Hi OP, welcome to DC! I'm another single mother, and former grad student. While I know that what you're planning is hard, I also think it's very doable.

I'd look at the Fields apartments in Bethesda. They're income limited, and in a very nice neighborhood with great schools (I think Bethesda Elementary, but maybe Somerset, we're a couple blocks away and we're in Somerset), and an easy walk to the metro then a 2 stop ride to AU. They currently have some 2 BR available for $1355, which is a little more than $15000 a year, but not much. In that location you won't need a car which is a huge savings. You can walk to parks, schools, library, grocery store, and the metro to AU and downtown. Here's the link"

http://units.realtydatatrust.com/UnitAvailability.aspx?ils=160&fid=52437

One nice thing about living in Bethesda, which is a very affluent area, is that many of the preschools have financial aid. Ironically, based on my own experiences, it's sometimes easier to find affordable care at an expensive center, than at a less expensive one. For example, the Wonders centers, which are very highly regarded, have financial aid and also take subsidy. MCCA also takes subsidy, and has a center right by the metro station, although they don't have financial aid. AU also has a childcare center on campus which offers priority admissions and a small discount for students.

Anonymous wrote:It is very difficult to get income based housing. Often it takes years, mostly never in less you have a voucher you can port. At best, you'd have to go to the suburbs or a not so nice area and possibly a basement apartment. Child care is very expensive too so you need to factor that in. Plus, if you are taking out loans, you need to look at that long term impact. I would encourage you to do what you are planning but I would also go to a state school. AU is a good school but it is no better than a state school except for specific degrees and in less you are getting a full ride one of the most expensive schools in the area.

When I did it, I received a full ride from my prestigious grad school. So there was no worry about loans. And during the time between receiving my acceptance and scholarship award and starting the program, I saved like a demon and paid my bills in advance for the year I'd be out of work. I was in a 1-bdrm apartment so the rent wasn't too expensive.

Signed,

The Single Mother Who Did It Years Ago & Listed the Positives in a Previous Post

It is very difficult to get income based housing. Often it takes years, mostly never in less you have a voucher you can port. At best, you'd have to go to the suburbs or a not so nice area and possibly a basement apartment. Child care is very expensive too so you need to factor that in. Plus, if you are taking out loans, you need to look at that long term impact. I would encourage you to do what you are planning but I would also go to a state school. AU is a good school but it is no better than a state school except for specific degrees and in less you are getting a full ride one of the most expensive schools in the area.

MPDU... MoCo

http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DHCA/housing/singlefamily/mpdu/index.html

http://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/DHCA/Resources/Files/housing/singlefamily/mpdu/apartment_directory.pdf

Anonymous wrote:

sbenjams wrote:Thanks you for the craiglist link I am checking out their DC location!

Also, the school doesn't have graduate housing available

I have heard great things about NW DC but it is expensive beyond compare! So I have been really trying to find something that offers income based housing in the area.

Montgomery county has income based housing, but there is a waiting list.

Have you thought about a Co-abode situation? Living with another single mom and her kids. It's becoming more common so that so gle moms can live in bigger homes in better school districts.

There is not always a wait list and the rentals are managed by individual buildings/management companies. I got pretty far down this road with my mom and remember that there was a great building in Friendship Heights and several in Bethesda. Google MPDU Mongtomery County- they also have low cost purchase option. Good luck!

Example: http://www.apartmentguide.com/apartments/Maryland/Gaithersburg/Corrigan-Square/82966/ Corrigan Square, $900/month for a 1BR. You'd have a 10 minute drive to Shady Grove Metro, then take that to Tenleytown. There's a free AU shuttle bus from the metro to campus.

Start following the Metro's Red line in both directions. You can get affordable housing near Silver Spring, Takoma, Rockville, and Gaithersburg (Shady Grove). Think 1-bedroom apartmetn but sounds like you can be flexible. Plan to study while sitting on the trains (which in general are quite reliable).

You can do it. It's only 2-3 years anyway. Added bonus is all those locations are in Montgomery County so the public schools are quite good.

sbenjams wrote:Yes I am still considering my state school but would prefer to not stress about that option until I have received a response. I have searched via Google and HUD site but I haven't gotten any leads on places within NW area. My hope was to get positive advice from mothers in the area with more internal insight.

I understand the path ahead is difficult and I appreciate you putting that difficulty in perspective. BUT if you can remember anything positive or resourceful about your experience I would greatly appreciate that.

The positives?

Let's see...

#1. [b]It CAN be done! I did it!

