Look for immigrant neighborhoods in the area that are near outlying metro stations, or on bus routes which are within 10 driving minutes to a metro station. We

Look for immigrant neighborhoods in the area that are near outlying metro stations, or on bus routes which are within 10 driving minutes to a metro station. We are all complaining about metro on here, but going into the city it's the only option. Rent is sky high in the city, and you want to avoid these kinds of places: Hip places like Dupont or Columbia Heights. Hip is expensive Places with the new and upscale appearance that appeals to young professional women who tend to be very non-price sensitive, like Ballston or Rosslyn. Rents are insane there. Places to check out: Crystal City is less hip and less pricey, but going up fast. Huntington is a great bet. It's an immigrant neighborhood, which scares away the yuppie white people who pretend to be multi-cultural but really are closet racists according to any realtor or apartment manager in the area. Rents are affordable, and the neighborhoods near there are walkable, but decidedly not hip or party places. Plus you have quick access to the Mt. Vernon Bike Trail, which will zip you up into DC in 30 minutes or even across the bridge into Maryland. Plus, Old Town Alexandria is a quick bike ride up the trail for bars. Arlandria used to be super cheap. Again, look for the immigrant areas. I don't know the Maryland neighborhoods as well, but there are a ton of good ones. They tend to be pricier.