Blog Posts

Affordable Apartments Near DC for Entry-Level Hill Staff and Professionals

If you're starting a job on Capitol Hill or anywhere in the DC area on an entry-level salary, you may qualify for an income-restricted apartment. Our six affordable communities in Northern Virginia offer apartments at 50%, 60% and 70% of Area Median Income, depending on the property and current availability. What is a LIHTC apartment? LIHTC stands for Low-Income Housing Tax Credit. It's a federal program that supports apartment communities that set aside homes for households below certain income levels. These communities are open to anyone who meets the income requirements, and many working professionals qualify, especially early in their careers. What does "percent of AMI" mean? AMI stands for Area Median Income. An apartment set at 60% AMI, for example, is available to households earning up to 60% of the area's median income, adjusted for household size. Income limits are updated every year and vary by household size, so the best way to check is on each property's website or by contacting the property. Do I qualify? You may qualify if your household income falls within the limits for the apartment you're applying for. Your household size counts, so a single person and a household of two have different limits. Income requirement information is on each property's website, or you can contact the property directly. Can a job offer letter be used to document income for applicants who haven't received a paycheck yet? Yes, but it’s possible that you may be asked for additional information dependent on what the letter says and if it can be verified. A note on student status. Under federal LIHTC rules, a household generally can’t be made up entirely of full-time students. That includes roommates who are each enrolled full-time, even at different schools. There are some exceptions, so if everyone in your household is a full-time student, check with the property before you apply. If you finished college or graduate school this year, you may still be considered a student for eligibility purposes, depending on when you graduated and when you plan to move in. Contact the property’s leasing office to find out how this applies to you. Our affordable communities Community Location Getting around Pets East Falls Apartments Falls Church, VA Close to East Falls Church Metro (Orange, Silver) Pet-friendly, no breed restrictions Quebec Apartments Arlington, VA Bus stop outside, connecting to Pentagon, Pentagon City and Ballston Metro No pets Indigo at McLean Station (brand new) Tysons, VA 0.3 miles from McLean Metro (Silver) Pet-friendly, no breed restrictions Ovation at Arrowbrook Herndon, VA Near Innovation Center Metro (Silver) Pet-friendly, no breed restrictions Residences at Government Center Fairfax, VA Local bus routes Pet-friendly, no breed restrictions; one pet Creekside Village Apartments Alexandria, VA Off Route 1, on local bus routes Pet-friendly, no breed restrictions Which affordable community is closest to Capitol Hill? East Falls Apartments and Indigo at McLean Station are both near Orange or Silver Line stations, and those trains run directly to Capitol South with no transfer. Quebec Apartments has a bus stop right outside that connects to several Metro stations, including the Pentagon, where Blue Line trains run to Capitol South. What lease terms are available? Our affordable communities offer 12-month leases. Can I pay rent on a flexible schedule? Yes. At any of our properties, residents can pay rent, and now other bills, on a flexible schedule through the Flex platform . Frequently asked questions Is affordable housing only for very low incomes? No. With apartments at 50%, 60% and 70% of AMI, many working professionals qualify, depending on household size and income. How do I find the current income limits? Check each property's website, or contact the property directly. Are these apartments available right now? Availability changes. Contact the property for current availability. Can I see the apartments before I apply? Yes. Watch video tours of some of our affordable housing communities . Each video's title includes the community's name. These are examples, and the specific apartments shown may not be available when you're searching. More video tours are on each property's website. Find an affordable apartment Visit our community search page to find each community's website, income requirements and contact information.

