Relocating to Northern VA...Where to live? (Centreville, Chantilly: apartments, renters)

[theinfamous]

I'm relocating from Indianapolis where I'm currently paying $750/mo. (includes all utilities) for a luxury 1 bd apt dtown. I plan on moving to the Northern VA area in the next few wks and am seeking advice on where to live and how much I should expect to pay for a 1 bd apt. Any advice would be greatly appreciated...

Most of my time will be spent in the Herndon area however, there's also a good possiblity that I may have to occusaionally work in DC. Word on the street is that the traffic congestion in the region is a nightmare and that the cost of living is substantially higher than most cities. No surprise there. Considering these factors, I've therefore budgeted about $1100/mo. for rent. Is this a reasonable budget with the goal of renting a luxury 1 bd apt (includes most utilities, attractive amenities)? Furthermore, which specific areas should I target? Also, is there anyone out there that's looking to lease a 1 bd apt/condo?

Thanks in advance!!!

[knopfler]

Originally Posted by theinfamous

I'm relocating from Indianapolis where I'm currently paying $750/mo. (includes all utilities) for a luxury 1 bd apt dtown. I plan on moving to the Northern VA area in the next few wks and am seeking advice on where to live and how much I should expect to pay for a 1 bd apt. Any advice would be greatly appreciated...

Most of my time will be spent in the Herndon area however, there's also a good possiblity that I may have to occusaionally work in DC. Word on the street is that the traffic congestion in the region is a nightmare and that the cost of living is substantially higher than most cities. No surprise there. Considering these factors, I've therefore budgeted about $1100/mo. for rent. Is this a reasonable budget with the goal of renting a luxury 1 bd apt (includes most utilities, attractive amenities)? Furthermore, which specific areas should I target? Also, is there anyone out there that's looking to lease a 1 bd apt/condo?

Thanks in advance!!!

*luxury* 1BR apt/condo might be a stretch for $1100, but then everyone's definition of luxury is different. I'm sure you'll be able to find apartments in Herndon that will be to your liking and budget, though. This is NOT including utilities, though - if you're planning on an upscale 1BR in or around Herndon with all utilities included, I doubt you'll find that for $1100.

I would look in Herndon, since that's where you'll be working. (Looking in other areas for apartments is not likely to save you any money) Centreville and Chantilly are close enough to consider as well. As for when you have to scoot to DC, it depends on at what time of day you'll be travelling. If you're driving during traditional "rush hour" - i.e. 6am to 9:30am - as a single passenger auto, you're in for a very tough time of it. If you travel by HOV-2 on the Dulles Toll Road OR take Metrobus or Fairfax Connector (http://www.wmata.com/metrobus/ and (broken link) http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/connector/, respectively) to Metro Rail, you shouldn't have any trouble.

My perception is that people endure horrible commutes in this town when they have to commute into the inner suburbs or DC proper but aren't willing to shake themselves of the requirement of travelling by single passenger auto. The moment you do that, things get a whole lot better.

Welcome to Northern Virginia!

[goldenmom7500]

I just did a quick check on craigslist and there are several options in Centreville for $1100; in Herndon the luxury 1 bedrooms seem to be clustered at $1300. I think in that range $1100-1300, you'll definitely find something very nice.

[El General]

It's a renters market. If you can produce a good credit report and have references; make them come down. I agree with "mom," you're in the ballpark. Free utilities might be a tough one, though.