NOVA rentals with slightly more urban feel? (Arlington, Reston: apartment complexes, condos)

[peb99]

Hi all -- I've lurked for quite a while, and am now posting to seek advice, thoughts, and information -- it seems like folks here are generally quite helpful!

Overview: I'm moving for a job near Dulles in several weeks, and have been looking for an apartment or rental condo. Looking for a 1bed/1bath, maybe +den or something. I'd really like to keep the rent (not including utils) to 1200 or 1300. Less is always better. I probably want to live within 15 miles of Dulles. I was thinking Reston/Herndon. Arlington would be nice in theory, but it's a little far and a little expensive.

Here's the thing:

A lot of descriptions of rental places talk about the serene, wooded, secluded, retreat-like ambiance. I don't want this. I definitely don't want a loud/rowdy/street-noise/bar-scene kind of area, and I'm not saying it needs to be like Manhattan. I just don't want to see nothing but trees (or golf courses, for that matter) when I look out the window or walk out of my front door or building. Mostly I want it to feel (and be) safe and populated and not totally secluded. [Ideally, the place also wouldn't be totally residential as far as the eye can see; some stores or buildings would be nice.] Maybe this is a little vague, but hopefully you guys get the idea.

So, I'm wondering if people have recommendations for apartment buildings, or condo buildings w/ units for rent, that are in areas with the above characteristic(s). (And are within ~15 mi of IAD).

I was initially just looking in/around the Reston Town Center area, but after seeing places like Bryson condos, it seems like there are other areas that aren't totally wooded/secluded.

Another thing: It looks like rental condos are listed in the MLS database, which is nice. There are many websites (and those apartment guide booklets) that list apartment buildings. There's also craigslist for rentals that aren't in the above categories. Are there any other good resources for finding rentals that I'm missing? (I've begun working with a realtor, but I suspect she'll mostly be working from the places in the MLS database).

Thanks so much for any suggestions you guys have!

[cdmurphy]

There is a relatively new development on Sunrise Valley Drive in Herndon - just south of the toll road, just west of Monroe Drive - Woodland Park Crossing. There's a little mini-streetscape with garage parking underneath - a Harris Teeter, Moe's, Panera, Pei Wei, Quiznos, other shops and services. There are several condo/apartment complexes around there; Monroe Place is practically part of the shopping center. I don't know what the price range is, but the ones across Sunrise Valley might be a little cheaper.

[peb99]

I'll check that one out. Thanks for the suggestion!

[NYmama2dallas]

You could also look in the old town/downtown area of Fairfax City-I would check craigs list first for independent owners. I'm not sure if there are any big complexes in that area but it would be a good commute and it is a little more vibrant than some other areas.