Middle ground between Chantilly & Vienna (Reston, Dale City: real estate, 2011, for rent)

[JCricket]

Hi, I am likely going to be offered a job that will move me from Colorado Springs, CO to Chantilly. Of course, sticker shock on housing has set in (my new construction 3B/3B 1400sqft house was $200K). I have no illusions about getting anything remotely close to that, but I'm trying to find a middle ground and try and get a decent idea of cost-of-living to help in salary negotiation. I make $60K right now, so I'm guessing the same standard of living will require around $80K?

Another factor - my wife will likely try to go to school at George Washington Univ if I do get the job. I know it's got a metro stop, so we don't need to be close to the DC area and hopefully that will help with finding cheaper housing. The trick is that I'm trying to split the difference between commutes to the train for my wife and a commute to Chantilly for me, while trying to minimize housing costs while we adjust to the new standard of living. It's just two of us (plus cats), so we don't need a ton of room. Ideally, we'd like to keep it under $250K if that's even possible.

Thanks in advance!

[Novamom06]

You will have a really hard time finding anything decent for that price in Fairfax County. I would probably stick with trying to find a condo in the Chantilly area, something like South Riding, if you definately want to buy. This is assuming that your wife can commute to school during off rush hour times.

If you are open to renting, the Reston area would probably be a good fit.

[knopfler]

Originally Posted by JCricket

Hi, I am likely going to be offered a job that will move me from Colorado Springs, CO to Chantilly. Of course, sticker shock on housing has set in (my new construction 3B/3B 1400sqft house was $200K). I have no illusions about getting anything remotely close to that, but I'm trying to find a middle ground and try and get a decent idea of cost-of-living to help in salary negotiation. I make $60K right now, so I'm guessing the same standard of living will require around $80K?

Another factor - my wife will likely try to go to school at George Washington Univ if I do get the job. I know it's got a metro stop, so we don't need to be close to the DC area and hopefully that will help with finding cheaper housing. The trick is that I'm trying to split the difference between commutes to the train for my wife and a commute to Chantilly for me, while trying to minimize housing costs while we adjust to the new standard of living. It's just two of us (plus cats), so we don't need a ton of room. Ideally, we'd like to keep it under $250K if that's even possible.

Thanks in advance!

Won't happen in Fairfax County if you're not open to a condo. Fairfax County includes both Chantilly (well, most of it anyway) and Vienna, and all points between. I'm sorry.

If your wife is going to class outside of rush hour, then things look a lot better - you could go to Gainesville/Bristow/North Manassas, which is very commutable to Chantilly. It's about 35 miles outside of George Washington University/DC, though. If she's going into class during rush hour, it's going to be FUGLY unless she takes public transport, which can be a problem with variable class times.

You would still be hard pressed to find a townhouse in Gainesville/Bristow for under 250k, and 250k would do just that in North Manassas/zip 20109.

IF you are willing to get a 2 BR condo with about 900-1000 square feet, places like Fairfax, Annandale, Chantilly, Centreville, and even some areas of Reston are in your price range. Vienna, and most other places right on the Metro line, still probably aren't.

I think the biggest misconception you have is that Metro goes out beyond what we consider the inner suburbs. It doesn't; not until 2011-12 when the Wiehle Avenue extension opens up to Herndon/Reston, and then 2015-16 to Loudoun County/Dulles. Even then, a lot of southern (Lorton, Clifton, Woodbridge, Lake Ridge, Dumfries, Dale City, Stafford) and western (Manassas, Centreville, Gainesville, Haymarket, Chantilly, South Riding, Bristow) suburbs will continue to be completely unserved by Metro rail.

Welcome, in advance, to Northern Virginia!

[stacylee926]

You should seriously consider renting first. I really hate to see people try to buy something right away when they live so far away. I just posted to someone else that I personally feel the housing slump will continue for awhile. As a buyer that gives you plenty of time to make decisions. Especially since you have a very limited budget to work with. It would not be fair to you to just buy something that will ultimately make you miserable - and then cannot get out of for years. Much better to rent while you get your bearings and get a good feel for the whole area.

The Metro is a very clean and safe subway. I traveled to GW Hospital fon the Metro or months every night to see my mom. I always felt safe. The parking lots are well lit too.

[goldenmom7500]

I think you may decide to bump up your price *somewhat* - however, I think there is some inflation in the prices that are quoted here (use caution in any statements that start with "you can't buy a house for less than ... in that community/city/county"). I mean, you have a poster saying that they bought a 4 bedroom townhouse in Gainesville (a lovely and generally new area in Prince William County) for, I think, 340 or 360K and the same are now going for 260K. So, prices have come down more than most of us have adapted to ... to use very improper English, pardon me.

You might want to (a) map the route and then (b) search realtor.com or your preferred real estate site; and then (c) come back here and bounce your proposals off the experts here.

I love this site, but I find this type of input (bouncing off ideas) to be more accurate than the generalized observations about housing cost requirements.

[normie]

I'll add another vote for renting for a few months. I think you might like South Riding, but it's best to take a look for yourself and see if the neighborhood and commute work for you.

Once you get your bearings, though, this is a good time to buy in Virginia! Your price is still a little low, but if you can bump it up just a bit you could probably find a place you like. Welcome to Virginia!

[VLT]

If you lean towards a condo, some condo fees can be $300-$400/month. You may as well consider a town house for that additional monthly cost. Renting is most likely the way to go until you find the one place that works for you and your wife. Best of luck!

[tarp]

Beware of South Riding. The traffic on 50 heading into Chantilly is terrible not just during the mornings but also during the "lunch rush" because all the businesses (mostly warehouses, the stone quarry, farms, etc.) and homes in South Riding/Arcola/Aldie are underserved by retail and restaurants so they head into Chantilly, clogging up the road.

Try to find a low end, smaller townhouse in Chantilly or Centreville in the low 300's. I think you could probably find something in the 320 range if you look. From there it's not a terrible drive to the Vienna metro to get into D.C. Housing in Vienna and in Fairfax (which is situated between Vienna and Chantilly) is much more expensive.

[tarp]

Beware of South Riding. The traffic on 50 heading into Chantilly is terrible not just during the mornings but also during the "lunch rush" because all the businesses (mostly warehouses, the stone quarry, farms, etc.) and homes in South Riding/Arcola/Aldie are underserved by retail and restaurants so they head into Chantilly, clogging up the road.

Try to find a low end, smaller townhouse in Chantilly or Centreville in the low 300's. I think you could probably find something in the 320 range if you look. From there it's not a terrible drive to the Vienna metro to get into D.C. Housing in Vienna and in Fairfax (which is situated between Vienna and Chantilly) is much more expensive.