Forbes has just published its latest set of rankings—they churn ‘em out constantly—which analyzes metropolitan areas on the basis of housing-associated costs. That means: Monthly mortgage or rental payments, utility bills, other property debts, real estate taxes, and various types of home insurance.

Washington D.C. comes in as fourth most expensive. New York is shockingly way further back at number 20, but these figures take into consideration the suburban fringes…and some of the “metropolitan areas” seem almost entirely suburban themselves.

Read More “Is Washington D.C. Worth the Living Costs?” »

A Woodley Park Apartment building

Well, Houston’s the exception (incidentally the last major city I lived in).

But it’s true: That city and the District are the only two major urban centers nationwide where rents are increasing or staying stable, according to Forbes magazine.

I experienced this trend myself last fall when my Columbia Heights rent rose $40 from the previous year’s rent. And that was with some negotiating! First, we had to point out to the landlord that the hike she proposed didn’t entirely adhere to city policy. Read More “Rents Are Rising in Washington D.C.—Unlike Anywhere Else” »