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TLDR: 36f single with a dog wanting insight on what life is like living in DC on less than 85k/annual income.
Backstory: I (36f) have been working towards rebooting my life for almost 2 years. After 18 years in hospitality(bartender, restaurant manager, music venues, events, private clubs) I decided to quit my comfort industry to save my mental health and get my life back. I finished my bachelors degree in HR management and broke up with a dead weight partner end of 2023. So now Iām completely unattached and wanting to start over in DC.
My ex lived in NW, so and I spent a lot of time back and forth between there and the eastern shore (where I currently live). I love the culture and accessibility of the DC metro area, and while the cost of living is def higher than where I am now, I feel like the professional and social opportunities are worth it. After pricing out 1 bdrms in Annapolis, Bowie/Crofton, DC and Arlington I feel like I should expect to spend $1800-2200/m with āpet rentā. Is that about right?
I havenāt worked full time in like 18months so my income looks like shit on paper, but I have āgood/very goodā credit depending on the reporting agency. Is this going to be an issue even if I can afford the move in costs and land a job a few weeks/month before I submit applications.
Since Iām truly starting over, Iām hoping to land a job making $70-85k/year (trying to be realistic and Iām not limiting my job search to HR roles). Whats life like with that income? Itās me and a geriatric mid-size dog. I donāt want to be financially strapped for years while I build momentum in a new career. Also donāt want to live in a shoebox with no nearby green space. Would like parking nearby and in unit washer/dryer, and quick access to metro.
I guess Iām looking for insight from any recent transplants on how the moving:transition process has been coming from a more rural area. How much should I budget for the move-in process? Any recs on neighborhoods for singles in their mid-late 30ās?
Have been looking at work in DC proper, NoVA, Bethesda and Rockville. Totally open to living outside of DC but would really love to be close to all the amenities DC living has to offer.
TIA!
First off, congratulations on getting your degree and starting out fresh.
Second, depending on where you get a job, the prices will vary. Your guess of 1800-2200 is likely on the lower end and I'd say a good 1 bed apartment, within 20-30 minutes of DC will likely be closer to $2300-2500, including utilities and pet fee.
Rockville is a very quiet suburb, about 35-40 minutes from DC, depending on where you take the metro to. I lived there for nearly 6 years before moving to Arlington. While I enjoyed the quiet atmosphere, I didn't really like the commute to and from DC and the red line is notorious for being out of service in the blink of an eye so I'd take that into consideration.
If you choose Arlington, avoid looking for apartments in the high rises. The rent for those starts above $2500 for a 1 bed. Take a look at Dittmar properties, they are usually well priced and I've observed a little lower than the market price as well. Some Dittmar buildings don't allow pets, unless they are esa.
DC has some affordable apartment buildings but the size of the apartment will likely be 50% of what you'll get in Arlington, Rockville or any other suburb where you can easily get on the metro.
Good luck with your job search and welcome to the DMV!
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