I live in a "wealthy" area. The landlord just doubled the rent on their cheapest apartment ($4000 per month) and says that it will be higher next year.

So our (diverse, multiracial, 4-year-old) daughter feigned interest in seeing an apartment in the building where we live in the DC suburbs. We had been here 6 years, and just got our renewal letter for the next 6 months. The further renewal letter for the next 2.5 years is on the way.<br><br>The apartment we saw was "cheapest" in the building, at 1/3 the SF of our unit. It had no balcony, no tub, and no walk-in closet. The "kitchen" was a glorified wet bar. I was shocked to find out it was the lowest-rent unit in the building. Apparently everyone is doing okay financially.<br><br>We found out it was listed at $4000, because the previous renter had paid $2200 when he moved in 5 years ago. But the landlord said it was "cheaper" than it would be next year, and "we must keep up with inflation." <br><br>I know we pay too much for our place. But we don't want to leave our little neighborhood, with our park, library, swimming pool, and other parents. We're just not sure we want to pay that price.<br><br>&#x200B;<br><br>Edit: it’s a 1-bedroom place, to be clear.