Whether you’re considering a move to the DC area to expand your mind or you’re looking to expand your financial portfolio, you’ll find that it is a city that is rich with opportunities. It is a city that is economically strong, supported by government jobs, the financial industry, and education. So, you can be assured that it will have something for everyone no matter what their interests or personal needs may be. According to Living In Washington DC,
“Washington DC is a cosmopolitan city with neighborhoods ranging from hip to historic. Although there is a wide variety of housing, finding an apartment in Washington DC can be a daunting task.”
In order to find a new apartment home, you’ll need to become familiar with the city and all of its many facets.
You are Not Alone
You may be surprised to learn that every year, thousands of new residents move into the DC area so while you have a major task ahead of you, you can have comfort in knowing that you’re in good company. Aside from the fact that it is a university town with several prominent campuses to its name, its also a place of business. So new residents descend upon the city in droves looking to launch new careers and seek out new opportunities of all kinds.
This makes for a relatively competitive market when it comes to apartment hunting. In your search for a new apartment you’ll have to be a bit creative to make sure you land the kind of place you’re looking for. As they point out in the book, A Newcomer’s Handbook for Moving to and Living in Washington, DC,
“The market is tight. According to Delta, D.C. has the lowest apartment vacancy rate in the country (in other words, the fiercest competition for rentals), with just 3% of all rental units on the market at any given time.”
No doubt, searching for an apartment will be a challenge that most people will never experience in other cities.
Start Early
This is especially important if you’re planning on moving for school or work. It would not be wise to wait until the last minute to find an apartment in the city. Give yourself a couple of months to search out the apartment so you can be sure that your new location will be a reasonable commute from work and in a neighborhood that you feel you can mix in with little or no hassle. DC is a busy city so you want to simplify the transition as much as possible. Starting your search early allows you to become familiar with the city and the places you would like to be.
Set Your Priorities
It is also a good idea to decide on a few essentials early in the game. Knowing your budget and your needs beforehand will help you to avoid getting caught up in looking for places out of your reach or that lack the things you need.
When you’re choosing your neighborhood, consider your transportation needs. If you have a car and plan to drive to work every day you’ll still want to make sure that your community is still a reasonable distance away. This will not only help you to shorten your commute but can save a significant amount of money on fuel costs, which can add up pretty quickly.
Above all else, once you find that perfect place that meets your needs, don’t hesitate to secure your new apartment. Keep in mind the comments made at Money.USNews.com,
“Don’t be a commitment-phobe. If you see an apartment that meets all of your main criteria, don’t hesitate. D.C. apartments are first-come, first-served for the most part, which means if you don’t apply right away, someone could easily apply within the next few hours.”
Yes, the idea of moving to apartments for rent in DC can be an exciting one full of opportunities and adventure. Still, because of the highly competitive market, it makes sense for newcomers to come prepared to go the extra mile in search of a perfect apartment setting for their new life. The more prepared you are and the sooner you begin your search, the better your chances of success and the sooner you can start your new life in the heart of the busiest city in the world.