Moving to D.C./VA area soon (Arlington, Alexandria: apartments, crime)

[HeavenSoldier]

Please help. I recently accepted a job in downtown D.C. I will be moving there early or late April 2012 from Jacksonville, Florida. Can you all recommend an area and an apartment to stay in? My main priority is to avoid crime areas at all costs. I also would like an apartment in a diverse (not that important), nice paced area with nearby stores for grocery shopping, etc.

Even though I am 27, I do not mind living in a suburban area, I can drive to urban areas to have fun. I am a Christian, so I really don't want to be by clubs and rowdiness. I would not mind living in Virginia or D.C; however, it seems as if VA would be the cheaper option for me (taxes, etc). I have visited places such as Falls Church, Old Town Alexandria, Fairfax, Mclean, Tysons Corner, Burke, and I like those areas.

If I were in VA, I would not mind a maximum 30-40 minute commute to downtown D.C. Also, I guess I can consider living in D.C., I heard capital Hill was nice area. I’m looking for a 1 bedroom apartment, with mature individuals in the complex. Any other information petinirent to my move would be helpful. Sorry if this is too long. Thank you very much.

[michgc]

The most important question is, "what is your budget?" That will mostly likely dictate where you can live.

[CaliTerp07]

Also, where in DC? Some areas are more easily accessed from different neighborhoods.

[HeavenSoldier]

Sorry, I am willing to pay 1000 to 1800 a month. I prefer not to cross 1400 but you get what you pay for. I will be working along pennsylvania avenue (that's all I'm willing to share). Thanks for your speedy help.

[635911]

Arlington or Tysons. It's expensive everywhere. If you go out too far, you will pay for lost time in commuting , traffic, gas, etc. Stay close and you'll be better off.

[HeavenSoldier]

Thank you very much for your response 635. I will check out those areas. Whats the difference between Arlington and Tysons?

[Smoke_Jaguar4]

Originally Posted by HeavenSoldier

Thank you very much for your response 635. I will check out those areas. Whats the difference between Arlington and Tysons?

Around an hour, with traffic.

Given where you're working, your best option will be to take the metro to work. When you arrive and inprocess, sign up for the metro transit subsidy which will cover up to $120/month of your costs. The alternative will be to drive and park for up to $20/day out of pocket.

For where to live, I'd look along the metro Yellow/Blue line in Alexandria. There are some apartments near the Braddock Road metro stop that may be in your price range, otherwise try Huntington or Springfield. From there you can drive to either Ft Belvoir or Ft Myer for commissary, PX, etc...

[CaliTerp07]

Originally Posted by Smoke_Jaguar4

For where to live, I'd look along the metro Yellow/Blue line in Alexandria. There are some apartments near the Braddock Road metro stop that may be in your price range, otherwise try Huntington or Springfield. From there you can drive to either Ft Belvoir or Ft Myer for commissary, PX, etc...

Are civilians allowed to use the commissary? I thought only military/dependents could. Or did I miss that the OP is military?

OP, do you have a home church that might have ties to this area in some way? I know I'd be happy to host someone for a month or two while they got settled if it was a friend of a friend through church. My church offers a bulletin board for roommate/tenant searching, so once you were hear it would be easy to find a place that way.

If you want to live by yourself, $1000-1400 is definitely the lower end of things. The problem with shopping for apartments in more suburban areas like Burke or West Springfield is that there just aren't as many as there are in Arlington and Alexandria City.

[Smoke_Jaguar4]

Originally Posted by CaliTerp07

Are civilians allowed to use the commissary? I thought only military/dependents could. Or did I miss that the OP is military?

Yep, I assumed he's military based on his handle; but given his criteria I think my recommendation is still useful to him.

[HeavenSoldier]

Hey sorry, I work for the U.S. Department of Justice, I'll be working on Pennsylvania avenue, near the mall and white house. @Smoke Jauguar I completely forgot about the metro, my co-workers told me about that months ago when I was considering positions in D.C. I think that may be the best, since I don't want to continually pay for parking. I will also consider the options you provided me regarding Alexandria, etc. Thanks!!

@Cali, I think I'm going to try Mclean bible church first. I really liked it when I was there? Have you have of that church? Thanks for your responses and advice about the bulletin.