overnight car storage in D.C.
Sep 17, 2006 | 3:00 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 1
overnight car storage in D.C.
While i'm not actually flying into D.C., this seems like it would be the best place to post this question and any help would be greatly appreciated!
I'm moving into my girlfriend's apartment in D.C. this week and am looking for a place to store my car short term (immediately after moving in, for about a week probably, and near George Washington University) and long term (after that, probably around 6 months, and likely in Virginia somewhere accessible by public transportation or a friend driving me).
Does anyone have any advice on either? It's far more likely people will know about weekly overnight parking, but if anyone has any advice for long term i'd be happy to hear it!
I'm moving into my girlfriend's apartment in D.C. this week and am looking for a place to store my car short term (immediately after moving in, for about a week probably, and near George Washington University) and long term (after that, probably around 6 months, and likely in Virginia somewhere accessible by public transportation or a friend driving me).
Does anyone have any advice on either? It's far more likely people will know about weekly overnight parking, but if anyone has any advice for long term i'd be happy to hear it!
Sep 18, 2006 | 8:39 am
#2
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: LAX
Programs: F9 Gold, peon and loving it everywhere else
Posts: 4,018
If you don't mind parking on the street, many residential streets in DC are zoned for permit parking (residents of that neighborhood only). Your girlfriend may be able to get you a permit and you won't have to pay for a garage. Not 100% safe, of course, but I've never had a problem with vandalism or theft while parking overnight on DC streets.
If permit parking isn't available, there are some unrestricted on-street spots in various parts of Arlington near Metro stations. You should check on your car at least once a week to avoid being ticketed/towed, though, as the signs change every so often (i.e. recently, a long block near the Rosslyn metro was rezoned from unrestricted to 2-hour parking).
The best place to look for a street spot is off North Oak Street (take Lee Hwy. west from the Rosslyn Metro and turn right just past the Key Bridge Marriott). This includes the blocks that were rezoned for 2-hour parking but as of last week, there are still several side streets in this neighborhood that allow free, unlimited-time parking. Or you can try the streets south of the Court House metro, between Wilson and Arlington Blvd.
The biggest drawback of this plan is that storing a car long-term on an Arlington street may require you to purchase an Arlington County decal and pay property tax (which isn't much in VA, but still an extra expense and hassle). Arlington parking cops are anal about enforcing the decal requirement, even if you have out-of-state plates. This may change soon, however, as many Virginia localities are eliminating decals altogether. But don't be surprised if after you're parked in the same space for a while, you get a ticket for no county decal.
If you don't want to park on the street, there are many garages near GW, and many across the river in Arlington, but they're quite expensive compared to almost anywhere (other than NYC). Not worth it, in my opinion, unless you are very worried about the security of your car and/or don't want to get the bumpers dinged up.
If permit parking isn't available, there are some unrestricted on-street spots in various parts of Arlington near Metro stations. You should check on your car at least once a week to avoid being ticketed/towed, though, as the signs change every so often (i.e. recently, a long block near the Rosslyn metro was rezoned from unrestricted to 2-hour parking).
The best place to look for a street spot is off North Oak Street (take Lee Hwy. west from the Rosslyn Metro and turn right just past the Key Bridge Marriott). This includes the blocks that were rezoned for 2-hour parking but as of last week, there are still several side streets in this neighborhood that allow free, unlimited-time parking. Or you can try the streets south of the Court House metro, between Wilson and Arlington Blvd.
The biggest drawback of this plan is that storing a car long-term on an Arlington street may require you to purchase an Arlington County decal and pay property tax (which isn't much in VA, but still an extra expense and hassle). Arlington parking cops are anal about enforcing the decal requirement, even if you have out-of-state plates. This may change soon, however, as many Virginia localities are eliminating decals altogether. But don't be surprised if after you're parked in the same space for a while, you get a ticket for no county decal.
If you don't want to park on the street, there are many garages near GW, and many across the river in Arlington, but they're quite expensive compared to almost anywhere (other than NYC). Not worth it, in my opinion, unless you are very worried about the security of your car and/or don't want to get the bumpers dinged up.
Sep 18, 2006 | 9:04 am
#3
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 389
If you can afford it, I would consider going the garage route. It will cost some money, but living in DC myself, it makes like SO MUCH easier when you aren't constantly having to jockey your car around or remember to get up early to move out of the metered spaces, etc. You will inevitably end up with a few parking tickets here and there and as a result, the garage wouldn't cost as much as you think.
However, it is a significant expense - at the low end, probably somewhere between $175-$250 per month. You might be able to find slightly less, but probably not in a convenient location.
However, it is a significant expense - at the low end, probably somewhere between $175-$250 per month. You might be able to find slightly less, but probably not in a convenient location.