DC Housing Guide
Intern Housing Guide
Please use the following information as a helpful guide to find housing in the DC area if you are moving here for an internship or for the first time.
Finding housing in Washington D.C. can be a daunting task, especially for newcomers to the city. The nation's capital is known for its high cost of living and competitive real estate market, so it's important to approach your search with a clear strategy in mind. In this article, we'll provide some tips and resources to help you find housing in D.C. that fits your needs and budget.
Determine Your Budget
Before you begin your housing search, it's important to determine your budget. Consider your monthly income, expenses, and savings, and decide how much you can afford to spend on rent or mortgage payments. Keep in mind that D.C. is a high-cost city, so you may need to adjust your expectations or consider alternative neighborhoods if you're on a tight budget.
Remember that the farther away from the city, the less expensive the housing. Many interns prefer to live in Northwest DC, Virginia or Maryland, near a metro stop, or to share space with a roommate to cut costs.
Choose Your Neighborhood
D.C. is divided into a number of different neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and amenities. Some popular neighborhoods for young professionals include Dupont Circle, Adams Morgan, and Naval Yard, while families may prefer areas like Alexandria, Takoma or Capitol Hill.
Consider factors like commute time and access to a Metro station. If you own a car, you should know that parking is generally a problem in the city, as street parking is scarce, and garages are expensive.
Safety and Security
Living in Washington DC, you should take extra precautions when determining where you live, and while you are out and about in the city.
When looking into housing, be sure to look for security in and near the building (i.e. locked doors, access to laundry room by non-residents, well-lit hallways and laundry rooms, grilled windows on ground floors and well-lit streets near the building).
Utilize Online Resources
There are a number of online resources you can use to search for housing in D.C. Websites like Zillow, Trulia, and Apartment List allow you to search for rental properties or homes for sale based on your preferred location and budget. You can also check out local classifieds sites like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace for listings posted by individual landlords.
Be Ready to Act Quickly
The D.C. housing market moves quickly, so it's important to be prepared to act fast when you find a property you're interested in. Make sure you have all your application materials ready, including your credit report, rental history, and employment information.
You may also need to be prepared to put down a deposit or sign a lease agreement on the spot, so be sure to read the terms carefully before making a commitment.
Consider Shared Housing
If you're on a tight budget or looking for a more social living situation, consider shared housing. Communicate with other new hires as you will likely not be the only one looking for roommates.
Additionally, there are a number of co-living spaces in D.C. that offer furnished rooms or apartments with shared common areas and amenities. These spaces are often more affordable than traditional apartments and can be a great way to meet new people in the city.
Be Prepared to Compromise
Finally, it's important to be prepared to compromise when searching for housing in D.C. You may not be able to find the perfect property that meets all your needs and fits your budget, but by prioritizing your must-haves and being willing to make some concessions, you can find a home that's comfortable and convenient.
Housing Resources
University On-Campus Summer Housing
Most local universities offer short-term housing for visiting interns during the summer months. Spaces are limited, so it is advisable to email or call as soon as possible.
The American University http://www.american.edu/
Catholic University of America http://www.cua.edu/
The George Washington University http://www.gwu.edu/index.cfm Georgetown University http://www.georgetown.edu/
Georgetown Law - Of?ce of Residential Life http://www.law.georgetown.edu/
Howard University http://www.howard.edu/
Gallaudet University http://www.gallaudet.edu/
University of Maryland, College Park http://www.umd.edu/
Other Housing Options
The International Student House: www.ishdc.org provides permanent dormitory housing for international students and some domestic students as well. They are often booked so be sure to call early.
Thompson-Markward Hall: https://tmhdc.org/ is a women only residence (ages of 18 ~ 34 years). It offers dormitory rooms with shared baths and cost includes meals, and is only three blocks from Union Station which serves the Red Line and Amtrak trains.
Washington Intern Student Housing (WISH): https://internsdc.com/about-wish/#
Washington Intern Housing Network (WIHN): https://thewihn.com/rates-dates/?nab=0
Hosteling International Washington D.C.: http://hiwashingtondc.org/
Both dormitory-style and private rooms available E.W. Richardson Building Intern Housing: https://www.internhousingllc.com/
Cassa Housing: https://cassahousing.com/intern-housing
Helpful Websites
Craigslist: www.washingtondc.craigslist.org
Abodo: https://www.abodo.com/
Padmapper: https://www.padmapper.com/apartments/washington-dc
Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.com/
Apartments.com: www.apartments.com
Apartment Search: www.apartmentsearch.com
Apartment Guide: www.apartmentguide.com
Washington Post Classifieds: www.washingtonpost.com
Facebook Groups
Washington D.C. Housing, Rooms, Apartments, Sublets www.facebook.com/groups/1468086266815937/
DC, Northern Virginia, and Maryland Housing, Sublets, and Roommates https://www.facebook.com/groups/arlingtonfairfaxrentals/
DC Libertarian Professional Circle
Finding housing in D.C. can be a challenging task, but by approaching your search with a clear strategy and utilizing the resources available to you, you can find a home that meets your needs. Consider your budget, choose your neighborhood carefully, and be prepared to act quickly when you find a property you're interested in.