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Old 12-30-2010, 11:26 AM
 
3 posts, read 4,568 times
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I recently recieved an offer from the USPTO in Alexandria. We are a family of four, wife, myself, and two kids, plus two dogs and a cat. We are looking for an average area, not too expensive but not too cheap either. I don't mind driving 35-50 miles (actually I prefer it). We are looking to buy somewhere in the 200-250k price range. Something with a yard, good schools, and a 1500sq. ft. house for 200-250k.
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Old 12-30-2010, 11:48 AM
 
Location: Reston, VA
2,090 posts, read 4,225,815 times
Reputation: 1330
You need to know that your price range is near the bottom of SFH or TH in the NOVA area - it will not buy you into an "aveage" area. Here are a few options:
316 TAZEWELL RD, STERLING, VA 20164 - HomesDatabase (http://www.homesdatabase.com/home-listings-STERLING+PARK-STERLING-VA-MRIS-LO7080453 - broken link)
726 YORK RD, STERLING, VA 20164 - HomesDatabase (http://www.homesdatabase.com/home-listings-STERLING+PARK-STERLING-VA-MRIS-LO7458344 - broken link)
303 LAUREL AVE, STERLING, VA 20164 - HomesDatabase (http://www.homesdatabase.com/home-listings-STERLING+PARK-STERLING-VA-MRIS-LO7497697 - broken link)
804 HOGA ST, STERLING, VA 20164 - HomesDatabase (http://www.homesdatabase.com/home-listings-STERLING+PARK-STERLING-VA-MRIS-LO7375082 - broken link)
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Old 12-30-2010, 12:05 PM
 
Location: among the clustered spires
2,380 posts, read 4,497,085 times
Reputation: 891
Quote:
Originally Posted by The_Butcher View Post
I recently recieved an offer from the USPTO in Alexandria. We are a family of four, wife, myself, and two kids, plus two dogs and a cat. We are looking for an average area, not too expensive but not too cheap either. I don't mind driving 35-50 miles (actually I prefer it). We are looking to buy somewhere in the 200-250k price range. Something with a yard, good schools, and a 1500sq. ft. house for 200-250k.
Look around Stafford County. Colonial Forge seems to be well-regarded (or at least scores high on tests.) If you want in-town living then Fredericksburg might be your best bet as Stafford is very car-dependent even to get around.

Eastern Prince William County is considered high crime and it is (by Northern VA standards). The schools there also don't test as well, but that's probably a reflection of "more poor people than Stafford" than "bad schools." Different folks have different tolerances for socio-economic diversity.

There's parts of Loudoun that might work for you, a previous poster put up some SFHs in Sterling. Caveat, though, large parts of Sterling are like Eastern PWC.

Lastly, 35-50 miles can be a very long commute unless you work 2nd shift or 6-2 or something like that.
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Old 12-31-2010, 01:16 PM
 
Location: Springfield
2,765 posts, read 8,298,394 times
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I heard the PTO has a high turnaround in employees.
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Old 01-02-2011, 06:36 PM
 
3 posts, read 4,568 times
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Default Did I say buy, I meant rent...

So we decided we would rather rent. It looks like Alexandia might be a good fit for us. I don't plan on staying there more than 4 years, since VRE332 pointed out, the PTO has a high turnaround. We would like to find a house to rent in the 800-1200 range, like I said, preferably 35-50 mile commute. I currently commute 50 miles in and out of Boston (Worcester to West Roxbury), which amazingly only takes me anywhere from 60-90 minutes, depending on traffic.
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Old 01-02-2011, 07:08 PM
 
Location: Alexandria, VA
15,110 posts, read 27,571,794 times
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Sorry to say, that's still a pretty low rent to be looking for w/a family and pets (pet lover here myself) but most renters won't rent to someone w/pets (let alone more than one) - Good luck.
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Old 01-02-2011, 07:40 PM
 
3,307 posts, read 9,343,192 times
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In that range, I think Southern Maryland would be the only option.
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Old 01-02-2011, 07:51 PM
 
8,976 posts, read 21,064,360 times
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To give you an idea of what to expect...my personal rule-of-thumb for relatively close-in neighborhoods is that $1000-1200 will garner a decent one-bedroom apartment. Now, I know you're looking for a entire home for your family and pets. But that gives you an idea of how far away from Alexandria you may have to travel.

Southern MD as recommended may be an idea. There are other parts of Virginia which aren't necessarily considered part of the Northern Virginia suburbs that may apply as well. You may want to repost on those respective state forums for more ideas.

Last edited by FindingZen; 01-02-2011 at 08:26 PM.. Reason: typo
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Old 01-02-2011, 08:55 PM
 
Location: among the clustered spires
2,380 posts, read 4,497,085 times
Reputation: 891
Fredericksburg seemed to have several listings for under 1200 a month, and if public transit is an option that works for you, you can take the VRE. At least there, your 1:00-1:15 or so would be on a train, as opposed to choking on fumes heading up Route 3/4 and then the Beltway.
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Old 01-03-2011, 10:28 AM
 
3 posts, read 4,568 times
Reputation: 10
Here are a few postings from craigslist in fredericksburg. The question is, if you spend say $200/month commuting, then is it worth saving the money in rent...I guess it depends on the quality of living in fredericksburg. I have never been there...
3 Bedroom Detached, Split Level Home (http://fredericksburg.craigslist.org/apa/2140763042.html - broken link)
Nice House in Great Water Lover's Neighborhood - Big Dogs OK (http://fredericksburg.craigslist.org/apa/2139765201.html - broken link)
Lovely Home Great for a Family, 1550 sqft (http://fredericksburg.craigslist.org/apa/2136666571.html - broken link)
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