<prompt> Human: Details first: Start in January, working in Alexandria near the Mark Center. I know, not really DC but cant edit my title, sorry. 40k gross, working for a nonprofit so government-level benefits tons of leave, federal holidays, etc. Not actually working for the govt though. Covered for free until 26 under my parents since I have a younger brother, so no medical, dental or vision premiums. Rent - Living with family for a couple of months, expect to pay them about 500month for living expenses but would really like my own place with a roommate by March. I know nothing about finding a good place near DC but would prefer to be somewhat between the GWU area and Alexandria. Hoping to find something under 1700 1000 a month and obviously a roommate is fine. I do have a friend in mind whos moving up for work after June so Id probably room with him. Car - work is not very metro accessible, looking at an hour commute, mainly by bus. However, still looking into it after your insistence. looking at a 2010 used Honda Fit 11k-14k, parents are paying the down payment and Ill talk them out of paying the rest, its more feasible for me. Should be able to get a 48 month loan at 1.5. Assets 10000 in mostly long-term dividend stocks with Scottrade. Pretty hands-off stuff. 3000 in a targeted retirement Roth IRA, opened last year with Vanguard 3000 with Ally Savings 1000 with Wells Fargo Checking Company 401k is matched 100 for the first 1000 and 5 after that. Vests immediately Not sure what -age of income to set aside for savings, for other things, etc.___If you cant speak to my assets, Id appreciate any general tips about living in DC. Work isnt metro accessible easily so I might be driving, but ideally Id like to live somewhere that is metro accessible in terms of getting to DC and to GWU where some friends live by.Edit: was wondering why I kept getting so many car comments thank you all for the comments so far though! - edited my post to reflect that Ill be working at the Mark Center, not really metro accessible and actually a reason why the previous person is leaving the position.Assistant: Financing a car in DC on a 40k salary...oh the humanityHuman: Seriously, thats a bad idea. If your work isnt metro accessible, look into buses. The bus coverage in Alexandria is pretty good. You dont make enough to afford to be elitist about what type of public transportation you take.Assistant: Itd be about an hour each way including the bus, would that be worth it?Human: Yes, if you use your time to learn.Assistant: Good point...just seems like a significant chunk of my day to cut. Still its the better option.Human: I used to have an issue with that, until I realized I was racing home to hop on my computer so I could browse the internet.Assistant: Haha, yep, my thinking was the same. Just not sure how comfortable Id be pulling out my phone on a public bus as a 22-year-old babyface short guy. Once Im nice and swole, different story, but thatll take years.Human: Oh, you must be moving to DC metro from somewhere that thinks only the criminal underclass takes public transport...Assistant: I mean where Im from no one shows anything of value when riding public transport. You just sit and wait to get where youre going. I just assumed that was the way it was done in larger cities too.  <response>: In dc everyone rides public transportation sometime. Its not like in other places where its only seen as something for poor people. Every other guy in rush hour will be wearing at least a tie. 