Single Parent at American University

[sbenjams]

hi guys,

I am a single parent soon to attend AU (coming from down south). I am having a hard time just looking at the rent prices in DC and of course my allotted room and board is based on shared housing...well I share housing with my beautiful kids that unfortunately aren't paying room mates LOL. I am hoping someone has some advice on how to afford housing in D.C or if you are aware of any income based housing around AU. Any advice would be AWESOME!


Thanks

[Anonymous]

My, I wished you'd thought that one through much more before making the decision to move into DC with children and no support system in place (an assumption given that you're asking strangers on a msg board for advice on housing).

I don't know your financial information, but I will tell you that DC is an extremely expensive-and dangerous--place to live, depending on the area, of course.

Be sure to take your time with the housing. Come up and visit from time to time, look around CAREFULLY AND CLOSELY before deciding on a place.

How old are your children and what do you plan to do for childcare? You probably also know DC has one of the worst school systems on the planet. So GOOD LUCK!

[Anonymous]

To answer your question we need to know how many kids, what are their ages and what is your rental budget. I'm sure you know that AU is surrounded by lovely neighborhoods with excellent schools. Your budget is going to be the deciding factor.

[sbenjams]

Thanks for the precaution,

I do have a support system in the area but not financial support. Really? I have heard really good reviews about DC schools?! The schools in my current area are not that great so not much minus there. Do you know of any income based housing in NW or NE DC?

I will heed your advice to take choose wisely but need help with a starting point!

[Anonymous]

Don't do it.

Stay wherever you are and attend state school.

signed,
single mom of one in the dc area who struggles on a low six figure salary due to high rent and high cost of everything else

[sbenjams]

ages are 2 and 6. The budget for room is $15,000 for 9 months but id like to stretch that for 12 months for at least my first year. Of course I will look for employment in the summer but to be on the safe side I need to know I can survive if a job doesn't fall through!

[Anonymous]

Some schools are good - even great. Some are not. Same with places to live.

OP, what is your budget - that's the first thing we need to know.

[Anonymous]

sbenjams wrote:ages are 2 and 6. The budget for room is $15,000 for 9 months but id like to stretch that for 12 months for at least my first year. Of course I will look for employment in the summer but to be on the safe side I need to know I can survive if a job doesn't fall through!

Do you have a car?

[sbenjams]

I do have a car! Im hoping to live at least close to the metro line. They are moving the law school near the Tenleytown station in 2015 . (Ill be doing a dual JD/MA) I am still considering state school but haven't heard back yet so would like to focus on a plan for AU right now. Thanks!

[sbenjams]

Budget us 15-16 grand for 9 months! would like to make it stretch for 12 if possible

[Anonymous]

$15,000 over 12 months for rent? I dunno about that one, OP.

Off the top of my head, I'm not sure. Perhaps other posters can help you with that.

But I'd recommend a real estate site like www.remax.com. Simply type in your price range and location and see what comes up.

Is there any chance you can stay with someone in your support system or have them move in with you to help out with rent and babysitting?

Have you found childcare for that 2 year old and alternate plans for the 6 year old when s/he's sick, on school break, the rare DC snow day, etc?

I'm assuming you've already thought through the costs of living expenses, food, etc.

[Anonymous]

You probably would have to stretch to increase your rental a bit. I am most concerned, however, about daycare for your 2 year old. Daycare for a child that age can cost as much as your entire rental allowance.

[sbenjams]

yes I have a separate expense for living costs. I am in the process of search for child care but would really need to narrow down where I would live before I can make final decisions. Is anyone aware of income based housing in DC or has anyone raised children while going to school?

[Anonymous]

Here is a good option in Bethesda. Excellent schools, easy metro access to AU via the red line.

http://smd.craigslist.org/apa/4341966337.html

[Anonymous]

Does AU not have some form of what used to be called "married student housing" (most frequently occupied by single moms when I was in grad school)? That would be your best bet, b/c AU is in a good area for schools. Ditto whatever their childcare is.