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		Washington, DC Apartments More city information: overview | apartments | cars | utilities | airports | public transportation | taxes | newspapers | voting | sponsor .
	. Overview:  DC isn't nearly as tough to get an apartment as NYC or Boston, but you'll still have some shopping to do. .
		Brokers:  Brokers are not a necessity in DC, but they're often helpful in finding a place (plus they're usually free).  See page 88 and 89 of our book for more information on brokers. Broker fee:  Usually minimal charge or none. .
		Looking: A number of people recommended The Apartment Finder (free) found at many Metro stops.  Others recommended The Washington Post for listings.  Try their online site for listings, although there is no real time advantage using their site versus their paper.  They are partnered with Apartments.com.  The Washington City Paper receives high marks from locals for its varied listings and good finds.  The City Paper updates its web listings every Tuesday at 3pm, two days before the paper comes out.    Also take a look at "Craig's List" as a good source for apartment listings (plus it's free).  See it here.   Many others recommended "cold calling" buildings since so many people use the above sources.  .
		Locations: Popular areas for young people include Georgetown ("trendy," "more expensive," "no Metro stop"), Adams Morgan ("artsy," "NY feel," "lots of nightlife"), Capitol Hill ("less convenient to the rest of the city," "usually work on the Hill if you live here"), and Dupont Circle ("good bars and nightlife").  Mount Pleasant and Columbia Heights are more affordable, but a little more "sketchy." While these areas remain as trendy as ever, more and more new graduates are moving across the Potomac into areas like Alexandria ("cute neighborhoods," "young families"), Arlington ("affordable," "lots of houses"), Crystal City ("close to Reagan Airport," "everything is new"), Rosslyn ("easy Metro stop"), Clarendon, and Balston.  .	(Click to enlarge)
		Prices: Since numerous apartment complexes exist, prices are fairly reasonable in the DC area (for a large city).  Studios:  $600 - $900 1 bedroom:  $750 - $1300 2 bedroom:  $900 - $1800 .
		Closing the deal:  Some apartments will require you to put up two month's rent up front to secure a place, but usually you can get away with less.  Many places in DC also have 'salary minimums' in order to rent (your salary must meet a certain multiple of your rent).  Your landlord will likely run a "credit check" on you (to see if you usually pay your bills).  Also, read the lease carefully.  Make sure the length of your lease is expressly written in the contract.  See our book for more details on a credit check and lease.   It’s also likely that you’ll need: -- proof of wages (pay stub), -- reference letters (See page 90 of our book for a sample), and -- copy of recent bank statement. .
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