Living area suggestions for job in 20037 (Washington: apartments, rentals, insurance)

[Scrungy]

I'm a single person (no kids) considering a job based in DC in zip code 20037 (Virgina Ave NW). I don't now this area or DC at all. They've asked me to state my salary requirement.

From checking rentals in this area, the cost seems quite high ($1600-2000 for a 1 bed - is this typical?) and so I'd like to get some suggestions for less expensive areas that are:

1. Not a poor or dangerous area.
2. Takes 30 mins or less commuting (driving or public transport)
3. Have some food shops within 5-10 mins walking distance.

I'd also like to know what I can expect to pay in utilities.
Is owning a car a reasonably affordable thing in DC?

I would also consider other areas if the commuting isn't going to be long or a daily headache.

Thank you for any help.

[BigCityDreamer]

Well, that area happens to be very close George Washington University, the John F. Kennedy Center and Watergate Hotel (where Richard Nixon got screwed). Yeah, you'll be paying big bucks to live there alright.

I think you should choose to live in Arlington.

[terrence81]

I think it depends on what you want. Do you want the city experience or a little bit of suburbia? Do you want Virginia or DC?

If you want to live in the city but cheaper you might consider Capitol Hill, Tenleytown, Cleveland Park, Mt. Pleasant, Woodley Park those areas are cheaper but with little shops and restaurants.

In Arlington apartments are really expensive so you won't save much but its much cheaper to own a car in Arlington than the District. I'm thinking about moving to the city but I know I will have to budget a huge increase in insurance also gas tends to be more expensive in the District. Where you're working at commuting by car might be more trouble than its worth. If you're going to live in Arlington AND save money you might consider a place that's on a good busline to the metro versus living walking distance to the metro. Falls Church is an option as well but its further out with fewer apartment options than Arlington. Alexandria is cheaper than Arlington but it will be a longer metro ride to work but not too much longer.