I’m always in search of a good deal – for everything from clothing to burritos, airfare to haircuts. While having a home you feel comfortable in is most important, its even better when you’re getting a deal too. Today I set out to find some listings that are one bedrooms (no studios!) in the District for under $2200/month. It’s a price that may make your friends outside of DC balk, but in a city where even studios can cost more than that – it wasn’t easy to find homes that combine comfort, charm, and price. Here are a few that fit all the criteria:
What makes it great: McLean Gardens is a unique neighborhood that offers all the amenities of suburbia while keeping your DC zipcode and conveniences. This particular apartment oozes character with its spiral staircase in the middle of the unit. The master bedroom with full bathroom is on the lower floor, while your living space, kitchen and half bath are upstairs. Enjoy all the perks of entertaining without having guests too close to your personal space. McLean Gardens has the neighborhood feel of the ‘burbs, but the buildings are renovated so differently, you can still have a one-of-a-kind home.
Extra perks: Washer/dryer in unit, free access to community pool & gym, water/sewer/trash included in rent, walking distance to Cathedral Commons, Zone 3 street parking readily available
Why you should think twice: Unless you’re in that stage of your life where you like a bit of the ‘burbs, this may not be for you. While you have easy access to Wisconsin Avenue/buses, Metro isn’t easy to get to. If you’re one to party on U Street, its going to be a bit of a hike to get home. No pets allowed.
What makes it great: This hit all of my criteria (charm/comfort/price) AND there’s two bedrooms – so it’s even more of a deal! This home is small (700 square feet isn’t much when spread out across 2 floors/2 bedrooms) but if you use the space strategically, this could be a great little house for 2 people. It was renovated in 2014 so it won’t feel like you’re in an old home, though it has the charm of it!
Extra perks: cable/internet included, washer/dryer in home, communal park/garden behind house
Why you should think twice: Charm may not be enough to make this little house your home. Some of these townhouses are so narrow, I’ve known people whose furniture simply didn’t fit inside!
$1800 – 1 bd/1 ba – 613 sq feet – Bright one-bedroom on “the corner of everything” (Adams Morgan)
What makes it great: location, location, location. So many Craigslist ads promise it, but if you’re looking to make Adams Morgan your next neighborhood – this is a good spot to be in. Adams Mill Road has the convenience of being steps away from the action, while calmer than Columbia Road or 18th Street. Many other listings I’ve seen in this area for this price are studios/ junior one-bedrooms or rooms in group houses.
Extra perks: washer/dryer in unit, balcony (mentioned, but not pictured!), natural light, and extra storage facility
Why you should think twice: Parking can be a pain in this area. It seems like there’s a lot to squeeze into 613 square feet- while it’s a one-bedroom, it may feel kind of cramped. I’m also curious how an apartment #306 can be considered a high floor (I know we don’t have many high-rises here in DC, but that seems like a stretch).
$2100 – 1 bd/ 1 ba – Create curbside jealousy in a brick boutique building (Dupont Circle)
What makes it great: The outside of this building is out of a DC apartment dream. It’s a charming old home in that sweet spot between Adams Morgan, Dupont Circle, and U Street. With only 3 units in the whole building, you don’t have to worry about a lot of loud/obnoxious neighbors (or making too much noise yourself!). High ceilings & outdoor courtyard space.
Extra perks: washer/dryer in unit, off-street parking option (extra price?), pet friendly. This was originally listed weeks ago with availability for Sept. 1 – now there’s an open house this weekend – perhaps you can snag an even better deal!
Why you should think twice: It’s a perk and a curse: it’s been on the market for weeks – and no one else has scooped it up – that always makes me skeptical. While the outside is beautiful, the inside appears to be an awkward layout.
A few more finds (under $2k!)
$1975- 1 bd/ 1 ba – Live in a colorful townhome blocks away from the waterfront (Georgetown)
