Are you to DC lately?

Question

I am planning a move to Washington, DC and would like to know which places are good to live without hurting my pocket Also what sort of things to expect, i know coming from miami weather is big as well as taxes might be more. Any information is welcome. thanks

Answer 1

You have three choices, to live in Maryland or Virginia, or to live in D.C. itself. Since DC is only ten miles wide, both of the states are a good option. The weather is four seasons but mild, so while summers can be humid and have rain storms, there are only a few days of snow in the winter. If taxes are a concern, you'll want to compare the tax rates for Maryland, Virginia and DC, as they can be at 10% or so for personal taxes if you make enough money. Also check if Virginia still has the car tax for vehicles. You have three choices in any big city for living, you can get safe, cheap and close, and you can get two of those three but not all three. Since you want cheap, you need to figure out if you want a longer commute but a nicer place, or a short commute but a crummy neighborhood. If you're young, I would look at Clarendon, Virginia, Bethesda, Maryland, and the DC neighborhoods around Capitol Hill, 13th and U, and Adams Morgan. Some of it's expensive but you might find some values there. You may also find that you don't need a car and can take the metro, which is cheap, safe and convenient. I'd also look into getting a roommate, which will give you people to socialize with and it will reduce your expenses a lot.

Answer 2

I would suggest you not do as we did when we moved here. We tried to lessen the cost of housing by moving up into MD about 25 miles north of Downtown DC. We cut the cost of housing by about 1/3, but have the commute to contend with daily. It takes my wife right at 1 1/2 hours each way to get to her job.

Then, there are lots to do in DC. So like tonight, we are going to an event, we'll have that trip back afterward. We really wish we had gone ahead, bit the bullet and bought in DC. It is a wonderful city.