6 Tips for Apartment Hunting in Southeast DC

Apartment hunting in Southeast DC comes with plenty of options—from brand-new buildings to established communities—but knowing what to prioritize will help you make the right decision. Whether you’re moving from Maryland or across the city, here are the top things to look for when choosing your next home.

1. Apartment Hunting = Hunting Value, Not Just The Lowest Rent

When it comes to value, don’t just think about the monthly rent—think about what you get for it. At Crest at Skyland Town Center, value comes from:

  • Larger floor plans than many downtown or Navy Yard apartments at a better price point.
  • On-site amenities like a fitness center, resident lounge, conference room, dog park, and dog wash station—all included in your rent.
  • Daily convenience with groceries, banking, dining, and personal services located right downstairs at Skyland Town Center.

True value is about saving time and money across your entire lifestyle—not just in rent.

crest at skyland town center living room and open floor plan
club room at crest at skyland town center apartments with large sofa and tv
lidl-grocery-store

2. Look for More Space for Your Money

Southeast DC offers an advantage many overlook: more square footage for the price compared to nearby neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, Navy Yard, or 14th Street. At Crest, you’ll find one- and two-bedroom apartments with layouts that maximize living space—so you get room to spread out without stretching your budget.

Whether it’s a home office, dining nook, or extra space for a pet, that added square footage translates directly into more comfortable living.

A neatly arranged bedroom in one of the apartments at Skyland Town Center features a made bed, a bedside table with a lamp, a large mirror, and decorative baskets on the wall. Sunlight filters through the window, enhancing the room's bright, clean appearance.
two bedroom e living room
A modern bedroom in one of the apartments at Skyland Town Center features a neatly made bed, nightstands with lamps, a painting of a golden feather, and an open door leading to a bathroom with dual sinks and a large mirror.

3. Ask About Parking Early

Parking is often an afterthought during apartment tours, but it can quickly become a deciding factor. Crest offers reserved garage parking spaces—no more circling the block or fighting for street parking.

Even better, Crest’s parking is priced more affordably than many other apartment communities in DC, making it one of the best values around for drivers.

4. Prioritize Everyday Convenience

A great apartment is about more than just the unit itself—it’s about what’s around it. At Crest, you’re steps away from Skyland Town Center, where you’ll find:

  • Lidl for groceries at unbeatable prices.
  • CVS for prescriptions, essentials, and personal care.
  • Starbucks for your daily pick-me-up.
  • PNC Bank for in-person financial services.
  • Dining options including &pizza, Maizal Latin American Street Food, Jersey Mike’s Subs, and Tropical Smoothie Café.
  • Trek Bicycle DC Skyland, where you can buy, repair, or upgrade your bike or e-bike.

With this mix of shops, services, and dining options, Crest residents enjoy true convenience without needing a car for daily errands.

Storefront of Tropical Smoothie Cafe with promotional posters on the windows, a sidewalk, and trees in front under a clear blue sky, showcasing a vibrant lifestyle and fresh style.
The exterior of the brick building features PNC Bank signage prominently above the glass entrance door, which displays the number 2236. Around it, you can spot bare trees and light poles, with nearby posted signs adding to the scene's urban charm.
maizal at skyland town center dc
A standalone Starbucks store on a street corner with outdoor seating, surrounded by a parking lot and some greenery. Vehicles are parked nearby, and a truck is visible on the right, not far from the apartments at Skyland Town Center.

5. Weigh Your Commute Options

Even if you drive, it’s worth choosing a community with reliable transit connections. At Crest, you’ll have access to the newly renamed WMATA Metrobus lines:

  • C25 (Pomeroy Rd – Skyland) to Anacostia Metro Station
  • C26 (Stanton Rd – Skyland) to Anacostia Metro Station
  • C53 (Crosstown East–West) to Congress Heights Metro Station and beyond, including U Street and Adams Morgan

For Maryland residents, Crest’s location also means a shorter commute into the city compared to apartments deeper in Northwest or Northeast DC.

6. Factor in Lifestyle Perks

Finally, think about how a community will support your lifestyle beyond the basics. At Crest, that means:

  • A resident lounge and conference room for remote work.
  • A fitness center for convenient workouts.
  • A dog park and dog wash station for pet owners.
  • Community events that make it easy to meet neighbors and feel at home.
A modern recreational area at the apartments in Southeast DC features a pool table, a conference room separated by glass walls, a table with chairs, a wall-mounted TV, and wood flooring.
crest at skyland town center fitness-center
crest at skyland town center gym with treadmills

Find the Right Fit in Southeast DC

Apartment hunting doesn’t have to be overwhelming when you know what to look for: value, space, affordable parking, convenience, and great transit access. At Crest at Skyland Town Center, you’ll find all of this in one place—plus the added benefit of a connected, growing neighborhood.

adults apartment hunting in a bright, modern setting.

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What makes Southeast DC a good place to apartment hunt?

Southeast DC offers more space for your money, strong transit options, and growing neighborhoods like Skyland Town Center with shops and dining right outside your door.

Do apartments in Southeast DC offer better value than other DC neighborhoods?

Yes. Many Southeast DC apartments, including Crest, provide larger floor plans and more amenities at a lower cost compared to areas like Capitol Hill or Navy Yard.

How much space can I expect in an apartment in Southeast DC?

Apartments in Southeast DC often have more square footage for the same price you’d pay in nearby neighborhoods. At Crest, layouts maximize living space so you get more for your money.

Is parking affordable in Southeast DC apartment communities?

At Crest, residents enjoy reserved garage parking spaces at some of the best rates in DC, saving you money and eliminating the stress of street parking.

What daily conveniences are near Crest at Skyland Town Center?

Skyland Town Center features Lidl grocery store, CVS, Starbucks, PNC Bank, Trek Bicycle DC, and dining options like &pizza, Maizal, and Jersey Mike’s—all within steps of Crest.

How easy is it to commute from Southeast DC to other parts of the city?

Very easy. Crest connects you to WMATA’s updated Metrobus routes (C25, C26, and C53), linking directly to Anacostia and Congress Heights Metro stations for fast access to the Green Line.

Is Southeast DC a good location for people commuting from Maryland?

Yes. Crest at Skyland Town Center is close to the DC–Maryland border, which makes commuting into the city shorter and more convenient for Maryland residents.