Where should we buy? Relocating from SoCal to NOVA.

[jmking]

There is one alternative and that is to look into southern Maryland, in Charles County. White Plains, La Plata, down Indian Head. I'm sure you could get that amount of land and a house but there would be draw backs for some. Distance is one but an area where many do commute from. Mass transit is limited but is on the most part not developed like other areas have been the last 20 years except for Waldorf, Md.

[CAVA1990]

Originally Posted by jmking

There is one alternative and that is to look into southern Maryland, in Charles County. White Plains, La Plata, down Indian Head. I'm sure you could get that amount of land and a house but there would be draw backs for some. Distance is one but an area where many do commute from. Mass transit is limited but is on the most part not developed like other areas have been the last 20 years except for Waldorf, Md.

Those who prefer indoor plumbing?

[ChristineVA]

Originally Posted by CAVA1990

Those who prefer indoor plumbing?

Hope you're just joking!!

I'm no big fan of Southern MD, but I will say that once you get way down into LaPlata and points south, it's actually pretty nice. I've had family down in Charlotte Hall for years and the development down there has really come along. I am impressed with how lovely the neighborhoods look--mostly because the homes are on 1-5 acre lots, and beautiful homes too. Last year I had to go down to PAX River Naval Base for a meeting and I was astonished how much it had developed down that way. Certainly living way down there is too far for an Arlington job but people do it. La Plata would probably be as far as I would go for an Arlington commute but it probably does have what the OP is looking for.

[jmking]

Originally Posted by CAVA1990

Those who prefer indoor plumbing?

I know you are kidding. There are some very nice rural areas down there with plumbing. Actually if you really want to build equity, that area would be the place to go because eventually it will build up much more in the future. Schools are an issue for sure, mass transit and .............moonshine.

[popnet]

Originally Posted by nikifrogrdh

We commuted for work 60min in CA so we're used to that. Traffic here is nothing compared to Southern CA.

I'm originally from California and that's what I thought as well. We moved here during the winter several years ago and thought traffic was light and over-hyped. After living here the entire year after our move I quickly came to the realization that traffic here, especially during peak commuting times can be just as bad or even worse than Socal.

It's weird, but there are many times where traffic doesn't seem that bad or even non existent, but there are many more times where traffic is horrible. You'll realize that once you live here for at least a year and especially if you commute the entire year during peak times.

Be forewarned that your husband will be looking at two hour commutes each way from Front Royal to Arlington.

[stpickrell]

Oh yeah, don't forget aboot Martinsburg, take the MARC + Metro in. But it'll be a long long long commute.

[Middlin]

As others have posted, please, please rent for a year. You can't imagine how draining, frustrating and time consuming this commute will be. I actually recommend you rent in Bristow/Haymarket/Gainesville area since that would give a good idea of what is tolerable. I live in Bristow (20136) and the demographic of this area is young families. We have 7 elementary schools within a 6 mile radius to give you an idea of the demographic. There are a number of stay at home parents as families decided the tradeoff of one parent having a commute was a tradeoff they could tolerate. The area is becoming more built up and a new hospital is being built in Haymarket. Heritage Hunt area has a lot of doctor offices and of course we have dentist offices. You might find the salary to be lower in PW, but the tradeoff is not having a commute. Shopping conveniences, good schools and less congestion and lower house prices is what brings a lot of families here. We know a family that bought on a larger lot and they basically have no neighbors. No neighbors makes it extremly difficult to forge relationships, no one for the kids to play with outside and they regret the decision to not buy in a neighborhood. Just some food for thought.

[bob_888]

I lived in SoCal from 2009-2011 (in Hawthorne) but currently I live in Fairfax.

I can tell you from my experience that driving on I-66 and I-495 can really take a toll on your general health. Not that the drivers here are any less dangerous, but the traffic can be just as bad as the 405.

I know of several people while in SoCal who commuted into work (El Segundo) from as far away as Riverside and Huntington Beach. A few of them since have moved to this area and all have told me that the commute is only half (since they live in places like Lorton and Dale City) but just as stressful as their old commutes.

If I were you, I would recommend something in Fauquier County or something in Maryland. I am the only person in my group of 20 co-workers who live in Fairfax County (and work in Tyson's Corner). My supervisor lives 2nd closest to work and commutes daily from Ashburn and he has a wife and three kids. Everyone else lives in Maryland.

With that being said, this is a really nice area to be in environmentally speaking. It can get a bit muggy in the summer and snowy in the winter, but you'll make it. Also, the high-end shopping of Tyson's Corner easily rivals what you see on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills.

[krystsyde]

I'm from Southern California, and I hate NOVA traffic as well... If it is not too late. Arlington at 1530 to Front Royal will be a definite 2 hour plus commute. If it snows LOL. Remember it doesn't snow in So Cal! It takes me 45 avg from the 66/495 to Manassas at 1430. yep VRE if you buy in F-burg or Stafford. I currently live in Manassas and after 6 months I hate driving. We have 4 kids as well, but our housing budget is half yours. I'd look in Burke , Clifton, Chantilly, or Centreville. A little closer, and in Fairfax County schools, one for the nations best counties. Otherwise the boonies it is. Like Nokesville, Bealton, or Culpepper, or Front Royal. Shoot aim for W. VA while you are at it!