Dear PoPville – Finding a Studio for $1200-$1400 a Month?

Photo by PoPville flickr user Lauren PM

“Dear PoPville,

I have a question as a someone who will be a new DC resident in a month or so.

I am going to be moving to DC either for November 1 or later in the month (ie, Nov 15). I have only a passing knowledge of the neighborhoods. My panic is the need to find a apartment/housing situation that is no more than 1400/mo (obviously less is better). And I’m talking a studio/eff setup. I’m 41 but seem to live like a younger professional, so I don’t have a ton of stuff.

My fear is that I’m looking on CL/padmapper and trulia and not seeing much in that range that doesn’t look like I will get knifed or devoured by bedbugs. In your experience, is the 1200-1400 range for a studio at all a possibility? If so, are there areas that have that range that are also decent areas in which to live.

Any advice to a DC noob?”

At first I thought, you will definitely be able to find a studio in a nice neighborhood for $1200-$1400 per month. I still think you will be able to find a good one but a quick perusal of craigslist this morning and I can’t believe how few options there are. This one looks good for $1500 but obviously you’re looking for a bit cheaper. Even though I do a rental option every afternoon – I’m a bit stunned how expensive even studios have become.

So – Are there any particular neighborhoods you’d send this reader? I’m thinking Dupont Circle, Woodley Park/Cleveland Park/Van Ness or the Eastern Market/Capitol Hill area. Or is that unrealistic? Do you know of any specific buildings in this price range?