Living in Virginia, working in DC Best place to live

[vooduchkn]

Subject says it all.

Background:
Four year tour
Max I will rent is ~$2600
2 cars
House full of stuff and stuff in storage
Dont mind driving (been stuck on an island for ever

Would like a single house in a suburb. Can't stand the city. Would like a basement as well.

Where should I look?
Should I buy instead?

Thanks

[RugerJoe]

Living in Arlington would probably be ideal for you if you are commuting in to DC. Alexandria would work as well. If you are looking to buy, the closer the proximity to DC (In Va), the safer a real estate investment it should be with the market the way it is right now. Also, I'm not sure of your age, but the Arlington area mainly has younger professionals and more of a singles\young couples atmosphere to it. Old Town Alexandria has some of that vibe as well, but Alexandria as a whole tends to work for an older demographic.

[jrswanson1]

Lakeridge or Monclair. Both have buses that go into DC, so let someone else drive. If you haven't battled I95/395 traffic, you haven't seen a 20 mile long parking lot before. Both developments are nice, have basements, food in the area is decent to outstanding. Potomac Mills Mall has outlet stores, plus there's all kinds of other crap, too.

[vooduchkn]

Any thoughts on Springfield? Oh and My Wife and are both 38.

[TheGodfather]

Reston has some nice areas.

[vooduchkn]

Having reconsidered traffic, Im okay with a short to moderate commute. I am looking at some houses in Springfield, Falls Church, and Alexandria. What I do not want is metro type living with all the houses crammed up together like and accordian. I would prefer a suburb, I would live in the sticks if it didn't entail and hour commute each way.

I will be working in DC just across the river, but I am choosing to live in VA mainly because of VA firearm laws, the ability to open carry, and CCW with a permit. I have a UTAH CHP, so I should be good until I get my VA.

Any areas to definitely stay away from?

[Wingandaprayer]

I lived in "Greater" Springfield (the area north of Old Keene Mill Road and west of Backlick Road) for about 10 years. The homes in this area were built in the 50's. When I moved in 1992 most of homes were occupied by the original owners, but by time I left (2004) the neighborhood was starting to turn over with new owners moving in.

If you are looking for the Springfield area I suggest the area along Beulah Street (it is east of I-95 and intersects with the Franconia/Springfield Parkway), especially south of the Parkway. You can find both older homes with larger yards and newer homes with smaller yards in the area. Also, the Metro station is easy access from that area.

You did not mention kids. I have heard rumors some of the schools can be rough. Something you may want to check out if you have school age kids.

I would stay away from areas west of Springfield. Traffic on Old Keene Mill Road use to be terrible (and I suspect it still is).

You say you don't mind driving. Unfortunately you will not do much driving on your commute. More sitting in traffic than driving.

[vooduchkn]

I lived in "Greater" Springfield (the area north of Old Keene Mill Road and west of Backlick Road) for about 10 years. The homes in this area were built in the 50's. When I moved in 1992 most of homes were occupied by the original owners, but by time I left (2004) the neighborhood was starting to turn over with new owners moving in.

If you are looking for the Springfield area I suggest the area along Beulah Street (it is east of I-95 and intersects with the Franconia/Springfield Parkway), especially south of the Parkway. You can find both older homes with larger yards and newer homes with smaller yards in the area. Also, the Metro station is easy access from that area.

You did not mention kids. I have heard rumors some of the schools can be rough. Something you may want to check out if you have school age kids.

I would stay away from areas west of Springfield. Traffic on Old Keene Mill Road use to be terrible (and I suspect it still is).

You say you don't mind driving. Unfortunately you will not do much driving on your commute. More sitting in traffic than driving.

Sage advice. I do have a 12 year old daughter. Schools are important as well. I have a buddy that does a similar job and he drives to the bus/metro and takes it into DC, faster and less frustrating. Thanks for the advice.

[lonestarag]

Most of the north side of Arlington is "normal" neighborhoods (i.e. homes w/ driveways, garages, etc), but they are pricey. There are several neighborhoods in South Arlington if you know where to look. Shirlington/Nauck comes to mind and Pentagon City/Arlington Ridge is nice.

[Ralphola]

There is a house or two for rent in West Springfield between Old Keene Mill and the Fairfax County Parkway, either side of Rolling Rd. Not sure about basement though. Houses were built in 1960's. Still pretty good neighborhood. Bus goes right down Rolling Road to the Metro and another one through Greeley to the Pentagon. Just as a backup plan for transportation. Burke is pretty good too.

[chuckjordan2]

Find a place close to the Metro. I lived in Fairfax, Arlington, and DC for over 15 years (notice that this is in the past tense). I took metro for 14 1/2 of those years....

Where ever you go, driving to work will be a pain unless you enjoy waking at 05:00 and getting to work at 07:00. Trust me, I grew up in Chicago and have traveled the country. It'll take 1 - 1.5 hours driving commute to the suburbs, same amount of time via Metro, but, you'll have your sanity.

The question is what do you want to do after work? If you like cultural events (ie. Kennedy Center, Museums, etc) then Arlington or Alexandria are nice. For shopping or family events then Fairfax or Alexandria are nice.

