Affordability in Nova? Working in DC (Arlington, Reston: renting, insurance, townhome)

[mcleanexec]

Originally Posted by hilsmom

It depends on the TH or condo community and where you are located what kind of HOA fee you would be looking at. In Reston, you generally have 2 organizations you pay fees to - your neighborhood HOA and then the Reston Association, which maintains the pools and trails and parks for the whole "town" (not really an incorporated town, Reston is more like a giant HOA community). Honestly? I didn't find them to be terribly high. All told, it worked out to about $150 a month and that covered quite a bit. Condos tend to be more expensive than THs, just because of all the shared maintenance.

Greenbriar has NO HOA - just a civic association that is voluntary. It is good in some ways, bad in others. I actually wish that we had an HOA run pool - we can't go to our "neighborhood pool" in the summer because you have to pay quite a bit for a membership AND they are incredibly hard to come by (basically you have to buy it from someone who already has one - numbers are limited). So, we either have to find friends or go to the county run pools and pay a fee each time we go. That said, the REC center pool closest to us is great, and we aren't able to hang out at the pool all summer, anyway.

Prices are inching up, so finding a SFH under $500K is getting harder by the day. There are still a few areas in Fairfax where it is possible in areas with good schools - as I said, my neighborhood is a possibility still and there are a few in Burke, Annandale and Fairfax City. They all have public transportation options to get downtown - some are easier than others (Fairfax Connector busses to metro, mostly). If VRE works for you, I think Burke is your best option to try to find a SFH in your price range.

Good luck!

TS, already said Burke was too expensive for him.

[xxengineerxx]

Originally Posted by mcleanexec

TS, already said Burke was too expensive for him.

no...maybe I search it incorrectly. I did a quick search on..., only a handful of TH/SFH shows up but all of them are over $400k..that why I said it's more expensive lol sorry

[hilsmom]

honestly, within Fairfax - there isn't a lot under $400K these days. BUT, I did a search on Burke and found a couple SFH's and more TH's below $400K. My old neighborhood of 2 BR TH's in Reston is selling in the low-mid $300K's currently, just as a point of reference.

Inventory is ridiculously low right now, which isn't helping.

If you are willing to do the commute from PWC or Stafford and do either a commuter bus or the VRE, affordability increases. With a generous public transportation subsidy from your office, I encourage you to take advantage of that option.

[tgbwc]

How about a townhome in the 22152 or 22153 zip codes?

[stpickrell]

I would rent in which of Herndon, Reston, or Fairfax you like, until your wife finishes school and gets a job. Then locate based on that.

Where in DC is your job and where is your wife's school?

[xxengineerxx]

Originally Posted by stpickrell

I would rent in which of Herndon, Reston, or Fairfax you like, until your wife finishes school and gets a job. Then locate based on that.

Where in DC is your job and where is your wife's school?

That's a good advice. That's what I am thinking too. I always careful about money most of time. So I have a few ideas from you guys and talking to a few folks where to rent...

I will be working 6th St NW near China town. My wife is going for early childhood education.

[lordntaylor]

of the communities you listed, I would choose centreville or chantilly if you can afford it...if not then, Woodbridge. I think Ashburn and Leesburg are going to be out of your leauge....the closer you get to Route 7, the more real estate prices jump...i guess because its a straight shoot to Tysons.

[xxengineerxx]

Just want to update everyone...I have moved to Oakton and i am very happy with it. 8 min bus ride to Metro or 13 min bike ride or 25 min power walk...it's awesome. Everyone is so nice. Distance to grocery or shopping is like within 10-15min away..perfect

[JavaJunkieDC]

I work in DC and live in NOVA and compared to me, you're RICH. You'll find something. It's not cheap living here, but from the sound of it, you can afford it.

[FindingZen]

Originally Posted by xxengineerxx

Just want to update everyone...I have moved to Oakton and i am very happy with it. 8 min bus ride to Metro or 13 min bike ride or 25 min power walk...it's awesome. Everyone is so nice. Distance to grocery or shopping is like within 10-15min away..perfect

Thanks for checking back in with us! Glad to know you're happy in Oakton.