Moving-only 2 weeks (Arlington, Reston, McLean: apartment, neighborhood, theater)

[ec4444]

Hello,

I've been looking around this forum to gain information, but still have some questions. Any help is appreciated! I will be starting a new job in McLean (closer to McLean proper, not Tysons) in two weeks. I am in my early 20s, and I've seen Arlington is the obvious choice to live for people my age. My question is if there are other areas I should consider given the following information. I am interested in meeting new people my age, but I do not care for the bar scene. Every once in a while is enough for me. Also, I am interested in being near biking trails and other outdoorsy types of activity. I will need to drive to work, so I do not see a need to pay a premium to live in walking distance to the metro. I would prefer to have a studio, but if I can't find one within budget, I will be open to roommates. I would like to spend no more than $1400 including utilities. Should I consider Falls Church, Tysons, or somewhere else? Thank you in advance for your advice!

[FindingZen]

Reston. The W&OD Trail, popular with bikers and joggers, runs through it. It sounds like the social options at Reston Town Center would satisfy you during the week. Unless you're willing and able to find a studio apartment, however, that $1400 budget may be just enough to cover the rent.

[ec4444]

Would Reston be a far commute to my work? I would like to commute less than 30 minutes each way.

[Bigfoot424]

No easy commute for you unless you live in the McLean area. Tyson's would not be a good choice if you want to live around young people. Reston would work well but not the easiest commute.

[ec4444]

How long of a commute would it roughly be from Reston? I heard that Arlington would be an easier commute. Is this not true? I would consider anything less than 30 minutes pretty easy for me. Thank you!

[Caladium]

Depends on if you're willing to take the toll road. If you need to take Rt. 7, the commute at rush hour could at times be more than 30 minutes. You would be much happier living in Tysons or Falls Church, if you can find a place at that price.

[ec4444]

Okay, would there still be plenty of social options for people in their mid 20s in Tysons and Falls Church? I am not interested in constantly partying anymore, but still wish to make friends with people around my age.

[tysonsengineer]

Originally Posted by Bigfoot424

No easy commute for you unless you live in the McLean area. Tyson's would not be a good choice if you want to live around young people. Reston would work well but not the easiest commute.

I live in Tysons, and I continue to see more 20 and 30 somethings moving in here. I would say the idea that Tysons is not young friendly is not necessarily true. Obviously its not Arlington or DC, but I would say there is no defined distinction in demographics between Tysons and Arlington or other suburban areas like Falls Church etc.

So its really more a decision of, Arlington/DC or the rest, of which Tysons is an option.

I frequent plenty of happy hours in Tysons, of which there are 2 dozen or more options. Its not a dead zone like other parts of suburbia. I'd say in terms of being able to walk from your apartment to a bar, the options are going to be minimal for the short term, but all are within a 3 to 5 minute drive if you know the right roads to take. And come sometime this year, if you do want to head into Arlington or DC you can take the silver line.

I would also say Falls Church is a perfectly good neighborhood for a 20/30 something not looking for the post college bar scene every night, and more affordable than Tysons or Arlington.

You can find some 1brs at Commons of McLean for your price, I think there are other options near Pimmit as well between Tysons and Falls Church.

[ec4444]

Thanks, I think I will look into Tysons more if there is a younger crowd. I think my commute to McLean would also shorten? Do you know if there are any biking trails in that area?

[FindingZen]

The thing about Tysons - unlike various parts of Reston, Falls Church and Arlington - is that it's not very walkable. That may improve slightly if/when the Silver Line Metro comes on-line later this year but be prepared to drive to almost every resto-bar* you will want to patronize in Tysons.

*Note that in VA, establishments that serve alcohol must also derive a certain percentage of their revenue from food. So there are no true bars per se but at least you can rely on a good to great selection of food to absorb whatever you're imbibing.

Regarding Falls Church, it's certainly a happy medium between convenience to your job in Tysons and the 20something hotspots over in Arlington. You could take the Orange Line down to the latter which you may appreciate as you make your way back home. While I'm sure that there are younger professionals living in Falls Church, it's also very family-friendly. You may see adults of all ages at many restaurants. That said, the State Theater is known to have some interesting acts come in; it won't hurt to be convenient to that venue. You may find (even) fewer housing options at your preferred budget in that relatively close-in location.