craigslist craze

like many young people who move to a new city, i had to find a place to live. these days, the only way to do it is through craigslist. i tried going through other avenues, and i almost found a place through a friend of a friend. but if you are new, don't know many people, and need a random place to live, craigslist is the way to go.

after a while, all of the posts start to sound the same. at least in DC, i can't speak for other cities.

"group house with 5 people, looking for that perfect sixth! we're all in our mid-twenties, working at various NGO's, government offices, and think tanks. liberal, open-minded, and respectful, looking for the same in our future roommate. we're looking for someone who picks up after themselves and, in general, is willing to help out around the house to keep common areas clean. we have a front porch and a deck, perfect for having friends over. send us an email describing a little bit about yourself and we will write you back with the time and location of our open house."

or:

"one bedroom available in a 2-bedroom basement apartment in the heart of mt. pleasant. gets a decent amount of sunlight. small yard in the back, perfect for a small garden. i am a 25 year-old female working at the (insert country name here) embassy. i like to cook, read, watch movies, and go out with my friends to happy hour. looking for someone with similar interests and who is respectful."

i swear, all of these posts have the word "respect" or "respectful" in them. i mean, i guess it makes sense. you're going to be living with a random person, you want some R-E-S-P-E-C-T.

the worst are the open houses. it's seriously like a fucking beauty pageant. and it's so awkward, standing around with 20 people who you are essentially competing against to try and get one measly room. and then there's the waiting -- are they going to call? do they like me? i swear it's like having a crush on someone and you just don't know how they feel. sometimes there's the email saying that they found someone else, sometimes there's nothing. then there's a whole new day of scouring craigslist looking for something remotely promising. when you scroll through your inbox, you realize just how many people you've contacted and how only a handful has even responded. but there will be a light at the end of the tunnel, you tell yourself. i'm personable, right?

i just feel lucky that i'm outgoing. what about that shy guy who is a great person and would make a wonderful roommate but doesn't do well in group situations? what about that slightly overweight girl who comes across as insecure, even though once you get to know her she's actually hilarious and always cleans the bathroom?

in such a transitional city, there are always new young people flowing in. theoretically it means that there are also people flowing out, but in DC, the supply is much lower than the demand for good, cheap housing in a relatively safe location and with compatible people.

more to come about city life soon... once i actually move into my new place...