Where is the best real estate deal? (Alexandria, Reston: extended stay, sublets)

[NotoriousSEG]

I might have a chance to take a job in Tysons Corner, but I am horrified by the cost of living in NOVA. I'd be moving from the west coast of West Virginia (Ohio River side) and I know I'd be in for some culture shock.

My job would come with a (fairly) significant paycheck, but because we have small children and don't know (or trust) anyone in the area, she would elect NOT to work.

I've considered Reston & Herndon, but both seem pretty pricey---I've looked as far out as Leesburg and even Charles Town WV (hey, I wouldn't have to get new plates on my car). What kind of commute would I be faced with in those cases? Charles Town is only 50 miles, which on the face of it seems ok, but if it's 50 miles of bumper-to-bumper, I may go insane within a week.

I am between the proverbial rock and the hard place. HELP!



A second question:

If I were to take this position, I would not be moving for a while. Is there anywhere SUPER CHEAP within proximity to Tysons Corner? I'm talking extended stay hotels, apartments, bording houses--whatever. I just need a bed, a shower and cable.

[NotoriousSEG]

actually, that may not have been the best title for my thread. i do however, need some insight from those who live in NOVA.

any input will be appreciated

[claremarie]

There are no cheap deals in northern Virginia within a reasonable commute of Tyson's. Some areas are more expensive than others, but you should be prepared to pay at least $500k for a single-famiy house (and at that price, it will be small and at least 40 years old) and perhaps $350-400K for a townhouse. If you really can't swing those prices, then you are looking at a commute of at least 1 hour, probably more, to outlying suburbs in Loudon and Prince William Counties. And, yes, it will be bumper to bumper.
Welcome to NOVA.

[sparks5967]

While I'm not sure what you're really looking for, I can tell you that we just relocated to this area in June and felt like we found a treasure in West Springfield (22152). Affordable is a very relative term, however. As for us, we purchased a SFH, 5 BR, 2.5BA, 3500+ sq ft home, for less than $550k. It's an older home, built in the 70's, but nicely updated and very well maintained. We also have an easy commute (again a relative term) to DC. My spouse has a 20 minute drive to his job in the Alexandria area while I have a 45-55 minute commute via train to my job in DC.

Good luck in your decision. My best advice is to by as close-in as you can afford to avoid the major traffic/commuter issues here.

Good luck!
sparks5967

[lchoro]

If I were to take this position, I would not be moving for a while. Is there anywhere SUPER CHEAP within proximity to Tysons Corner? I'm talking extended stay hotels, apartments, bording houses--whatever. I just need a bed, a shower and cable.

You need to be more specific about how much you can afford for rent.

You might try searching for rentals on realtor.com or the other online sites.
There was a $795 4br/3ba townhouse in Falls Church which is very close to Tysons Corner. From time to time, I've seen some condos and townhouses in Reston/Herndon that are available for under $1K.

You might also look on craigslist for rentals/apartments and sublets. People are often subletting their basement levels with 2 rooms, private bath, and shared kitchen. At least half of the homes on our block is renting out part of their homes because of the ridiculous price of home prices. There was a listing today on craigslist for $800 for a basement in a Reston townhouse.

To my recollection, there are also some apartments in the Sterling Countryside and Dulles area that cost $1100/mo for 1br. They're being advertised all the time in the Dulles Town Center Food Court so I can only guess that they have a lot of vacancies.

[saganista]

Originally Posted by NotoriousSEG

What kind of commute would I be faced with in those cases? Charles Town is only 50 miles, which on the face of it seems ok, but if it's 50 miles of bumper-to-bumper, I may go insane within a week.

I actually know several people who commute into the Tysons area from WVA. They seem to be very good at compartmentilization. While they are at work, and especially while they are at home, the commute doesn't seem to matter to them. It's only while they are doing it that it's so awful. I personally think they are all insane, and when pressed on the point, they seem to agree with me. But they keep doing it anyway...

[NotoriousSEG]

so what kind of commute (time) are we talking here---realsitically? an hour, i can deal with. 2+ hours, and i'll be on CNN before its over with.

[claremarie]

It can take one hour to travel from Tyson's to parts of Fairfax County during the peak commute times. Realistically, you're looking at closer to two hours if you want to live in WVA.

[5stones]

leesburg to Tysons is roughly an hour on a good day. housing here has dropped and some nice TH are now available in the 300k range. older SFH can be i nthe high 300-low 400. Right now houses in our neighborhood in leesburg are running in the mid 400's about 75-100k less than 2 years ago.

Theres a very nice split level on Tuscorora (sp) st that is now in the high 300k we looked at 2 years ago when it was priced in the high 400k range.

pricing in hte roundhill area is cheaper for the newer housing and about 20min futher than Leesburg

But not knowing your budget is hard.

One thing to consider...the schools here are excellent.

[memiller]

Charles Town is doable. Hard, but doable. There are options for driving half way and taking a commuter bus the rest of the way. If you live here long enough, you'll have metrorail for 1/2 your commute. Charles Town will allow your family time to adjust to the changing lifestyle (most of the new residents of Charles Town come from NoVa.) As you're job moves west from Tyson's (they all do adventually) and your income increases, you can always sell in Charles Town and slide on into Loudoun County. Consult a realtor who works in both areas for the best guidence.