Affordable Fairfax County Apartments on the Silver Line to Capitol Hill

The Silver Line makes Fairfax County a realistic home base for a job on Capitol Hill. Silver Line trains from McLean and Innovation Center run directly to Capitol South with no transfer. Our communities in Tysons, Herndon and Fairfax are all affordable (LIHTC) communities, which can help if you're starting out on an entry-level salary. How does the Silver Line get you to the Hill? The Silver Line runs from Loudoun County through Tysons, then joins the Orange Line through Arlington and downtown DC. Every Silver Line train stops at Capitol South, next to the House office buildings. Expect roughly 35 to 40 minutes from McLean and closer to an hour from Innovation Center. That's a longer ride, but it's a single seat, so it's easy to read or answer email on the way. Commute comparison Location Our community Closest transit Getting to Capitol South Tysons Indigo at McLean Station McLean station (Silver), 0.3 miles away About 35–40 minutes, no transfer Herndon Ovation at Arrowbrook Innovation Center station (Silver) About an hour, no transfer Fairfax Residences at Government Center Local bus routes Bus plus Metro; time varies Tysons: Indigo at McLean Station Indigo at McLean Station is a brand-new affordable community just 0.3 miles from McLean station. Tysons has some of the region's biggest shopping and dining, including Tysons Corner Center and Tysons Galleria. The community is pet-friendly with no breed restrictions. Herndon: Ovation at Arrowbrook Ovation at Arrowbrook is an affordable community not far from Innovation Center station. The area offers newer shopping and dining, the W&OD Trail for biking and running, and easy access to Dulles Airport for flights home. The community is pet-friendly with no breed restrictions. Fairfax: Residences at Government Center Residences at Government Center is an affordable community in Fairfax, on local bus routes. It's a quieter, suburban setting with nearby shopping and parks. The community is pet-friendly with no breed restrictions, but unlike most of our communities, it allows only one pet. How does affordable housing work at these communities? All three are LIHTC communities. Depending on the property and current availability, apartments are offered at 50%, 60% and 70% of Area Median Income. Income requirements are listed on each property's website, or you can contact the property directly. These communities offer 12-month leases. Residents can pay rent, and now other bills, on a flexible schedule through the Flex platform . Frequently asked questions Can I commute from Tysons to Capitol Hill by Metro? Yes. The Silver Line runs directly from McLean and other Tysons stations to Capitol South. Do I qualify for affordable housing? It depends on your household size and income. Check the income requirements on each property's website, and contact the property. Are these communities pet-friendly? Yes. All three are pet-friendly with no breed restrictions. Residences at Government Center allows one pet only. What lease terms are available? Our affordable communities offer 12-month leases. See the apartments Watch video tours of some of our affordable housing communities . Each video's title includes the community's name. These are examples, and the specific apartments shown may not be available when you're searching. More video tours are on each property's website. Visit our community search page to compare communities in a list or map view.

Seamless Travel: Commuting Options from Residences at Government Center

Situated right off Monument Drive, Residences at Government Center offers one of the most strategically connected addresses in Fairfax County. Whether you are heading to work in downtown Washington, D.C., commuting to local technology hubs, or taking classes at George Mason University, navigating the region is exceptionally smooth. We highlight the top transit networks accessible directly from your front door: Onsite Bus Access: Skip the morning rush entirely with a dedicated bus stop located right on our property, offering rapid connections to regional rail hubs. Monument Drive Transit Center: Located just moments away, the Monument Drive Commuter Parking Garage and Transit Center serves as a major commuter launch point, including express service like Bus 699 directly to Washington, D.C. Major Highway Arterials: Drivers enjoy immediate access to Interstate 66, Route 29, and Route 50, putting the entirety of Northern Virginia within a short drive. Eco-Friendly Driving: Our onsite EV charging stations ensure your electric vehicle is powered and ready for your morning highway route. Leave transit stress behind and maximize your time with a home built around smart connectivity.

