Moving soon (Fairfax: low crime, neighborhoods, school)

[enliten84]

My boyfriend and I plan on moving to the NOVA area at the end of the summer. One of our friends is moving down at the same time and we'd like to stay fairly close to DC since that is where she'll be. We're looking for a liberal, interesting town with lots of shopping and dining but with nice neighborhoods and low crime. We've been looking at Manassas, Fairfax and Woodbridge. Do these fit the bill? Any other suggestions?

[saganista]

Originally Posted by enliten84

My boyfriend and I plan on moving to the NOVA area at the end of the summer. One of our friends is moving down at the same time and we'd like to stay fairly close to DC since that is where she'll be. We're looking for a liberal, interesting town with lots of shopping and dining but with nice neighborhoods and low crime. We've been looking at Manassas, Fairfax and Woodbridge. Do these fit the bill? Any other suggestions?

All three of those are (in terms of travel time) a pretty good ways from DC. They're certainly nice enough areas in and of themselves, but if you're looking to be keeping regular company wity your friend in the District, you might want to check out some closer in spots...

[ashbrn4]

Closer to DC would more likely be Alexandria, Falls Church, Arlington,, all inside the beltway. The areas you're talking are not really close as saganista said. Did you list the places you did because of cost? If so, they are definitely cheaper than the places I listed but that is a function of accessibility to DC, Metro rail and the beltway.

You talk about being close to your friend, but what about what you need. Work, school location?

[enliten84]

I won't have a job when I first move down and what I do I can do anywhere. My boyfriend works from home. How long does it take to get to Alexandria from Manassas or Woodbridge? I think she plans to live in Alexandria or possibly right in DC, I figured something in Manassas or Woodbridge would be more suburban and a little less expensive...

[saganista]

Originally Posted by enliten84

I won't have a job when I first move down and what I do I can do anywhere. My boyfriend works from home. How long does it take to get to Alexandria from Manassas or Woodbridge? I think she plans to live in Alexandria or possibly right in DC, I figured something in Manassas or Woodbridge would be more suburban and a little less expensive...

Well, you'd be right as rain on both those counts. Both of those are more suburban and less expensive than Alexandria. You'll just have to decide what the trade-offs are. Manassas to Alexandria is about 35 miles. With no traffic problems, it would take maybe a little less than an hour, door-to-door. Woodbridge to Alexandria would be a little better...maybe 20 miles and about 40 minutes, again door-to-door. You can't travel in rush-hour though. If you do that, up the estimate by about two-thirds...heck, maybe more than that...