The capital of the United States is a beautiful city and the desire to live in it is totally normal. Whether you’re moving there for school or business, you will need a place to stay while you’re there. Apartment hunting is generally a stressful process that’s why it’s important to go in prepared. Know what you want but also be flexible.
These are some of the things you need to keep in mind if you want everything to go as smoothly as possible.
Give Yourself Enough Time
Looking for a place to call home in large urban areas is a lot of work. Finding an apartment in DC that works for you is a time-consuming process, and it might take months before you settle somewhere. However, online research can help you a lot with this. You will be able to filter your search based on the area you want to live in or/and the size of the place.
Thanks to the photos on the website, you will also be able to determine whether something suits you or not. Still, you will have to think in advance and give yourself enough time to find something you really want.
Learn About Neighborhoods
Just like every metropolitan area, DC is divided into several regions – the Northwest, the Northeast, the Southwest, and Southeast. Set your basic criteria and find out in which of the neighborhoods you will be able to get what you want. Some of them are more family-oriented while others are perfect for single people. The most popular neighborhoods in this city are Georgetown, Chevy Chase/Friendship Heights, and H Street Corridor, among others.
Price Expectations
One of the most important things when it comes to determining where you want to live is certainly the price. DC is a very big city and just like with all other big urban centers in the US, the costs of renting a place are rather high. So, you need to keep in mind that you will need to set aside a significant amount of money to pay the monthly rent.
It’s important to be realistic about your expectations. Studio apartments are generally less pricey but aside from size, another determining factor is the location. The most affordable neighborhoods in DC include Benning Heights and Benning Ridge. The most popular is the Adams Morgan area, but it is also significantly higher in costs.
The Application Process
Once you are certain you’ve found the right place, you have to submit the application. The procedure is not complicated, but it can take time. The first step is submitting all the necessary documents (photo ID, employment information, etc.) and paying the application fee. After a background check and proving you can pay the rent, the landlord will give you a lease to sign. Make sure you read everything carefully.
Finding a perfect apartment in large cities can be a tiring procedure. However, if you firmly set your criteria and focus on what you need, you will be able to find exactly what you’re looking for. Also, make sure you give yourself enough time to bring this process to a satisfactory completion.