Help with Nova and work in DC

[FindingZen]

Originally Posted by Montacute

Aggg! I am an idiot! The closest metro isn't Dupont--it is Farragut West. Does that change much in the way of commute? Probably not.

If you're coming from VA, it would actually decrease your commute by a couple of minutes.

[Montacute]

Originally Posted by Tone509

If you're coming from VA, it would actually decrease your commute by a couple of minutes.

Good news at last! Thanks again Tone.

[perries]

From the perspective of minimizing commute, combined with charming neighborhoods, I was thinking Northwest D.C., north of Georgetown, but I'm not too familiar with the area other than being a guest of residents and generally driving around, so perhaps am overly optimistic about price range and availability. Still you can do lots of perusing on homesdatabase.com and get a decent idea of the housing stock available.

But Farragut West being your stop will shave about 15 minutes off your commute. I used to commute to Dupont Circle from Arlington and the switch from the blue/yellow to the red line often seemed like the last straw on exasperating mornings.

[FindingZen]

Originally Posted by perries

But Farragut West being your stop will shave about 15 minutes off your commute. I used to commute to Dupont Circle from Arlington and the switch from the blue/yellow to the red line often seemed like the last straw on exasperating mornings.

You're right, it probably will be more like a savings of 15 minutes than 2 or 3 as I had figured out. I was thinking of the Farragut North stop instead of Farragut West. If you live closer to the Blue Line (Franconia/Springfield, Van Dorn), you won't have to switch trains as you would eventually would to get to Dupont Circle.

[claremarie]

If you are definite on the single-family home, then you should probably rule out Georgetown and many other DC neighborhoods within easy reach of Farragut West. Single-family homes in DC are concentrated in northwest DC neighborhoods that may be out of your price range.

There are some charming older neighborhoods in North Arlington that might meet your needs. Some 3 BR bungalows and capes would be in your price range, and would give you enough yard for gardening. You might even be able to find a "walk to Metro" home near the East Falls Church Metro station -- check the 22213 zip code. It won't be 30 minutes door to door, but it probably won't be much over 45.

[ACWhite]

Originally Posted by CAVA1990

You might also look just South of Old Town along the GW Parkway. We have lots of homes in that price range with nice lots for gardening and charming architecture. Zip codes 22308 and 22309.

Having lived near there and commuted to a destination near OP's, I would say this would RARELY be a half hour or less during the rush periods 7-9:30 AM and 4:30-7:30 evenings (approx.). I often drove for an hour, with a lot of it caught in Old Town traffic/stoplights, and more at the bridge.

[ACWhite]

Originally Posted by perries

From the perspective of minimizing commute, combined with charming neighborhoods, I was thinking Northwest D.C., north of Georgetown, but I'm not too familiar with the area other than being a guest of residents and generally driving around, so perhaps am overly optimistic about price range and availability. Still you can do lots of perusing on homesdatabase.com and get a decent idea of the housing stock available.

But Farragut West being your stop will shave about 15 minutes off your commute. I used to commute to Dupont Circle from Arlington and the switch from the blue/yellow to the red line often seemed like the last straw on exasperating mornings.

SFHs in NW DC are more expensive than OP's budget, unless s/he's willing to do a fixer--and once you add in labor and materials etc., even that will likely exceed it.

[ACWhite]

If I were you, I would consider:

1) Braddock Heights, Del Ray, Rosemont, and Beverly Hills in AX
2) Some parts of Bethesda and Chevy Chase (MD) - Bethesda is more expensive, but I have a friend who bought a bigger house than what you're seeking for close to $900K so you may be able to find something smaller in your range. You're paying for schools and in some locations, being close to a fun downtown there.
3) American University area in DC
4) Aurora Hills/Arlington Ridge (22202) in Arlington
5) there are some grand, pretty houses on/near 16th St. on the North side of DC but it may be more risky re: crime, etc.

[Montacute]

I am pretty definite about the SFH--unless there is such a thing as a townhouse with a ginormous backyard. I've never seen such a thing, so it is probably good advice to stay away from DC. I'm searching on all the new suggestions now. Thanks for all the help, everyone. I'm encouraged to see that there are places in VA that may well get me close to my wishlist!

[Montacute]

Originally Posted by ACWhite

If I were you, I would consider:

1) Braddock Heights, Del Ray, Rosemont, and Beverly Hills in AX
2) Some parts of Bethesda and Chevy Chase (MD) - Bethesda is more expensive, but I have a friend who bought a bigger house than what you're seeking for close to $900K so you may be able to find something smaller in your range. You're paying for schools and in some locations, being close to a fun downtown there.
3) American University area in DC
4) Aurora Hills/Arlington Ridge (22202) in Arlington
5) there are some grand, pretty houses on/near 16th St. on the North side of DC but it may be more risky re: crime, etc.

You know, it's funny you mention Chevy Chase. I haven't figured commute, but some of the houses I am seeing look lovely there. I'm checking all your leads and I thank you.