Where Do Capitol Hill Staffers Live? DC-Area Neighborhood Guide

If you're starting a job on Capitol Hill, the best neighborhoods are the ones with an easy Metro ride or walk to the Capitol. In DC, that means H Street, Navy Yard, Mt Vernon Triangle, Gallery Place/Chinatown and Columbia Heights. In Virginia, Ballston, Courthouse and East Falls Church sit on the Orange and Silver Lines with direct trains to Capitol South, while Alexandria's Carlyle and Braddock neighborhoods are one quick transfer away. In Maryland, North Bethesda's Grosvenor-Strathmore area is on the Red Line, a direct ride to Union Station. This guide walks through each neighborhood's commute, its vibe and the apartments we offer there. Do I want to be near the House side or the Senate side? It helps to know where your office will be before you choose a neighborhood. House office buildings sit on the south side of the Capitol, closest to the Capitol South and Federal Center SW Metro stations. Senate office buildings sit on the north side, a short walk from Union Station. Picking a home on the right Metro line can save you a transfer every day. Washington, DC neighborhoods H Street Corridor (360 H Street). H Street NE is known for its restaurants, bars and music venues, and it's one of the closest neighborhoods to the Hill. 360 H Street is about a 10-minute walk to Union Station and roughly 15 to 20 minutes on foot to the Senate office buildings. Many residents can skip Metro entirely. Navy Yard/Capitol Riverfront (Meridian on First). Navy Yard has a waterfront park, Nationals Park and a busy dining scene. Meridian on First is an easy walk to the Navy Yard–Ballpark Metro station, and the House office buildings are about a 15- to 20-minute walk north. Mt Vernon Triangle ( Meridian at Mt Vernon Triangle ). This newer neighborhood is full of restaurants and coffee shops, a short walk from the convention center and downtown. Mt Vernon Square station is on the Green and Yellow Lines, and Union Station is about a mile away. Gallery Place/Chinatown ( Meridian at Gallery Place ). This is the heart of downtown, with the Capital One Arena, theaters, museums and nightlife nearby. Gallery Place is a hub for the Red, Green and Yellow Lines, and Union Station is just two stops away on the Red Line. Columbia Heights ( Park Triangle ). Columbia Heights is lively and diverse, with big-box shopping, local restaurants and easy access to Meridian Hill Park. Park Triangle is right by Columbia Heights station on the Green and Yellow Lines, a ride of roughly 20 to 25 minutes to the Capitol with one transfer. Arlington, VA neighborhoods Ballston ( Meridian at Ballston Commons , Madison at Ballston Station , Ballston Park ). Ballston combines a walkable downtown with restaurants, a food hall, fitness studios and the Ballston Quarter shops. All three communities are walkable to the Ballston or Virginia Square Metro stations. Orange and Silver Line trains run directly to Capitol South in about 25 minutes, with no transfer. Courthouse ( Meridian at Courthouse Commons ). Courthouse is a quieter, residential corner of the Orange Line corridor, close to the restaurants of Clarendon and the trails along the Potomac. Courthouse station has direct Orange and Silver Line trains to Capitol South in about 20 minutes. Alexandria, VA neighborhoods Carlyle/Eisenhower ( Meridian 2250 at Eisenhower Station , Carlyle Place , Parc Meridian at Eisenhower Station , Meridian at Eisenhower Station ). Carlyle is a polished, walkable neighborhood near Old Town, with restaurants, a movie theater and the Alexandria waterfront nearby. All four communities are an easy walk to Eisenhower Avenue station on the Yellow Line. Take the Yellow Line to L'Enfant Plaza and transfer for a total trip of about 30 minutes to Capitol South. Braddock ( Meridian at Braddock Station ). The Braddock Road area sits on the edge of Old Town, close to King Street's shops and restaurants. Braddock Road station is on both the Blue and Yellow Lines, so you can ride the Blue Line straight to Capitol South or take the Yellow Line and transfer at L'Enfant Plaza. North Bethesda, MD Grosvenor-Strathmore (Meridian at Grosvenor Station). This neighborhood sits beside the Music Center at Strathmore and Bethesda's shopping and dining. Meridian at Grosvenor Station is easily walkable to Grosvenor-Strathmore station. Red Line trains run directly to Union Station in about 30 minutes, which is especially convenient for Senate staff. Affordable apartment options in Northern Virginia If you're starting on an entry-level salary, you may qualify for one of our affordable (LIHTC) communities. Depending on the property and current availability, these communities offer apartments at 50%, 60% and 70% of Area Median Income. Income requirements are listed on each property's website, or you can contact the property directly. East Falls Apartments in Falls Church, close to East Falls Church Metro on the Orange and Silver Lines. Pet-friendly with no breed restrictions. Quebec Apartments in Arlington, with a bus stop right outside that connects to the Pentagon, Pentagon City and Ballston Metro stations. No pets. Indigo at McLean Station in Tysons, a brand-new community 0.3 miles from McLean Metro on the Silver Line. Pet-friendly with no breed restrictions. Residences at Government Center in Fairfax, on local bus routes. Pet-friendly with no breed restrictions, limited to one pet. Ovation at Arrowbrook in Herndon, not far from Innovation Center Metro on the Silver Line. Pet-friendly with no breed restrictions. Creekside Village Apartments in Alexandria, off Route 1 and on local bus routes. Pet-friendly with no breed restrictions. Affordable communities offer 12-month leases. What kinds of apartments are available? Our portfolio mixes brand-new buildings with more established communities. The established buildings often have larger floor plans, along with renovated apartments and shared spaces. Select apartments, including some studios, have sunrooms. A sunroom works well as a home office for late session nights, a reading nook, a spot for plants or a place for a guest to crash. Select studios also have a separate sleeping area, so your bed isn't in the middle of your living room when friends come over. Are your apartments pet-friendly? Yes. All of our market-rate communities in this guide are pet-friendly with no breed restrictions. Pet policies at our affordable communities vary by property, as noted above. Can I get a short-term lease? Our market-rate communities offer flexible lease terms, which vary by property. That flexibility can help if your job is tied to a two-year term. Check each property's website for current options. Our affordable communities offer 12-month leases. Can I pay rent on a flexible schedule? Yes. At any of our properties, you can pay rent, and now other bills, on a flexible schedule through the Flex platform . That can help in your first months while you wait for that first paycheck. Can I virtually tour apartments before I move? Yes. Watch video tours of apartments across our portfolio: Watch video tours of some of our Arlington, VA apartments Watch video tours of some of our Alexandria, VA apartments Watch video tours of some of our Washington, DC apartments Watch video tours of some of our North Bethesda, MD apartments Watch video tours of some of our affordable housing communities Each video's title includes the name of the community. These videos are examples of apartment styles across our portfolio. The specific apartments shown may not be available when you're searching, and you'll find more video tours on each property's website. Appointments for Live Video Tours may also be scheduled. Frequently asked questions What's the closest neighborhood to Capitol Hill? H Street and Navy Yard are both within walking distance of Congressional office buildings. H Street is closer to the Senate side, and Navy Yard is closer to the House side. Where can I live in Virginia with no Metro transfer to the Capitol? Ballston, Courthouse and East Falls Church are on the Orange and Silver Lines, which run directly to Capitol South. In Alexandria, Braddock Road station is on the Blue Line, which also runs to Capitol South. Is Maryland a good option for Hill staff? Yes, especially for Senate staff. North Bethesda is on the Red Line, a direct ride to Union Station. Are there move-in specials right now? Select properties may be running specials. Check individual property websites for current offers. Find your next apartment Visit our community search page to browse every property in a list or map view, see current availability and find more video tours.

