Moving to Nova, working in SW DC (Hampton, Alexandria: condo, townhouse)

[misphasa]

I will likely be moving to NoVa in the next few months - working in DC, specifically near the Federal Center SW metro stop.

I'm looking to buy either a townhouse or sfh up to about $550k, less is obviously better. I can handle a commute of about an hour one way, obviously less is better here too. I do not have kids, so no school concerns.

I prefer more of a smaller town atmosphere, lots of trees, maybe a small yard for some flowers. Walk to metro would be the best option, however, if it's not too hard to park at the metro stops I could do that too. I figure if I'm on the metro line, I could get to all the fun things I'd want to do.

So basically - a safe area, no condo's, walk to metro (or easy means of getting to it), lots of trees (maybe near a park??), friendly people, reasonable commute to DC.

I hope I've given specific enough info...and thanks!

[saganista]

Two ideas...there is a large and modern but tree-festooned townhouse community just north of the Vienna Metro station. Some will be out of your price range, some will not. There is a nice run of 1960's SFH's along Cottage Street north of the Dunn Loring Metro station. These tend to list from the low 500's to the mid 600's. Those are each within walking distance of Metro. Run time from Vienna to Federal Center SW is 35 minutes, a few minutes less from Dunn Loring. Beyond each of these lie attractive neighborhoods that would also fit your budget, but would probably require a drive-and-park (or at least a bike-and-park) to get to the train. The entire stretch is safe and heavily wooded, and there are several parks in the area. There are also very nice TH and SFH clusters around the East Falls Church Metro station, but these would tend to run above the $550K threshhold.

[misphasa]

Do you know the name of the townhome community near the Vienna metro?

Any thoughts on Jefferson Manor in 22303 near the Huntington Metro? I've searched, but only found a couple things on it. Is that area good or bad? I'm a SF, living alone and often work late.

Are there any park like communities in Alexandria?

Thanks for your help!!

[Yankeesfan]

I would NOT recommend the area around the Huntington Metro, for safety reasons. Why don't you check out Kingstowne? Kingstowne Residential Owners Corporation Home Page, realtor.com zip code 22315. It's one of the largest planned communities in Virginia, but is divided into many smaller neighborhoods which are surrounded by a lot of trees. Two pools, two fitness centers, and walking trails. Five minute drive to the Franconia-Springfield Metro, which is on the Blue Line and it the end of the line so it has a 6,000 space parking garage. You would definitely be a lot safer in Kingstowne than in the Huntington area. Island Creek is a similar but smaller (so fewer amenities) neighborhood nearby. It has a walking path directly to the Metro (but there have been muggings along it). Here is a Metro map to help you see the areas in relation to where you'll be commuting to:

Metro - Metrorail System Map

[saganista]

Originally Posted by misphasa

Do you know the name of the townhome community near the Vienna metro?

There are three of them. Country Creek and Virginia Center are the two nearest the Metro station. Fairfax Metro Square is the third. It's a little further to the west toward Oakton High School, but still an easy walk.

Ditto on Huntington, btw. And on Kingstowne.

[cliftonLLR]

I would look in Clifton VA. Its about a 45min commute to the city. The houses and schools are great.

They have house for under 550k. I know for a fact because we are selling our for just under that.

[jaywallace]

Originally Posted by cliftonLLR

I would look in Clifton VA. Its about a 45min commute to the city. The houses and schools are great.

They have house for under 550k. I know for a fact because we are selling our for just under that.

I would second this. Clifton is awesome.

[saganista]

Sure, Clifton is nice. Bit of a long walk to Metro, though. I'm thinking about four hours at a brisk pace...

[jclark2]

I totally disagree that the area around the Huntington Metro is not safe. I live in Jefferson Manor and LOVE it there. I am a single woman and walk my dog in my neighborhood at all times of the day and night. I've never had a problem. My neighborhood is full of young single people, young couples with 1 or 2 kids, and lots of dogs. I have a yard and a flower bed. Jefferson Manor is within walking distance to the Huntington Metro too so it would be perfect for your job. Misphasa-I really hope you reconsider this area. Let me know if I can help.

[misphasa]

I know I'll just have to get down there and look at these areas, but what is it about the Huntington Metro area that is considered undesirable? I would be walking back and forth from the metro every day - is it that area specifically that's bad and maybe Jefferson Manor is ok?

Re: Kingstowne - is it easy to park at the Springfield Metro? Will your car be safe there? Kingstowne looks great!

Re: Vienna metro area - any thoughts on the following TH communities - Circle Woods, Hampton Court, Linden Square, Dunn Loring Village, Dunn Loring Woods?

Thanks for all your input and advice!