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The nation’s capital has museums, historical monuments, and cherry blossoms galore, but Washington, D.C. is so much more than that. It is a thriving city that is one of the most exciting and fast-paced places to live in the entire country. Before you pack your bags and head to D.C., however, you should familiarize yourself with the city’s rental scene. Living in Washington, D.C., you’ll find that apartments here have quick turnover rates. You want to be prepared to find a place that is perfect for your budget and circumstances.
What is the average apartment rent in Washington D.C.?
The cost to living in Washington, D.C., the nation’s capital, has increased greatly in recent years… As of April 2024, the average apartment rent in Washington, D.C for a one-bedroom apartment is $2,340, which is a 10% increase year over year.
How to find an apartment in Washington, D.C.
Finding a place to live in D.C. that is within your budget is a challenge, but it is far from impossible.
Do Your Apartment Research
It doesn’t make sense to overwhelm yourself during the search process with rentals you may not even be interested in. Figure out your budget and ideal location in Washington DC to narrow down your apartment search. This means you’ll only see rentals in areas that interest you the most, in a price range you can handle. Nowadays, tons of online resources can help you find the best neighborhoods in Washington, D.C. that fit your search criteria. Some of the best websites to find apartments include:
- Apartments.com
- Zillow
- Pad Mapper
- Craigslist (yes, there can be some gems here!)
Oftentimes, these sites give you the option of signing up for notifications when new rentals pop up in your criteria. Make sure you’re signed up so you can be one of the first in the know!
Prepare for Every Apartment Showing
To give yourself a competitive edge when you’re looking, have all your paperwork ready in advance. This will impress the property manager and put you ahead of other potential tenants who weren’t as well prepared as you. Also, try to go apartment hunting in the winter. People are less likely to go to open houses when there are a couple of feet of snow on the ground, but if you can tough it out, you’ll have fewer people to compete against.
What are the best neighborhoods in Washington D.C. by average rent?
Where to live in D.C.? There are tons of fantastic neighborhoods to choose from. Here is an overview of just a few of them:
Shaw District
The Shaw District is a large area that takes in the U Street Corner and extends toward downtown. It holds the crown as being one of the coolest areas in the city. There are tons of breweries, bars, and cafes. There are even specialty pet stores and art galleries. It is also home to Howard University, so it might be the ideal place for you to settle down if you’re a student. However, an apartment could cost you around $2,767 a month.
If all you can afford in the area is a tiny apartment, rent a storage unit nearby so that you can have a place for your excess belongings.
Columbia Heights
Columbia Heights is an emerging neighborhood that has undergone some gentrification in recent years. Here, you’ll find a host of big chain retailers alongside local dive bars and other cool hangouts. There are tons of murals on the street, so there will always be a piece of art to delight your eyes.
Columbia Heights is one of the best neighborhoods in Washington D.C to move to as it is home to some of the more affordable apartments in D.C. You can find apartments that average $2,450, and a large number of young people dwell there. Bike riding is one of the main methods of transportation, but the bus is also a convenient option.
Foggy Bottom
George Washington University is located in the city’s Foggy Bottom neighborhood, so you’ll find a host of students in the area. However, it is also a favorite spot for white-collar workers average rent for an apartment in Foggy Bottom is $2,903. It is near the famous National Mall and the Georgetown Neighborhood, which is one of the city’s wealthiest areas.
From Foggy Bottom, you can hop on the D.C. Circulator and go to the Georgetown Waterfront, where you’ll find great dining and entertainment options.
Capitol Riverfront
Even though this neighborhood is fairly new, it is one of the best neighborhoods in Washington, D.C. to live in. As the name implies, it is on the waterfront and is only a few blocks from the United States Capitol. Most of the dwellings here are upscale condos that attract young professionals who want a great view of the river and the city. You can get a one-bedroom for $2,518 on average.
There are tons of things to do here. The Nationals Baseball Stadium is a great place to catch a pro game, or you can head to Truckeroo, which is a monthly food truck festival that features live music.
Alexandria
Alexandria technically isn’t part of Washington, D.C, but looking outside the city proper has some benefits. According to BestPlaces, Alexandria is 1.5% cheaper than the District of Columbia.
Alexandria is a Virginia city right across the river from the nation’s capital, and it attracts folks who want a quiet lifestyle that is still close to the hustle and bustle of D.C. Many young families and young professionals have settled down there.
Alexandria is a walkable city, but it also offers affordable parking. Public transportation makes it easy to get across the river if you have to head into D.C. for work.
Living in Washington, D.C.
Although the cost of living in Washington, D.C. is on the expensive side, many residents find that the cost is more than worth it. The city is an exciting place to live. Do your real estate research carefully before moving to D.C. Plan your apartment-hunting adventure, so you can find the perfect place in the ideal D.C. neighborhood at the best price.