Do you want to shoot alot? You may want to live in Fairfax Co. close to the NRA range. Near the Fair Oaks mall.

Here's my suggestion (I did this), find a couple Metro stations and look for housing around them. Since you'll be here for 4 years, are you sure you want a house rental? Not an apartment? Why? You can get an apartment closer to DC (less travel time and more relaxing time with family....)

Arlington (from close to far from DC). Nice rentals in Rosslyn, and Courthouse, close in is more $$$. Clarendon and Ballston may have townhome rentals, mostly $$$. Falls Church is nice (maybe not gun friendly) and has house rentals, less $$.

Fairfax(little further out). Dunn Loring (apartment and few house rentals are $). Vienna metro is last on the line (and it's SRO many times going in !!!).

Alexandria (Braddock rd, et al) House rentals, near the Potomac river ($$$).

PM me if you want more detail. Or we can speak by phone (PM for #).

Ahhh, I escaped that life 6 years ago and now live outside Richmond. No more rat race for this kid....

[jihgwt]

I grew up in NOVA and left after High school Grad (1977).
and EVERY time I go back I am MORE Glad I live in VA.Beach !!!

[vooduchkn]

Find a place close to the Metro. I lived in Fairfax, Arlington, and DC for over 15 years (notice that this is in the past tense). I took metro for 14 1/2 of those years....

Where ever you go, driving to work will be a pain unless you enjoy waking at 05:00 and getting to work at 07:00. Trust me, I grew up in Chicago and have traveled the country. It'll take 1 - 1.5 hours driving commute to the suburbs, same amount of time via Metro, but, you'll have your sanity.

The question is what do you want to do after work? If you like cultural events (ie. Kennedy Center, Museums, etc) then Arlington or Alexandria are nice. For shopping or family events then Fairfax or Alexandria are nice.

Do you want to shoot alot? You may want to live in Fairfax Co. close to the NRA range. Near the Fair Oaks mall.

Here's my suggestion (I did this), find a couple Metro stations and look for housing around them. Since you'll be here for 4 years, are you sure you want a house rental? Not an apartment? Why? You can get an apartment closer to DC (less travel time and more relaxing time with family....)

Arlington (from close to far from DC). Nice rentals in Rosslyn, and Courthouse, close in is more $$$. Clarendon and Ballston may have townhome rentals, mostly $$$. Falls Church is nice (maybe not gun friendly) and has house rentals, less $$.

Fairfax(little further out). Dunn Loring (apartment and few house rentals are $). Vienna metro is last on the line (and it's SRO many times going in !!!).

Alexandria (Braddock rd, et al) House rentals, near the Potomac river ($$$).

PM me if you want more detail. Or we can speak by phone (PM for #).

Ahhh, I escaped that life 6 years ago and now live outside Richmond. No more rat race for this kid....

I shoot a lot, reload a lot, need a garage. I have a house full of stuff and a full storage unit in Louisiana. I would like to toss up some haybales and shoot my bow in my backyard. I like the outdoors and don't like neighbors. I have been cram packed in the Hawaii sardine can for a very long time. I was looking at Mt Vernon/Springfield area because I will start work on Bolling, but eventually move to downtown DC.

[oldnavy]

I live in Montclair right off I-95 and teach high school in Fairfax County. We have one of the best school systems in the country. All but one of our 26 high schools have a graduation rate above the national average.

I just moved from the Mt. Vernon area with older houses selling for 500,000 to 750,000 or so. On my old street they are replacing the older houses with McMansions. They are starting between 2 and 3, million that is. The farther from DC, the cheaper the cost of living, and that includes gas prices. Regular is 3.34 next to my house in Prince William county and goes up to 3.70 or 80 closer to DC, including some parts of Fairfax.

[Kreutz]

Reading this thread makes me so glad I moved to the sticks of Roanoke!

[vooduchkn]

Well, it appears to be a done deal. See you guys in May.

[chuckjordan2]

Best of luck to you on the move. There are many good things like the Kennedy Center and other cultural events that can't be beat there.

But, any form of shooting (including bow) inside 15 miles I think is iffy. Even bow shooting in your backyard. I hate to say that, but, you need to be prepared. You may get lucky and find a place next to a wooded area.

I know this is a Virginia gun forum, but, have you considered moving close to Damascus MD? I know, it's Maryland...... But there is the Issac Walton league (http://www.damascusiwla.org/) that is very active with many activities.

[vooduchkn]

Best of luck to you on the move. There are many good things like the Kennedy Center and other cultural events that can't be beat there.

But, any form of shooting (including bow) inside 15 miles I think is iffy. Even bow shooting in your backyard. I hate to say that, but, you need to be prepared. You may get lucky and find a place next to a wooded area.

I know this is a Virginia gun forum, but, have you considered moving close to Damascus MD? I know, it's Maryland...... But there is the Issac Walton league (http://www.damascusiwla.org/) that is very active with many activities.

Can you OC/CC in MD?

[Diomed]

Can you OC/CC in MD?

While the question is probably rhetorical, the answer is a categorical, unequivocal no.

[vooduchkn]

Can you OC/CC in MD?

While the question is probably rhetorical, the answer is a categorical, unequivocal no.

Thanks for the reply.

MD is not an option for this family...