Our First Apartment Journey: Finding a New Home in Arlington, VA, Near Georgetown Medical School

Life has been a whirlwind of significant changes and exciting new beginnings over the past few months. What started as a family transition has quickly led to a major personal milestone: moving into my very first apartment. It’s been an incredible journey filled with anticipation, a few bumps in the road, and ultimately, a fantastic discovery.

A Family’s New Chapter: From Home to Overseas Adventures

The biggest catalyst for these changes began several months ago when my dad was offered an amazing job opportunity overseas in Glasgow, Scotland. This was a huge development for our family, and after much consideration, he accepted, embarking on this new adventure in April. His departure marked the beginning of a transitional period, as I lived with just my mom for her final year as a teacher. It was a bittersweet time, cherishing our moments together before she, too, joined my dad in Scotland – a move that officially happened today. This family separation and the preparations for their new life across the Atlantic have truly been a significant adjustment for all of us, filled with emotional goodbyes and exciting plans for future visits.

My Own Big Move: Embracing Independence in Northern Arlington

While my parents were planning their international relocation, I was busy planning my own big move – albeit just a few miles away. That’s right! I am officially moving out of my parents’ house and into my very first apartment with Connor and our beloved cat, Max. This monumental step into independence has been eagerly anticipated. We decided to stay in the vibrant Washington D.C. metropolitan area primarily because Connor will be attending Georgetown Medical School in the fall. Our focus quickly shifted to finding an apartment in a fun, young, and, most importantly, walkable neighborhood. Northern Arlington, just outside the bustling heart of D.C., quickly emerged as our ideal location, promising a dynamic urban lifestyle combined with excellent accessibility.

The Perks of Staying Home and The Call for a New Scene

Living at home since graduating last May was incredibly beneficial, and I greatly appreciated the opportunity it provided. It allowed me to save money, originally with nursing school in mind, and gave me ample time to adjust to post-college life without the immediate pressure of full independence. Beyond the practical benefits, it offered invaluable quality time with my parents before their big move, creating memories I will always cherish. However, as much as I valued that period, I was more than ready for a change of scenery and a fresh routine. The desire for a more independent lifestyle, coupled with the excitement of building a home with Connor, fueled our search for the perfect apartment.

Our priority list for a new place was clear: walkability was key. We envisioned a home where we could easily walk to a variety of restaurants, local shops, scenic running trails, the Metro public transit system, and even our gym. This aspect was non-negotiable for us, as it aligned perfectly with the active, urban lifestyle we hoped to embrace. Luckily, after much searching, we found an apartment that not only met but exceeded these expectations, offering unparalleled access to all the amenities we desired. However, the journey to finding this ideal apartment was anything but straightforward or easy.

The Rollercoaster of Apartment Hunting in Arlington

Our initial plan was to move in July or August, aiming to give us a comfortable window to settle in before Connor’s medical school classes began. Despite this timeline, my eagerness to find our dream home got the better of me, and I couldn’t resist starting my search earlier. By late May, I found myself obsessively stalking Craigslist, refreshing pages, and clicking through countless apartment ads, hoping to stumble upon a hidden gem.

A Glimmer of Hope, Then Crushing Disappointment

Within just 24 hours of my intense Craigslist vigil, I stumbled upon an ad that described an apartment sounding more than perfect. It was located on the second floor of a charming old Victorian house, boasting generous square footage, and even an added bonus: a covered balcony. It felt like an absolute dream come true – a truly unique find amidst a sea of generic listings. We immediately set up a viewing for the following week, our excitement building with each passing day.

However, about 30 minutes before we were due to head out the door for our viewing, we received devastating news. The landlord had already rented the apartment to someone else without bothering to notify us. We were, to say the least, incredibly unhappy and utterly deflated. The next few hours were spent aimlessly walking through neighborhoods, looking at apartment buildings, and slowly coming to the disheartening realization that our already-given-away ideal apartment was, in essence, a needle in a haystack. The unique charm, space, and features of that Victorian flat seemed impossible to replicate.

