My DD and SIL are moving to DC and looking for a place on Capitol Hill. It looks quite expensive, is there a way to stretch a 600k budget there? Are there any pros and cons of going for a condo instead of a house? They want to be near her job. He is a SAHD with remote work.
SAHH not SAHD
Observation: Homeowners rent out rooms /basements to make ends meet.
Might try around Catholic University,Northeast, or other neighborhoods across town near American Univ.
Lots of newer condo and apts, around SW Waterfront, or SE near Nationals Park.
Could sublet from lobbyists or other locals and wait.
IMO, Real estate prices been going sky high since Amazon HQ2 began a few years ago.
Look in Prince Georges county MD.
See this resource for top end Capitol Hill properties, really global buyers also compete for Capitol Hill.
“ Purchasing or selling a home or condo is often the largest and most important financial transaction of your life. In order to insure success, it is essential to find the best representation to assist in this process. The members of the DC Condo Boutique Team are experienced Realtors® with many years of both real estate and corporate experience. Our team is affiliated with TTR Sotheby’s International Realty , a DC-based firm with a global luxury network, recognized for impeccable customer service and outstanding results”
1 Like
A good Realtor / real estate agent will know about home buying assistance programs for first time buyers, for example.
1 Like
Capitol Hill is very popular and expensive. A $600,000 budget will be tough there. They may need to also be open to exploring other neighborhoods. A good, local realtor should be able to guide them. Good luck!
My son and his wife have a few friends living in Capitol Hill and may be looking for a place there themselves next year. It’s a great area.
2 Likes
Describes how lobbyists have been buying up residential property on Capitol Hill.
1 Like
My son lives in Arlington, VA and is thinking about buying. It’s very expensive around DC/close in suburbs. 600K MAY get a 1 BR condo in Arlington near where they live. If they are not familiar with the area, it may be good to rent for at least a little while, and check out various options. When I worked in DC I took METRO for many years. It was very reliable.
7 Likes
There is major track maintenance project this summer.
Most of orange line shut down on weekends into DC from VA, for example.
https://wmata.com/
Edited to add:
“Foot traffic and the share of office workers throughout the District is still hovering below 40% of pre-pandemic levels, slightly lower than the overall D.C. metro. The 11 Business Improvement Districts in D.C. have just launched an online initiative called Return to DC to get more people back.“
Less foot traffic, less demand for Metro → good time for track work.
1 Like
They are fine with studio or one bed, as long as it’s on Capitol Hill so she can walk to her work. It’s an exciting opportunity and they don’t plan to have kids for next five years so space and schools aren’t an issue.
Not much on the market, specially in their price range but probably a good asset to have if they find one.
2 Likes
Probably at least a half hour walk.
1 Like
1 Like
Hilarious…I guess the ONE room IS the one bedroom!
2 Likes
Yep, “ Located on Capitol Hill this is an amazing studio condo with floor to ceiling windows for great lighting. Comes with a Murphy bed. Put a mirror on the bed and it will open the room up even more. Freshly painted and new carpet this condo is perfect and shines. Located across from the Capitol and Senate buildings, this condo is located with easy access to the Smithsonian, H Street corridor, National Monument, Whole Foods and Union Station. Located close to metro, restaurants, schools, entertainment and neighborhood parks. Don’t miss out, this one is lovely!”
It’s a foreclosure with $388 monthly condo fees…
1 Like
For what? It’s not like there is a pool or nice garden area…
Sadly, this will probably sell quickly. Wonder why it’s a foreclosure with things selling so quickly these days.
1 Like
OUCH - did you notice the HOA fees? (I see now you did, but not sure how to delete this).
1 Like
Said to include “ Capitol Hill East Condo | Fee Includes: Air Conditioning, Electricity, Gas, Heat, Exterior Building Maintenance, Master Insurance Policy, Reserve Funds, Custodial Services Maintenance, Management, Sewer, Snow Removal, Trash Removal”
On this listing Capitol Hill East - 333 2nd Street NE Washington DC 20002 - Capitol Hill Real Estate
1 Like
I think @1Rubin is looking for guidance, not necessarily tons of comments about a tiny place on Capitol Hill with a Murphy bed. 
DC ( and definitely Capitol Hill) is very expensive, there really is unfortunately no way around that.
2 Likes
That’s not so bad. It includes most of the utilities…which can really add up.
2 Likes
I’d recommend they look on redfin.com. Type in Capitol Hill Washington DC in the search box–actually, it should pop up before you finish typing. It’s a good way to see what’s available.
I just did a search with a max price of $600,000. I suggest they do the same. Some of the results were “Hill East.” Just keep that in mind.
2 Likes
Fascinating. Hill East residents still waiting for redevelopment around Stadium Armory Metro.
Amazing that DC General and homeless shelter are closed and proposals for redevelopment, including seniors or afforable housing, are pending before city government.
- Find a local realtor to be a buyer’s agent. Many can help with mortgage preapproval and District of Columbia programs for first time home buyers.
- Foreclosures may be way to stretch budget. Depends on condition.
- Much of the new construction around Nats Park and Audi Field, Capital Riverfront, are luxury condos or apts. Previously, much of this land was zoned industrial/warehouse.
The original Capitol Hill neighborhood dates to before turn of 20th century with Victorian row houses. There are historic landmark and height restrictions that limit new construction of single family houses.
1 Like