Navigating DC Apartments: A Student's Guide to Off-Campus Living Near American University

Finding an apartment in Washington, D.C., especially near American University, marks an exciting transition for students. Whether you’re moving from on-campus housing or relocating to the capital, living near AU offers a unique blend of academic pursuits, internship opportunities, and a vibrant cultural scene. This guide provides essential information to help students navigate the D.C. housing market and find the perfect off-campus apartment.

Why Choose Off-Campus Living?

Moving off-campus provides autonomy, potential cost savings, and a deeper immersion into D.C. life. You want to experience D.C. Living off-campus for the first time is about more than signing a lease.

Prime Neighborhoods Near American University

Living near AU gives you access to some of D.C.’s most charming and well-connected neighborhoods. Here are a few top locations to consider:

Tenleytown: Located just steps from American University, Tenleytown offers the ultimate convenience. The Red Line metro station (Tenleytown-AU) connects you easily to the rest of D.C. You’ll find supermarkets, cafes, gyms, and everything a student needs.
Friendship Heights: Friendship Heights feels a little more upscale, with luxury shopping centers, Whole Foods, and restaurants lining Wisconsin Avenue.
Glover Park: This hidden gem is lush, green, and peaceful. Glover Park has a real neighborhood vibe, with parks, local businesses, and beautiful older apartment buildings.
Cathedral Heights: Known for its beautiful architecture and historic homes, Cathedral Heights offers a refined, relaxed environment.
Cleveland Park: If you want beautiful tree-lined streets, classic D.C. row houses, and a chill atmosphere, Cleveland Park fits the bill.
Georgetown: Georgetown needs no introduction.

Budgeting for D.C. Living

Washington, D.C., is known for being one of the pricier housing markets in the country. Many students focus only on the monthly rent, but D.C. Explore Outpost Coliving D.C.

Cost of Living Breakdown:

Student Housing: \$975-\$4930
Transportation: \$126
Food: \$444
Utilities: \$172
Entertainment: \$57
Groceries: \$66
Clothes: \$138
Health: \$88

Living with 1-2 roommates can slash your housing costs dramatically.

Essential Tips for Apartment Hunting

Apartment hunting in Washington, D.C., can feel overwhelming-especially if it’s your first time. Here are some tips to streamline the process:

Start Early: Many apartments near American University are rented out months in advance.
Act Fast: When you find a good place, you'll need to act fast.
Be Wary of Scams: D.C. is competitive-and scammers know it.
Verify Photos: Photos can be deceiving.
Consider Roommates: Living with 1-2 roommates can slash your housing costs dramatically.

Transportation Advantages

Living in Washington, D.C., offers major transportation advantages compared to suburban campuses. D.C. The city has one of the best transportation systems in the country, and student housing is often in the most convenient areas for traveling. The most commonly used transportation modes include Metrorail, Metrobus, and DC Circulator.

Metrorail: A safe, clean, and reliable way to get around Washington, D.C., with six lines: red, orange, silver, blue, yellow, and green.
Metrobus: Operates a vast network of routes in and around Washington, D.C., with over 1,400 environmentally friendly buses.
DC Circulator: Offers service along six specific routes, allowing you to explore neighborhoods like Adams Morgan, Dupont Circle, Georgetown, Woodley Park, U Street, and Capitol Hill for just \$1 per ride.

Safety and Convenience

When searching for apartments near American University, two things are crucial: safety and everyday convenience. Luckily, the Northwest D.C. area around AU is generally considered one of the safest in the city. According to recent D.C.

On-Campus vs. Off-Campus

Both options offer distinct benefits-but moving off-campus often means gaining autonomy, saving money, and experiencing D.C.

Coliving vs. Traditional Apartments

Explore Outpost Coliving D.C.

Lease Length and Stability

Longer Stability: Ideal for people who plan to stay in D.C.

Helpful Resources for Finding Apartments

American University's Off-Campus Housing Postings: The best resource students can use when searching for a new home.
Apartments.com
ForRent.com
Sublet.com
Apartment Guide
Rent.com
DCHousingSearch.org
Zillow
Trulia.com
Rentown.net
Zumper
In My Area (Utility resource)
RENTCafe
Diggz (roommate and housing resource)
Local Rental Agencies: Weichert, Urban Igloo, Nest DC, Chatel Real Estate, Realtor.com, Avalon Communities
Furniture Rental: CORT
Resources for International Students: International Student House (Dupont Circle), HelloGWU (Maintained by the GW Chinese Students and Scholars Association)
Local publications featuring rental information: The GW Hatchet, The Washington Post, Washington City Paper
Temporary/Short-Term Housing Options: DC Hostel Search Engine, Airbnb, VRBO, TripAdvisor (Hotels Near GW), HometoGo, June Homes
uhomesAI

Additional Tips and Considerations

Residential Housing Licenses: Required for all rental properties in the District of Columbia including homes, apartments, condominiums, basement apartments and apartment buildings.
Roommate Profiles: Use the AU Off-Campus Housing Posting site to find roommates with similar interests and preferences.
Explore Listings: Scroll through all listings, or filter for specific characteristics.
Homestays: If you are interested in finding out what life is like with an American family, a homestay is a great option. Check out the Student Roomstay to find a homestay.

Student Life and Attractions in D.C.

Washington D.C. is a cosmopolitan city blending business, policy, and culture. Living in student apartments in Washington D.C., you can get new experiences in world-class restaurants, vibrant music events, and historic landmarks.

Top Tourist Attractions:

The Tidal Basin
The White House and the Washington Monument
Lincoln Memorial
World War II Memorial
Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture
National Gallery of Art
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Washington National Cathedral
Union Market

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