better. The new Safeway is going to be incredible and opening up the intersection is going to be great for both pedestrians and drivers.