How can anyone my age afford rent in my area???

Question

I live in the DC metro area on the Maryland side of the river and after my girlfriend and I broke up I had to move back in with my parents. How is it possible for anyone in this area to find an affordable one bedroom apartment to live in. I feel as if I cant provide for myself because I cant afford to get a decent place of my own.

Answer 1

You may have to look further out. If you want prime and close, you're going to have to pay for it.

Get another roomie. Even those of us out in the sticks can't always afford to live on our own and need roommmates to help split the costs.

Answer 2

Hi Mike, I know and shared the same scenario a few years ago there. My solution was to move out of the area. The DC metro area is 3rd in the nation in cost of housing, behind only NYC and San Francisco. It's a tough choice to make but the result was well worth it. You have to examine your quality of life, and ask if the sacrifice of living with your parents, or living like a college student as an adult is acceptable at this point in your life. If not, look elsewhere. Your at the perfect crossroad in life with no current relationship and still being young. Check out some fun happening cities where you can afford to live a good life. Some examples are Baltimore (still close to home), Philadelphia (not much further) or southern cities like Atlanta or Raleigh/Durham.
Good luck!

Answer 3

Perhaps get a room mate? Try contacting some of your friends to see if they'd be willing to move in with you. Living on your own can be a struggle, and sometimes it's best to split the bills with someone else. If you can't do that, maybe try to get a better paying job or a second job. Work more hours. There are millions of people in this country who make it work every single day. They might not have a ton of money left over at the end of the month, but it can be done. You just have to know how to budget, where to find the cheapest place to live, and how to shop smart. (perhaps move a little further outside of DC? I would imagine it's probably cheaper, but I could be wrong)

Good luck :)

Answer 4

There are many programs out there for rental assistance here are some links from our research department that might help you find some of those programs. In addition you might want to visit your state's web site and see what local programs they might have given your qualifications.
Finding out what benefits you are eligible for with the US Government
http://www.govbenefits.gov/govbenefits_en.portal?_nfpb=true&_pageLabel=gbcc_page_questionnaire&_nfls=false
Rating an apartment (private site) What consumers say about specific apartments throughout the nation http://www.apartmentratings.com/
Buena Suerte

Answer 5

I live in NOVA and I share your pain. My advice is to either look into share accomodation or look at markets outside the "high priced" areas. This might mean a little bit more of a commute but you save $$ in rent.