Areas around Alexandria and DC

[Clay Showalter]

My son is seriously looking at a great job in Alexandria that starts in January, which is great because he finishes school this December.

My question is does anyone on here know about the areas surrounding Alexandria and further out to the south east or west? Area to avoid? They are looking for a fixer upper house.

 

[Sgt Fury]

I was stationed in Arlington…..Alexandria, Falls Church, Manassas and Springfield are areas that we used to frequent. That was back in the early 80’s so I know it’s changed a lot. Cost of living is very high the closer you are to the city so I’d start looking in the burbs….20 or 30 minute drive to/from work could save lots of money if he doesn’t mind the commute.

 

[Sgt Fury]

Don’t rule out crossing the bridge (495) and check out homes in Maryland also.

 

[Clay Showalter]

Don’t rule out crossing the bridge (495) and check out homes in Maryland also.

Yea he found a nice 11 ac lot about 35 miles from the job, but who knows how long a commute that is. The prices to the west are nuts, we are talking 250-275,000 for a 700-800sf condo!

 

["J"]

I’ve driven through the area and spent some time at Andrews AFB and AP Hill proving grounds….. that was in the 90’s and early 2000’s. Traffic was horrendous, every place you want was crowded and people weren’t the friendliest….. A 35 mile commute would be a long drive at peak traffic hours, which for that area was pretty friggin Early….

 

[RedCloud]

I can ask my sister in law, the wife's cousin, or my oldest daughter who currently lives in Alexandria. Sister in law was stationed in the DC area for years. The wife's cousin lived in that area for years working at the pentagon and white house.

 

[Clay Showalter]

I can ask my sister in law, the wife's cousin, or my oldest daughter who currently lives in Alexandria. Sister in law was stationed in the DC area for years. The wife's cousin lived in that area for years working at the pentagon and white house.

That would be great, he is taking the job and will be in the Chantilly office.

 

[RedCloud]

Fairfax was one place we looked at before the kids moved. Alexandria is definitely expensive. The condo they are in might be 800 square feet and runs 2200 a month. I'll ask her some other area to look at and avoid. She's been there for almost 3 years now so she might have some thoughts.

 

[RedCloud]

I got this from my daughter

I know nothing about Chantilly as far as if it's a good place to live. Fair oaks is nearby but expensive, Fairfax is a college town, and i know some people who live in Manassas and like it. I don't know much about Centreville or Reston but those are also close-ish to Chantilly.

I'd caution the person from going much closer to DC than those areas. Any closer and traffic will be horrible. I know nothing out the other direction (towards Dulles)

 

[RedCloud]

I do have 2 others I can check with that lived in the DC area for over a decade if you want me to see if they have better info.

 

[Clay Showalter]

Thanks for the info brother