My stay in DC.....could be permanent soon enough.

[BaggedLancer]

As some of you know, I recently visited Joe on my drive down to Georgia and flight back up to DC. I've been in DC for 5 days now and really like it here. My intentions of the trip weren't for vacation but to see about getting a job down here and checking out some real estate. I had one dinner meeting with a company I'm interested in and that went extremely well. I will be applying to other companies down here and hope that one of them has an opening for me.

Once I get back home tomorrow I'm going to spruce up my resume a bit more and get it out to as many places as I can down here.

Anyone else down in this area?

[bobman1235]

it's very expensive to stay in DC proper (ie the nice areas), and the ghetto areas are REALLY bad, so make sure you will be able to afford to stay someplace.... you could live with, or don't mind a long commute from a nicer suburb.

Other than that, best of luck.

[MKZ]

Mark, don't give up MA.

[obieone]

I wish ya the best of luck BL. My only recommendation would be to check out apt./ RE $, so you don't sticker shock after you accept a job.

[bobman1235]

Also, per some discussions we've had in the past, if you think MA has some tyrannical laws, try living in DC :)

[BaggedLancer]

Been checking out apartments/condos/houses in the area this week. Expensive is right, but something affordable can be found just outside in the city in the Arlington area for decent money no problem.

There is no 100% that I am going to DC, I'm just going to explore the option as I really like the city.

[BaggedLancer]

Mark, don't give up MA.

Why not?

[sucks2beme]

There's nothing quite like a day driving the beltway around WDC.
You'll learn to appreciate good brakes and airbags!
The traffic here in Dallas/Ft. Worth is almost as bad anymore.

[cfrizz]

Cool. Best of luck in the job/house hunt Mark.

You & I & my brother can all get together when I come down to visit him.

[Jstas]

Yeah, commuting to D.C., I think I'd rather have root canal every day of my life than do that. Not saying I would never do it, who knows, maybe one day I will have to one day but I've been in D.C. at rush hour and man, what a drag!

[BaggedLancer]

I'm currently staying at my cousins place right in the city, doesn't seem all that bad to get around using the metro.

[shawn474]

BL,
I have lived in this area just about all my life and in DC proper for 6 years when I was a little younger. The city gets a bit of a bad rap - there are bad, bad places but they are not as rampant as some would suggest. There are A LOT of nice areas in the city and on the outskirts / suburbs there are very nice neighborhoods. It's a great place to live - so much to do and mostly free (museums, monuments, zoo, etc.). I moved away twice for a total of 4 years and it has always drawn me back.

Shawn

[jtgranby]

DC is no more expensive than Boston. Rush hour traffic does suck. I think it is second only to LA area. I have a 22 mile commute to DC and it takes 30 minutes in the AM and about 45 in the evening around 5-6pm. If I were you Montgomery County,MD would be my choice just keep away from any commute that involves 495 or I-95. Washington DC has changed quite a bit in the last 5 years for the better. Like any city there are bad sections and just use common sense and you will OK. If you have any questions fire away.

Jim

[Face]

Arlington and the Metro, affordable and convenient.

[SKsolutions]

New is good. Go for it. You'll get tail just for having the accent.

[BaggedLancer]

New is good. Go for it. You'll get tail just for having the accent.

Yea, been thinking of taking up permanent residence in arlington national cemetary, its nice and quiet there. Kidding, DC is awesome and soon as I get back home I'm gonna focus on selling anything I don't need, pile my money and GTFO of massachusetts

[obieone]

And with recent Supreme Court ruling, it'll be EASIER to protect yourself.

[BaggedLancer]

And with recent Supreme Court ruling, it'll be EASIER to protect yourself.

Yep gonna have to get them transferred. Looking into that this week since that could take some time when the time comes.

[BaggedLancer]

well, quick update. I have my resume in for 38 different jobs in a variety of companies at the moment down in DC. Quite a few offered relocation and I'm hoping that something turns up as a hit. I'm really tired of this state, and need a change sooner rather than later. I've applied for a few jobs in Boston, but the majority of my time searching is down in DC.

[obieone]

Just my nosiness, but are we staying in IT or going into venture capital?

[Kex]

Lived in D.C. back in 2004. I liked it quite a bit. We were living in Georgetown, which is probably the best choice if you can get it (except for the lack of parking spaces in Zone 2). Arlington would seem like a good option to me. We then moved to Wellesley, MA for a while before coming over here to L.A. and liked that too, but the Spring was just too wet, cold and long for my taste. SoCal has its advantages, but I would still be happy to move back to D.C. (or try out the Carolinas) if the opportunity presented itself ...

I also think that D.C. housing is no more expensive than Boston, as some others have suggested above (at least back in 2004), and the traffic, IMHO, is probably better, if anything (but I had a personal hate for Boston traffic and parking facilities, not to mention Logan Airport, which may be clouding my judgement).

I also got ripped off by Muzi Chevrolet in Boston, so that didn't help me love the place either ... sorry Boston!

[BaggedLancer]

Staying in IT, currently pursuing a master's degree in Information Systems with a concentration on information security.

[cfrizz]

So much for being done with school Mark! LOL!:D

[obieone]

I know how you can get a job in D.C.. Just hack into the pentagon. The DIA comes to your door asking 'how did yo do that?' Then, they offer you a job....or JAIL!:D




You could be like Hugh Jackman, in 'Swordfish':p

[awe-d-o-file]

I have to say as a DC native who has lived all around the city and in the city that Arlington is a best bet. Close to the city, great bike paths and METRO access. Tons of great ethnic food. Go to Eden Center for great Asian-Vietnamese which is at the end of Wilson Blvd on the Arlington/Falls Church line. As for Arlington neighborhoods Westover is decent and isn't too expensive if you are buying or renting. Plenty of rentals in Clarendon and Ballston. All within walking distance to METRO. Good luck!