Moarrudder

I have just been awarded DCA and I’m looking for an apartment. I have searched for threads on here and the Facebook RPA pages to point me in the right direction as to where other pilots might live but I cant find anything. I’m 24 years old with no baggage Looking for a more “youthful” area. Not taking my car up there so I’ll be relying on the metro to take me around. Any input is appreciated! Thanks.

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Alexandria

DocVoliday

While DC is doable without a car, it's not ideal. It's not NYC or Chicago and the Metro (DC's subway) isn't as accessible to all areas of the city (or MD/VA) a lot of times and super unreliable in its current state (Mx, line closures, doesn't run after 11p some times. It's not as daunting having/driving your car in DC, so I'd suggest bringing it, if at all possible, especially if you are looking to live in surrounding areas of MD or VA. Uber/Lyft are more expensive here too (probably more than you're used to depending on where you're coming from).

I live in DC and drive everywhere--it's not as bad as other people make it out to be. I did the metro/uber/public transportation thing when I first moved here; it lasted about 2 months. And, since then, I can probably count on one hand the number of times I've taken the Metro. It's just not reliable or realistic to depend on it as your primary way around the area.

As far as areas, DC is expensive but there are some fun places/neighborhoods for a 24 year old to live and explore. Check out Navy Yard, Shaw, U-Street, Columbia Heights, Dupont, and Foggy Bottom neighborhoods. Across the river in VA, look at Ballston, Clarendon, Reston. And, on the MD side, the only real place I'd recommend wold be Silver Spring but not a first choice. Best staying in DC or VA (though NoVa is basically turning into a a DC suburb and prices are doing the same.

Best of luck! It's a fun area and you'll have plenty of options.

Moarrudder

Thanks so much for your help! Doing my research as I speak, I have friends that are based in DCA as well living in crystal city and they did not bring their cars up there. I’m hoping to do the same as them, but what you have said is making me re think this. Preciate your help!

NFGCDCTL

Metro is not as bad as all that but it does shut down at 11 on weeknights. I’ve never had a real problem with reliability, just know how long your trip takes and leave a little extra time. From DCA to Crystal City, Metro is probably faster door to door than driving to the employee lot.

If you live in Crystal City or other areas close to the airport you could easily get by without a car. If you bike, that’s another great option for getting around but it doesn’t work for going to work.

Moarrudder

Awesome, thank you. I'll be in DC in the next few days looking around. The goal was/is to not have my car up there so if I can keep that dream alive, ill be happy. Thanks!

TangoIndiaMike1

Check the crew room. I know they have postings too. Maybe get a crashpad first and use that to look around and find different places then get a place. Look near the colleges, I think best bet might be craigslist too if you can’t find someone from your class or from the crashpad.


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Av8tor0773

Crystal City (you could walk to airport), Ballston, Clarendon, Potomac Yard.

All of the above on the metro line, but I would DEFINITELY bring your car.


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Moarrudder

Thanks for the responses guys. I am up here now looking around, I do have a roommate ready to move up here with me. As I get more familiar with DC I am leaning more towards the north side of the river. Seems like more going on over there. Crystal city/Potomac is nice but the area seems to shut down after daylight hours?

Esquamel

What is a typical mix of trips if one is based at DCA? Are there any one day trips or are they mostly longer 3, 4 or 5 day trips?

How big of a base is it? How many pilots and how many lines?

On the FO side, any sense for the seniority of the top couple of pilots in base? How long did it take them to get to that point?

Thank you!