She works hard for the money: work & life in D.C.?

[annadragon]

I''ve applied for a year-long internship and if I''m accepted it''ll mean relocating to D.C. I''d like to hear from PSers who have lived and worked in the Washington, D.C. area.
Did/do you have a vehicle or use public transport?
What did/do you really like or even love about the area?
Conversely, what did/do you hate about it?
Is cost of living so ridiculous it would behoove me financially to have a roommate?

This would be my first time relocating for a job opportunity and I''m unsure of what else to ask. It will also mean DH and I have to do the long distance thing

 

[vespergirl]

I moved to DC from FL in 2002. I moved to Arlington, VA (Clarendon/Courthouse area - 2 miles from DC) in an apartment complex geared toward young singles (takes pets) that was a walk to metro (Sheffield Court Apartments). I worked in law firms on K St., so it was only 2-3 Metro stops to get to work in the morning. Clarendon is a great area - really fun nightlife, rents are cheaper than DC, much safer than DC. In fact, I met my DH while bar hopping in Clarendon, so I think it''s great place for singles & couples in their 20s or 30s.

Another great neighborhood is Ballston - just 2 Metro stops farther from DC than Clarendon. They have some nicer high-rise apartments (you would probably want a roommate to defer the cost there) but the shops & restaurants aren''t as good as Clarendon.

If you want to be in DC proper, I recommend Cleveland Park area. It''s pretty far from the business/political district in DC, but also has great nightlife/restaurants. Capitol Hill is a great area too, but there''s more of a crime problem in that part of DC.

When DH & I got pregnant, we bought a house in Fairfax Co., so we live about 15 miles from the District now, but we are still in the area, and we like it.

 

[vc10um]

I moved to DC for my first job out of school in July 2007.

I had a car that I didn''t want to get rid of, so I chose to live in Alexandria, VA, about 3 miles from a metro station in a large apartment complex with lots of parking. I have since moved to a condo complex with lots of parking about 3 miles away from a different metro station in Alexandria.
I LOVE taking the Metro places.
I would not live anywhere else...I love it here! There is always SO MUCH to do and see! I am never at a want for things to do.
The only thing I dislike is the expense of living here. DC has one of the highest COLs in the country. Having a roommate would be an excellent idea.

Not sure what else you would want to know, but I''ll pop back in and check to see if you''ve added any new questions.