No question about it any more.  I had a ridiculous week at work - I'll spare you the details, but there was way too much going on and it all had to get done right away. By all rights I should've been a basket case, just like I was the week before.  But not having the commute, being able to get a little extra sleep, being able to hang out with friends after work - it all made a huge difference.  I was stressed, but I still felt functional, and I was almost frighteningly productive. 

So my friends in DC have been alerted to keep an eye out for open apartments, and I'll be putting in a lot of time on DC's Craigslist in coming weeks.  Wish me luck.