Moving to NoVA any suggestions on where to live? (Arlington: appointed, real estate)

[BudtheChud]

This is obviously a common question. I've researched the area a lot and have a few ideas. My wife and I got jobs at INOVA Fairfax recently and will be beginning this summer. I am married with no kids yet (but very soon). We actually prefer not to live in the DC metro area.

We would like to live in an area where there are more young professional couples. We will probably be renting at first since we don't know how well the jobs will work out. Thinking that $2000-3000 might be our range. We would like a commute no greater than 30-40 min if possible but I heard in DC that is hard to find. Also, diversity, restaurants would be nice.

Heard to look at these areas:
[] Falls Church, Vienna, Fairfax, Tysons Corner

(Is Arlington too far or painful of a commute to INOVA?)
(Heard not so great things about Annandale...higher crime, less desirable)

[ShannonMilligan]

Reston may be a good place to check out. Some great places to eat, a nice town center, not far from Fairfax, some great areas to live...

[BudtheChud]

Thanks, wasn't sure if Reston was too far out or not. It seems like a nice area though.

[OrangeFish]

Originally Posted by BudtheChud

My wife and I got jobs at INOVA Fairfax recently and will be beginning this summer.

Heard to look at these areas:
[] Falls Church, Vienna, Fairfax, Tysons Corner

(Is Arlington too far or painful of a commute to INOVA?)
(Heard not so great things about Annandale...higher crime, less desirable)[/quote]

If you will be working at Inova Fairfax on Gallows Rd, be careful because you are bordering on that "high crime" Annandale place.

I am a big believer in living close to work. Your price point might work for the Mantua neighborhood (in Annandale) but you would have to check some of the real estate listing websites.

[brooklynborndad]

if you dont have kids and arent concerned with schools, you really ought to look at Annandale. Its quite affordable and VERY convenient to INOVA. I dont know the crime rate - my family and I have never been hassled here. Its a diverse area, and you need to be comfortable with that - in particular with the day laborers who hang out at the 7-11. No, its not the most pristine suburb, but its not like its pervaded with gangs, muggings or stuff like that.

and it has a lot of pluses, like much korean food, and the korean festival every year

[Stephen 81]

Originally Posted by brooklynborndad

if you dont have kids and arent concerned with schools, you really ought to look at Annandale. Its quite affordable and VERY convenient to INOVA. I dont know the crime rate - my family and I have never been hassled here. Its a diverse area, and you need to be comfortable with that - in particular with the day laborers who hang out at the 7-11. No, its not the most pristine suburb, but its not like its pervaded with gangs, muggings or stuff like that.

and it has a lot of pluses, like much korean food, and the korean festival every year

Also, the OP might want to know that there are parts of Annandale outside the Beltway that are just as nice as nearby parts of Fairfax. Just because there are less desirable neighborhoods with Annandale mailing addresses doesn't mean that the whole CDP should be discounted.

[mideast]

I lived in some outstanding apartments 10 years ago off Monument dr. Monument dr runs off rt 7100 (Fairfax County parkway). There are two competing units and they are filled with young professionals. INOVA is just 10 minutes up 7100. I wish I could remember the names of the apartment we were in but I can't recall. You won't be disappointed.

Anyone out the recalls the name of those apartments in this location?? If you do let them know.

Hope this helps.

[ghett61]

Originally Posted by mideast

Anyone out the recalls the name of those apartments in this location?? If you do let them know.

I live off Monument Dr. in Monument Place apartments. Across the street from us is the Jefferson. There are some of complexes right next these...I just don't remember the names at the moment.

[brooklynborndad]

Originally Posted by Stephen 81

Also, the OP might want to know that there are parts of Annandale outside the Beltway that are just as nice as nearby parts of Fairfax. Just because there are less desirable neighborhoods with Annandale mailing addresses doesn't mean that the whole CDP should be discounted.

grrr!!! OP might want to know that - though OP should not be misled by that into thinking the RELATIVELY less nice parts of Annandale, are, you know, not actually nice. (BTW the historical heart of annandale is INSIDE the beltway -- the areas outside the beltway are more "annandale by mailing address only, IMO)

OP is, I see from cleveland. I dont know the cleveland suburbs. I can say that the "worst" section (not talking specific apartment complexes) which is probably the sw part, along Heritage, is like Beverly Hills (LA, not Alex) compared to most of the city of Cleveland, I think.

[nancy707]

Originally Posted by BudtheChud

This is obviously a common question. I've researched the area a lot and have a few ideas. My wife and I got jobs at INOVA Fairfax recently and will be beginning this summer. I am married with no kids yet (but very soon). We actually prefer not to live in the DC metro area.

We would like to live in an area where there are more young professional couples. We will probably be renting at first since we don't know how well the jobs will work out. Thinking that $2000-3000 might be our range. We would like a commute no greater than 30-40 min if possible but I heard in DC that is hard to find. Also, diversity, restaurants would be nice.

Heard to look at these areas:
[] Falls Church, Vienna, Fairfax, Tysons Corner

(Is Arlington too far or painful of a commute to INOVA?)
(Heard not so great things about Annandale...higher crime, less desirable)

What hours will you be working at INOVA if you are working early 7AM the commute will be easier. There are alot of areas where you can avoid the beltway ( always the goal ) and get to INOVA