If you’re here, it means you’re looking to move to Washington DC, a city that’s culturally diverse and offers a stable job market - the political capital of our nation! Known as the nation’s Capital with a population of 700,000, Washington, DC offers a lot of things which would want anyone to call it home. In 2022 alone, Washington, DC gained 3,000 new residents. Based on a survey conducted in 2022, the two top reasons for people moving to DC are employment and further studies. It is estimated that up to 40% of the DC population is employed by a government agency. 

Here’s five helpful tips to help you in your apartment search in Washington, DC.

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Be Close to What Matters - Identify the neighborhoods closest to your place of work or school.

Just like other cities, Washington, DC also offers a lot of amazing neighborhoods. To help you narrow down your options, identify the neighborhoods closest to your workplace or school. Considering that these will be the main places you’d be going to and from, it makes sense to consider proximity. Spoiler alert: If your workplace or school is close to the Capitol, expect higher rent prices!

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Know Your Housing Budget

As mentioned in the previous paragraph, apartments near the Capitol are usually more expensive. As of June 2023, the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Washington, DC is $2,366 (4% avg increase over 2022). 

In case you are on a tight budget, we recommend considering neighborhoods that are in districts near the Capitol that are near to public transportation. If you have ever been traumatized by the quality of public transportation in the previous city you lived in, we want to let you know that DC’s public transportation is often ranked as the best across the whole nation! We also have the second fastest commute time in the country. Aside from this, we are also a bike-friendly city so that’s another option to get to and from work or school.

It is worth noting that DC has Inclusionary Zoning (IZ) Affordable Housing Program in place. If you are eligible to be a part of this program, you can get access to apartments or condos for rent at a lower rate.

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Take your lifestyle into consideration.

Given that there are numerous neighborhoods in the city, it might also be wise to consider your lifestyle when choosing where to live. Depending on what you enjoy and prefer, there are different neighborhoods to choose from. 

If you are a history buff who also prefers to be in the heart of DC, then Capitol Hill is the best option for you. Being the epicenter of DC, you will be surrounded by amazing historical sites and museums. 

If you are someone who prefers a small-town vibe and still be near to the Capitol, then either Brookland or Logan Circle will be a great choice. Both offer a laid-back atmosphere compared to Capitol Hill, but you’ll still enjoy trendy restaurants and entertainment within the neighborhood. The Capital will also be just a quick commute.

If you prefer a lively and eccentric neighborhood that’s not yet THAT congested, then NoMa is the best choice for you. It is an up-and-coming neighborhood that offers lively night life, exciting restaurants and shops, and close proximity to downtown offices. It is also a popular transport hub (thanks to Union Market Station!). Another popular spot in NoMa is Union Market, which is the center of the gourmet scene of DC.

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Plan your move in date accordingly.

Historically, there is higher demand for rental apartments between the months of May and September. During this time, rental apartments are usually in full swing. It is not unusual for apartments to be rented out very quickly, so when you find an apartment that you like, make sure to apply as soon as you can.

If you plan to move to DC during these months, we highly recommend that you start looking for apartments at least two months before. This way, you can explore other apartments and also have ample time to go through your options without fearing that the apartment you like is already rented out to someone else.

If you’re looking for an apartment in Union Market area, click here to book a call with us :)

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Test Drive the Area - Visit, Eat, Walk & Drive Around 

Lastly, we highly recommend that you visit your apartment options in person, and also try commuting or driving around, depending on what your mode of transportation will be when you finally move. This will give you realistic expectations of what the area is like during rush hour. It will also allow you to gauge for yourself the noise levels of the area as well as the overall vibe of the apartments you are considering.

We wish you all the best in your apartment search here in Washington, DC!

‍Ledger Union Market is a luxury apartment rental located in the Union Market district of Washington, DC. We are a quick 10 min away from the Capitol, and also surrounded by Michelin-starred restaurants and the infamous Union Market food hall. We offer studio apartments, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and 3-bedroom apartments, with the option of having them fully-furnished. For more information, please schedule a call with our team here.

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