#2. I was able to schedule my classes around DC's schedule which meant that I could drop off/pick up, and chances were better with a school schedule (vs. work) that I'd be available to pick her up early if the school called saying she was sick. You don't have the flexibility of crafting your own schedule around your kids' with a 9-5.

#3. During those early years you get to know the families of your children's schoolmates. (Those are the days when you must stick around at the birthday parties instead of simply dropping them off and leaving. And you seem the same people at every birthday party.) So as you get to know the other parents, you'll find people you trust to keep DC for a few hours after school.

During my 2nd semester I had an evening class. By that time DC and I'd grown very close to the parents of a little girl in her class. They picked DD up and took her home on those nights, fed her and I picked her up from their house after class.

#4. Younger kids have earlier bedtimes which means plenty of time to read or study (and often with a glass of wine) after they've gone off to sleep.

#5. Money will be tight but younger kids are easily entertained with free activities. The public library is full of fun activities and story times for kids. And you're in an amazing area like DC with tons of museums, parks, etc. Some are free on certain days. Every Saturday DC and I headed to the park and library. I still cherish those time.

Most income based housing is going to have waiting lists. There are no real resources similar to married student housing similar to where I grew up in the south.

When I was young and poor and working for a non-profit I house sat in exchange for rent. I paid utilites. It worked for me but I didn't have to consider schools, child care, commutes, etc.

Check the neighborhood list serves, I know Cleveland Park has a yahoo group list serve. Often times people are advertising basement apartments for rent. But keep in mind, the mindset here is different and many landlords will rent to folks without children. I know this sounds harsh, but it is true. But you might happen upon a generous soul who can provide you an affordable place to live.

Another random resource is the Feminist for Life group. They are big on resources for parenting students, maybe they have an idea or even local members who have a place for rent.

Good luck.

sbenjams wrote:Thanks you for the craiglist link I am checking out their DC location!

Also, the school doesn't have graduate housing available

I have heard great things about NW DC but it is expensive beyond compare! So I have been really trying to find something that offers income based housing in the area.

Montgomery county has income based housing, but there is a waiting list.

Have you thought about a Co-abode situation? Living with another single mom and her kids. It's becoming more common so that so gle moms can live in bigger homes in better school districts.

Yes I am still considering my state school but would prefer to not stress about that option until I have received a response. I have searched via Google and HUD site but I haven't gotten any leads on places within NW area. My hope was to get positive advice from mothers in the area with more internal insight.

I understand the path ahead is difficult and I appreciate you putting that difficulty in perspective. BUT if you can remember anything positive or resourceful about your experience I would greatly appreciate that.

Thanks you for the craiglist link I am checking out their DC location!

Also, the school doesn't have graduate housing available

I have heard great things about NW DC but it is expensive beyond compare! So I have been really trying to find something that offers income based housing in the area.

Anonymous wrote:

sbenjams wrote: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?

I raised a child as a single mother while going to grad school. However, my situation was much different. For one, I didn't relocate, so finding housing, figuring out childcare, etc were not issues.

No, I do not know about income based housing. Perhaps you can contact the HUD-- or whatever the federal income-based housing program is-for a list of places in the area. You may also be able to find that info on their website. Have you googled something along the lines of "low income housing in DC" or "low income housing near AU"?

PS: One thing I do remember from those days of single parenting/raising a child is that 2-3 year olds get sick A LOT, especially after a relocation for some reason. Be sure to have back up childcare in place as sick children are not allowed to attend daycare.

Same Poster here...

I'd also like to add that you'll need names for the Emergency Contact list just in case you're in class and cannot be reached. Someone will have to pick up your children early from school or daycare.

I don't mean to crush your dreams, but having been there, I really, really, REALLY think you should consider school in your own state and keep AU as the VERY LAST resort or something you do when the kids are older. For one, the poor 6 year old will have to become acclimated to a new area/school and you'll be too busy with law school (after hitting the ground running) that you'll have little time to help the kids adjust.

If your support system here is strong and can be counted on 1000% (ex: your mother) then go for it--but still proceed with extreme caution.

Anonymous wrote: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

That is a good one.

sbenjams wrote: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?

I raised a child as a single mother while going to grad school. However, my situation was much different. For one, I didn't relocate, so finding housing, figuring out childcare, etc were not issues.

No, I do not know about income based housing. Perhaps you can contact the HUD-- or whatever the federal income-based housing program is-for a list of places in the area. You may also be able to find that info on their website. Have you googled something along the lines of "low income housing in DC" or "low income housing near AU"?

PS: One thing I do remember from those days of single parenting/raising a child is that 2-3 year olds get sick A LOT, especially after a relocation for some reason. Be sure to have back up childcare in place as sick children are not allowed to attend daycare.