Commuting options - Alexandria to Winchester

[South Jersey Styx]

Originally Posted by urbnxr

I suppose it would depend on the time frame in starting the job, should I get it. I'm currently stuck in a lease until the end of July in Alexandria. So if I had to start working prior to that point, the commute would be a must.

Your efforts may be valiant initially, but you will tire and hate the world in a very short time with this type of commute. I did the commute from Winchester-DC at one time but (a) took the Loudoun Commuter Bus, catching it in Purcellville or Hamilton (so I didn't need to drive), and (b) was able to work at home at least 1 day a week.

If you get the job and accept, ask your landlord about a hardship case -- see if it's doable or requires a special request. I believe that this is an option for people in the military; perhaps there are other scenarios that it is applicable.

The other issue is my current two roommates who I would ideally like to continue living with. One works in Arlington and the other works in DC and they are very attached to their 10-15 minute commute (as am I). So far the furthest west we've discussed moving is Falls Church, which would only take about 15 minutes off the drive.

I don't get it. So you plan to shape your future depending on the needs of your current roomates? Dude, they're set if their commute is great. And I'd bet money that they will NOT move further out just to accommodate your needs. Grow up and get out on your own. Trust me, you will enjoy going back to NOVA to visit them and they will enjoy the day trip out to Winchester to visit you. We have plenty of friends from DC and NoVA that visit us out here. Heck, we actually get visits from friends and relatives quite frequently from NJ, Philly, and NYC

Aside from the commute, other pros to moving to Winchester? . . . .Winchester seems like a downgrade.

Downgrade? Well, let's see:

Lower cost of living;
Cheaper rent;
More space inside;
More space outside;
Surrounded by mass amount of preserved historic architecture;
Walkable city;
Tons of outdoor activities;
Tons of festivals, fairs, and events;
Very community-oriented;
Progressive city planning of future development;
Tons of Organic, natural, locally-grown products;
Tons of family-owned/independent restaurants (not chains/franchises);
University-town;
Fast-growing medical industry area with #5 ranked hospital center in VA;
Friendly people who say "Good Morning" as they pass you on the sidewalk;
Lower taxes

About the one thing that may be limited is the social life for 20-30-somethings. Yes, there are plenty of lounges, bars, restaurants, and activities for younger folks, but you can do the occasional trip to DC-NoVA if you desire more.

My advise: Unless you enjoy living in homogenous suburbia, stuck in traffic, paying high $S for living expenses, and paying higher taxes, then stay put. Otherwise, go for it! If you don't like it, you can always go back.

Good luck.

[dmv101010]

IMO it is a downgrade or perhaps a quality of life thing, For younger people I wouldn't recommend it now if you had a family and perhaps wanted to live well off of one income I'd say go for it. But if you do accept the job it would be foolish not to move to Winchester as COL is much lower. If you are not ready to watch your corn pop up in rows it might be better just to keep looking for another job in NOVA or the district

[spencgr]

Originally Posted by dmv101010

For younger people I wouldn't recommend it

I think it is important to note that young people have lives, make friends, do fun things, and fall in love all over the world. It doesn't just happen in Arlington and Alexandria.