$75,000 a decent salary for the area? (Arlington, Alexandria: apartments, for rent, construction)

[lowkey]

Hey Guys, Just accepted an offer for $75,000 in NOVA. I'll be working in Alexandria but office is moving to Reston soon. I understand the cost of living is pretty high in the area. Am I going to be hurting for money down there with this salary, or can I afford a pretty decent place? Also with the office move in mind - where abouts would you recommend a 1BR for a recent college grad who wants to live near a trendy area (and somewhat close to the metro). OH - and any idea where I can find a Realtor that may help find a place? I've been all over Craigslist and Padmapper for two weeks and haven't found a whole lot. Thanks.

[CaliTerp07]

The suggestions here are probably relevant:

Undergrad accepting full time job in D.C. area...

A recent grad on $75k should be living very comfortably, so long as you don't have any other massive financial commitments. Expect to spend $1800+ per month for a 1 bedroom in the most desirable parts of Arlington.

[Winter2010]

What was your college major? I think $75K for a recent college graduate with no experience is very good.

[lowkey]

I have a Masters in Digital Forensics. So $75k a year is definitely good for the area? i was looking to spend $1000 - $1400 a month for rent. Probably won't have much luck with that huh?

[Winter2010]

Originally Posted by lowkey

I have a Masters in Digital Forensics. So $75k a year is definitely good for the area? i was looking to spend $1000 - $1400 a month for rent. Probably won't have much luck with that huh?

What school offers specific Masters degree in Digital Forensics?

[lowkey]

NCFS | Masters of Science in Digital Forensics

[Carlingtonian]

Good god. You're making that much and you're just out of school? You're doing real well. Good for you.

Moderator CutSorry I can't help you on realtors. (Not a big fan.)

That range you cited would be low unless you're going to have roommates, in which case it's very doable. No idea on apartments in Reston, but a lotta folks here on the forum seem to like it.

[CaliTerp07]

Originally Posted by lowkey

I have a Masters in Digital Forensics. So $75k a year is definitely good for the area? i was looking to spend $1000 - $1400 a month for rent. Probably won't have much luck with that huh?

$1000-$1400 is very low for areas with any sort of night life or excitement. You should be able to find a place for $1400, but it won't have access to the metro or be trendy.

The majority of people under 30 here have roommates. A two bedroom place will go for $2500 in the same complex where a 1 bedroom goes for $1800 (so you can save significantly, obviously).

I don't know what rates in Reston go for, but it's not trendy, nor does it have metro access, and the commute to Alexandria until your office moves will be pretty bad. Arlington away from the metro would be my suggestion for you. It's the midpoint between Alexandria and Reston (and not a bad commute to Reston in the morning, though it gets ugly in the evenings coming back). You'll have easy enough bus or cab access to the metro and bars/night life, and you'll save significantly over the price of a building where you could walk to the metro.

It depends what you want to compromise on--price? Commute? Trendiness? A little of all 3?

[lowkey]

Around what hours is the commute horrible? Are we talking like 8-10am and then again at 4-6pm? Is traffic pretty much cleared up outside of those hours?

[CaliTerp07]

Originally Posted by lowkey

Around what hours is the commute horrible? Are we talking like 8-10am and then again at 4-6pm? Is traffic pretty much cleared up outside of those hours?

Rush hours are extended here. 6:30 to 10:30, and 3:30 to 7:30 probably covers it. I have to say though, I've been stuck in traffic at all hours of the day. Between accidents, construction, and the sheer volume of people here, I have to mentally prep myself just to drive the 2 miles to the grocery store.