Building a Vibrant Community: What to Expect on the Cobu App at Residences at Government Center

A great apartment community is defined by the connections made between the people who live there. At Residences at Government Center, we utilize the Cobu app to help our residents blend, chat, and build a genuine sense of home. It serves as your digital hub for all things lifestyle. Our management and resident teams use Cobu to coordinate a robust calendar of community gatherings. Over the past months, neighbors have come together for a variety of popular events, including: Cookouts and ice cream socials. Outdoor movie nights. "Grab 'n go" mornings featuring warm cider and donuts or a quick afternoon snack attack. Community bagel bar. Cobu goes far beyond management announcements. The platform empowers you to take charge of your neighborhood experience. Use the marketplace feature to buy or sell household goods within the community. You can also join or launch specialized interest groups—whether you want to form a running club for our walking trails, a pet group for our furry residents, or a book club that meets in the cyber lounge. Download Cobu today and see what your neighbors are up to!

Quick and Easy Last-Minute Halloween Ideas for Your Fairfax Apartment

Halloween is just around the corner on Saturday, October 31, 2026 ! If you've been busy and haven't finalized your plans, decorations, or costumes yet, don't worry. Living at Residences at Government Center means you are surrounded by convenient shopping hubs to piece together an amazing holiday in no time. For lightning-fast costumes, raid your closet for basics and head to local retailers to grab quick accessories like animal ears, funny hats, or fabric markers. If you want to add a festive touch to your living room, stop by the nearby grocery store to pick up mini pumpkins and battery-operated tea lights for an instant, flame-free window display. Best of all, you don't have to leave the community to participate in the holiday fun! We will be hosting community trick-or-treating right here at the property. To ensure everyone has a fantastic time, please check the Cobu app to see exactly how the event will work. Residents will also receive an email with full directions on traffic flow, participating doors, and other guidelines. Dust off those capes and get ready for a memorable neighborhood evening!