If you are coming to DC from college, grad school, or maybe just another less expensive city you are probably used to certain “luxuries.” To many the standard for luxury is high. For example, heated floors may be considered an unnecessary luxury. Unfortunately many DC apartments have a funny definition of luxury. This isn’t management companies fault. The beauty of a rent controlled building is that you get an awesome place for cheap. However, this makes it tough for older apartment building to make those upgrades. Here is a list of certain luxuries that you may realize you never even needed.
Washer and Dryer
This is a big one. Having a washer and dryer is very luxurious, especially in an apartment. I should say that having a NEW washer and dryer in very luxurious. I’m fairly certain that my washer and dryer is older than I am. It’s a stacked model to save space and only holds a small load. The worst part is that when I do laundry the whole thing shakes and makes an unbelievable amount of noise. So it’s actually ironic. The whole point of having a washer and dryer in your apartment is so you can do laundry in the comfort of your home. However, my washer and dryer is so loud that it makes me want to leave my apartment. Granted, fighting for a washer in a dingy basement doesn’t sound great either. My advice is that you will be happy in a building has a clean laundry facility and even happier if you have a newer washer and dryer in your apartment.
Dishwasher
I’m always surprised that this is the first appliance to go when cutting costs in an apartment. In many cases, going without a dishwasher can seriously decrease your rent. If you are like me and don’t cook a lot, this is no big deal. Buy a good sponge and drying rack and you are set. I would chose a few extra square feet and great neighborhood any day.
Central Air
This one shocks people and is a nonnegotiable for many. DC summers are brutal and when you crank up a window unit it is loud. The benefit to window units is that some of the time A/C is included in your rent, so you can leave it running. They are especially prevalent in older buildings, which again is where you find some of the best prices. One time I came across a listing that asked the renter to bring their own window unit. Unless it is a fantastic deal, don’t stoop to that level.
Ice Maker
This one isn’t as big of a deal but its something that many of us grew up with. I love ice and can’t go with out it, but I don’t have an ice maker. I have set up two ice trays in the freezer and just periodically dump it into a plastic bucket that’s also in the fridge. I’m always surprised when people come over and actually do not know how to use an ice tray because it is so foreign to them. Ice trays can also be fun if you find fun shapes.
Parking
In my opinion parking in DC is a nightmare. I have plenty of friends with cars and refuse to give them up. I had a car and ended up getting rid of it because it was such a hassle. I have seen cars with boots, tickets, smashed windows, and even cars that have been completely totaled by fallen trees.
You can find townhouses that come with a reserved parking spot but if you want covered, reserved parking that comes at a hefty price. Some apartments will offer it at usually a minimum of $100 a month but prepare yourself to pay more depending on the neighborhood. The other option is register you car for street parking, which is costly up front but will save you money over time. I guarantee you will spend time circling blocks looking for a spot only having to move it the next day for street cleaning. Lastly if you can’t parallel park, don’t move here.