We pressed on, seeing nearly ten different apartments in the aftermath of our disappointment. Each one presented its own set of compromises, often falling short of our expectations in terms of space, amenities, or location. We finally found an option that offered a similar amount of space to our original “dream” apartment but came with a significantly higher monthly rent. Reluctantly, feeling the pressure of time and the exhaustion of the search, we decided to go through the rental application process for this compromise apartment, hoping for the best but feeling a distinct lack of enthusiasm.

The Craigslist Miracle: A Perfect Apartment Revealed

That same night, as we were mentally preparing ourselves to commit to the less-than-ideal option, we decided to give Craigslist one more try. It was a last-ditch effort, a flicker of hope against the growing tide of resignation. What we saw next made our jaws drop:

• 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath Apartment Available July 1 in ALL UTILITIES are included in your rent! This was an immediate game-changer. Utilities included can significantly impact monthly budgeting, making this an incredibly attractive offer.
• Additional Features:
• Both bedrooms are large (Master is 20′ x 14′, Second BR is 14′ x 12′), Master has walk-in closet and en suite bath. The generous bedroom sizes, especially the master suite with a walk-in closet and private bath, promised comfort and privacy – perfect for accommodating both our needs and potential guests.
• 2 Full Baths are ideal for roommates. Having two full bathrooms was a luxury we hadn’t dared to hope for, especially considering Connor’s demanding medical school schedule. It ensures convenience and avoids morning rushes.
• Large, private balcony shaded by trees for privacy. A private outdoor space was high on our wish list, and a shaded balcony offered the perfect spot for relaxation or enjoying a morning coffee.
• Monthly parking for 2 cars available (One dedicated parking space with unit, plenty of additional parking for second car). Parking in Arlington can be a nightmare, so having dedicated parking for one car and ample additional options for a second was an enormous relief and a significant advantage.
• AMAZING location within walking distance of Clarendon/Courthouse in Arlington. This cemented the deal. Clarendon and Courthouse are highly sought-after neighborhoods known for their vibrant social scene, excellent dining, and convenient Metro access. This location perfectly aligned with our desire for a walkable and lively environment.

Unbelievable Value and Immediate Action

And if that wasn’t enough, can I also add that this incredible apartment was listed for $600 less a month than the other apartment we were just 24 hours away from officially signing a lease for? And it included utilities! This was an astounding difference, making our previous reluctance to settle feel even more justified. It truly felt like fate, or perhaps a reward for our perseverance during a challenging apartment hunt in a competitive market like Arlington. This combination of features, location, and unbeatable price made it feel too good to be true.

Within 30 seconds of seeing the listing, we sent an eager email to the current tenant, accompanied by a silent, heartfelt prayer. The anxiety during what turned out to be a short but emotionally exhausting search process had been intense. We had seen numerous one-bedroom apartments going for approximately $800 more a month, offering half as many features and significantly less space. The contrast was stark, and the new listing felt like an absolute godsend. Despite the “too good to be true” feeling lingering in the back of my mind, we were determined to pursue it and begged to see the apartment as soon as humanly possible.

Seizing the Opportunity: From Email to Lease Signing

The next two hours were a blur of anxiety, with my finger constantly pressing the refresh button on my email inbox. Finally, the response came! We quickly set up an appointment. Having learned our lesson the hard way with the first apartment that slipped through our fingers, we made a bold decision: we would sign a rental application immediately, even without having set foot inside the apartment. This might seem impulsive to some, but after the previous disappointment and the overwhelming positive features of this listing, we knew we had to act fast in the competitive Arlington rental market.

Thirty-six hours later, our quick decision paid off. We officially signed the lease for our new apartment! The relief and excitement were immense. This weekend, the boxes are packed, and we are officially moving in. The journey from our family home to our first independent living space has been an adventure, teaching us resilience and patience, and ultimately leading us to a place we are incredibly excited to call home.

More details (and before/after pictures of our new space) to come soon! Stay tuned for our decorating adventures and how we make this fantastic apartment truly ours.