The nation’s capital is buzzing this week after hackers posted user data from adultery website Ashley Madison, revealing (among many, many others) hundreds of government workers as would-be marital cheaters. These include at least two assistant U.S. attorneys, a Justice Department investigator, a counterterrorism employee at the Department of Homeland Security, and various Pentagon employees, according to The Associated Press.
Although the details make for juicy gossip, Washington, DC, shouldn’t be surprised. After all, this year the city topped Ashley Madison’s list of the most adulterous cities in the U.S.—for the third year in a row! (If you’ve been hiding under a rock, Ashley Madison helps not-so-happily-married folks set up extramarital affairs.)
The first time DC gained this dubious distinction, in 2012, Noel Biderman, chief executive of Avid Life Media, which owns Ashley Madison, commented that professional success often leads to adultery.
“The more successful you are, the more you tend to travel for work and pleasure, and more often removed from your family, interacting with individuals with whom commonalities surface,” he said.
This might apply to DC residents who travel for work, or the many politicians, lobbyists, contractors, and others who maintain temporary residences in the capital. According to Ashley Madison, a remarkably high (though unverified) 10.4% of Capitol Hill residents are registered users.
So, let’s just say you often find yourself on Capitol Hill for “business trips.” Perhaps you’d like to invest in a pied-à-terre with some romantic flair. We’ve predicted strong growth in homeownership in DC over the next few years, so it’s likely to be a good investment. A nice little one-bedroom should fit the bill … so let’s take a look at the options, shall we?
1211 G St. SE, Unit 1
Price: $349,000
This contemporary condo in a new building is described as “Europe meets DC”—and you know how those Europeans feel about adultery! The high ceilings, hardwood floors, and quartz countertops are guaranteed to impress any visitors.
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326 8th St. NE, Apt. 101
Price: $410,000
Doesn’t this look like a great place to bring a date? Plus, the open-plan kitchen is perfect for wining and dining—while staying out of the public eye.
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601 A St. NE, Apt. 3
Price: $359,000
The kitchen and living room are a bit cramped, but who cares? You could hang out in this cozy bedroom all day.
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1350 Maryland Ave. NE, Unit 202
Price: $399,900
Want soft lighting? Just turn it down a bit at night, and you’re all set. Although the listing boasts the “expansive roofdeck with grill and gaming,” you’ll probably want to avoid that in the name of discretion.
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644 Massachusetts Ave. NE, Apt. 303
Price: $364,000
This little nook is the perfect spot for breakfast for two—and hopefully, the morning-after conversation won’t be too awkward. The apartment is bright and airy throughout, although you might want to invest in blackout curtains for the bedroom.
