Where to shop for apartments near Fort Belvoir (north area) (Arlington: condos, neighborhood)

[Todd308]

Hey all,

Might be relocating down the road to Fort Belvoir (north area, west side of I95) and having never lived in the DC area I was curious where everyone would suggest looking for apartments as it seems like the commute times are critical and what looks like just a couple miles can turn into a huge mistake. I will also have my own vehicle. I do a lot of cycling as well but I'd rather just make sure I'm in a good neighborhood with a "reasonable" commute before being too picky about other stuff.

Seems I hear Burke, Lorton, Springfield, woodbridge mentioned a lot for other posts working in that general area. But I know it makes a huge difference exactly where you are working as to how it affects your commute time.

Seems most of the 1 bedroom apts run that $1500 or so in a lot of the area and that's within the budget.

Thanks in advance!

[Carlingtonian]

I work at Belvoir. People seem to like Springfield. Better yet would be apartments just south of Old Town Alexandria on the GW Parkway (near the Potomac River and a golf course--a reverse commute to Belvoir), but I think they'll be pricier. Route 1 near the base is nasty.

You might also consider South Arlington.

Good luck.

[newvadad]

Unless you live on base, you can't avoid the traffic. I have a friend that lives in Kingstowne (off of Franconia Rd) and it's a pretty quick drive from there to the base. They have a good assortment of stores and restaurants.
You should be able to find a place there pretty easily.

[jillabean]

There are some apartments between Fort Belvoir and Saratoga Shopping Center off Rolling Road. I have no idea how good they are, but from the outside they look nice (and it's very convenient looking). I would say biking from there, to Ft. Belvoir would be easy. I think it's called Saratoga Square. If you live someplace that close and don't have to drive, you will save money (to offset the higher rent).

I live in West Springfield and Ft. Belvoir is an easy 5-10 minute drive from where I live (during evening rush).

[The Dissenter]

Originally Posted by Todd308

Hey all,

Might be relocating down the road to Fort Belvoir (north area, west side of I95) and having never lived in the DC area I was curious where everyone would suggest looking for apartments as it seems like the commute times are critical and what looks like just a couple miles can turn into a huge mistake. I will also have my own vehicle. I do a lot of cycling as well but I'd rather just make sure I'm in a good neighborhood with a "reasonable" commute before being too picky about other stuff.

Seems I hear Burke, Lorton, Springfield, woodbridge mentioned a lot for other posts working in that general area. But I know it makes a huge difference exactly where you are working as to how it affects your commute time.

Seems most of the 1 bedroom apts run that $1500 or so in a lot of the area and that's within the budget.

Thanks in advance!

Agree with Kingstowne and would also like to throw in Belle View off of Ft Hunt Rd. I think those are condos but probably have rented units.

[roninsedge]

Based on your description, it seems that you will be working in the newer area of Ft. Belvoir. For where you are going to be working in Ft. Belvoir, I think Lorton, West Springfield or any area off of Pohick Rd, Rolling Rd or the Fairfax County Parkway would be ideal for you. The commute from these areas to where you are going to be working is negligible.

[terrence81]

Can vouch for West Springfield. I live there and its really nice and peaceful.

[Todd308]

bump for updated input/suggestions

Thanks!

[roninsedge]

I think the ideas presented are the best options for you so far. Have you found any prospective apartments you want to know more about or are you encountering any problems in your search for a place to live?

[Todd308]

No I haven't been out there to shop yet, I don't start till probably mid/late September.

As an aside is it hard/impossible/crazy spendy to find apartments that have garages in these areas? I know some places in the country apartments with garages basically don't exist.