New City, New Job.... Don't go homeless!

Now that Spring Break 2008 is over, I am getting ready to post a new message. So I started thinking about which enthralling topic I was going to dazzle readers with this week and I started thinking about other aspects of getting a job in government and specifically Washington, D.C. So I decided that since I just spent the past month looking for a place to live after I graduate, I would touch on the topic of relocating to a new city for a job.

I just found a great place to live with three friends. I really lucked out because three of my friends were also looking for a job and place to live in the city. It is scary trying to find someplace that makes sense (close to a metro or your job)and that feels safe. So I'm just going to tell you what I did and why it worked to me.

I started looking at housing and apartment Web sites right away. But I soon found that it is impossible to find a four bedroom apartment, so that put me at a disadvantage right away. We moved on to looking at rowhouses in the city and houses outside of the District.

We looked at Craigslist.org every single day. It was wonderful. But you have to look every single day, early in the morning if you are going to have any success. If you get the postings as soon as they are put up, you have a better chance of finding somewhere that isn't already rented.

The main thing to be cautious about is location, location, location. Before even looking for a place I suggest going online and looking at crime reports to find out which neighborhoods are safe. And before you agree to anything make sure you go in the daytime and walk around the neighborhood to make sure you feel safe there. There were a few places I looked at last week that I felt unsafe in the neighborhood. You have to be willing to spend a few extra dollars to be comfortable in your surroundings.

I am very happy to say that after a month of searching, I now have a place that I will be moving into at the end of April in an amazing location. I also have a new understanding of how Washington, D.C. is set up geographically- thanks to the 200+ google maps I looked at. Not bad at all.