Commute Question. Commute from North Reston to Columbia, MD (Tysons Corner: 2013, how much)

[sureshchinta]

My wife and I are planning to buy a home in North Reston as we like the place very much. Problem is, my wife currently works in Columbia, MD. I believe the commute may be against the traffic flow however beltway traffic is un-predictable.

If any one can please share their experience and insight on if you think that is possible.

Also, we have looked at homes in Elkridge, Elicott City etc. but did not like these places much.

Thanks.

[Shelborne_22033]

This is a tough commute. I stated on another thread, the 495 inner loop in Mont Co is a very long parking lot and unpredictable. The outer loop heading back to NVa is no picnic either in the evening. Getting to Columbia from the 495 is tough too. Is there a compelling reason for living in N Reston? You don't state where you work. I would consider looking in Mont Co, Howard Co and perhaps Frederick Co.

[Flamingo13]

I agree (although I prefer living in VA over MD) - but that would be a horrible commute (unless divorce is the plan? LOL)

[jillybean720]

Ouch. If my husband did that to me, I'd probably start looking for my own place closer to Columbia! I frequently drive from Sterling (very close to North Reston) to Glen Burnie, MD, and it is a pretty tiring drive even without traffic. I'd hate to have to do something similar twice a day, five days a week...yuck!

[stpickrell]

Originally Posted by sureshchinta

My wife and I are planning to buy a home in North Reston as we like the place very much. Problem is, my wife currently works in Columbia, MD. I believe the commute may be against the traffic flow however beltway traffic is un-predictable.

If any one can please share their experience and insight on if you think that is possible.

Also, we have looked at homes in Elkridge, Elicott City etc. but did not like these places much.

Thanks.

Where is your job?

Columbia itself is designed by the same folks that designed Reston ... what is wrong with there?

[sureshchinta]

I work in DC. Commute is not easy for me as well from North Reston until end 2013 (Silver Line Metro starts) it currently is very easy from Silver Spring, MD.

Both me and my wife like Reston area also our friends live around the same place which gives a better social life. Also, divorce is not a plan for now

Thanks for your inputs.

[FindingZen]

It sounds like your wife (and by default you) won't have much time to spend with your Reston friends and she may be worn out on the weekdays and you may well need to catch up on household stuff on the weekends.

Given that, I'd look for a place in MD that otherwise fits your preferences and visit your Reston friends on the weekends.

[michgc]

I'd second the vote to live in Columbia. Columbia and Reston are very similar places, both being among the oldest planned communities in the nation. The housing costs are a lot cheaper than in Reston Your wife would have a much, much easier commute, and your commute wouldn't be that much worse. You can visit your friends on weekends.

[FCNova]

Originally Posted by Shelborne_22033

This is a tough commute. I stated on another thread, the 495 inner loop in Mont Co is a very long parking lot and unpredictable. The outer loop heading back to NVa is no picnic either in the evening. Getting to Columbia from the 495 is tough too. Is there a compelling reason for living in N Reston? You don't state where you work. I would consider looking in Mont Co, Howard Co and perhaps Frederick Co.

Do you drive the beltway every day? Inner loop in the morning into MD isn't a parking lot unless there's a major accident which doesn't happen that frequently. This morning I left Tysons Corner and got to Silver Spring MD in about 40 minutes. Going home generally isn't too bad either, I average about 40-45 minutes or so. The express lanes construction ending and opening up those lanes has helped traffic flow.

My home is close to the beltway as is my office in Silver Spring, so the vast majority of my commute is 495. I think this is key if you're commuting between VA/MD. The OP will have a much longer commute because of this. If you don't want to live in MD I'd suggest finding a home closer to the beltway in VA, but property will be much more expensive, and I'm sure a big reason you're buying in Reston is how much you can afford there. Good luck

[vermonter16]

Why don't you try it a couple of times. Stay overnight at friends in Reston on a weeknight and see what it is like for yourself. Then you'll know whether it is a viable commute for your wife.