Starting work at the Mark Center in Alexandria, where to live where commute wont be too bad? (Annandale: apartments, to rent)

[RdZDuBZ]

Hi Guys/Gals,

I will be starting my new job as a contractor at the Mark Center in about 2 weeks. I currently live in Annandale, but I want to move to a lower cost of living area where I can get more bang for my buck. I was thinking about moving to Woodbridge, but not sure if that would be a viable option?

I'm looking for my commute to not be more than 40 minutes to and from work. My hours are from 930a-6p. The places I was thinking of possibly moving to were: Woodbridge, Lorton, Fairfax Station, Chantilly, Fairfax or any other suggestions that are farther (cheaper) from DC.

I'm looking to rent and not buy. I would be living by myself and am looking to rent a basement apartment

Thanks!

** I also plan on parking at the Mark Center and they told me parking would be 100 bucks a month. I am ok with that amount, but I saw some older posts about a waiting list and possibly there being no parking available at the Mark Center?

[spleuchan]

Parking at the Mark Center is free, but can be hard to get. Most of the parking garages in the immediate areas charge $50 daily if you don't belong to those buildings. Maybe the $100 is for a farther out garage? You definitely want to figure out if you can get parking before you decide where to live as it will make a huge difference. I commute all the way from Haymarket and it takes me about 45 minutes in the morning and 50 in the afternoon, but I work early 0630 to 1500 and my hybrid qualifies for the HOV on I-66.

[TheWatchmen]

I'd still keep an eye out for anything in Annandale, Alexandria (West), and Falls Church, as you look at farther out locales. A commute to any of those other places from the Mark Center will be pretty brutal during rush hour.

How much are you looking to spend per month?

[RdZDuBZ]

Originally Posted by spleuchan

Parking at the Mark Center is free, but can be hard to get. Most of the parking garages in the immediate areas charge $50 daily if you don't belong to those buildings. Maybe the $100 is for a farther out garage? You definitely want to figure out if you can get parking before you decide where to live as it will make a huge difference. I commute all the way from Haymarket and it takes me about 45 minutes in the morning and 50 in the afternoon, but I work early 0630 to 1500 and my hybrid qualifies for the HOV on I-66.

hmmm, In my interview, my Project Manager told me the parking is $100 a month at the garage in the Mark Center. I didn't ask which one, but I'm sure it should be the garage that everyone else works at the Mark Center parks in?

Originally Posted by TheWatchmen

I'd still keep an eye out for anything in Annandale, Alexandria (West), and Falls Church, as you look at farther out locales. A commute to any of those other places from the Mark Center will be pretty brutal during rush hour.

How much are you looking to spend per month?

Well, right now I am paying 860 a month for a Basement, but its really just a big master bedroom and I have my own Bathroom. I think the highest I would go is 1,100 a month. The farther I get from DC, the more bang for my buck I get. In Annandale Im renting a room, but for a couple hundred bucks more, I could get my own apt. or a basement apt. with my own kitchen...I would just have to move farther out...but I dont know what the commute will look like, especially with my hours being what they are.

[TheWatchmen]

Originally Posted by RdZDuBZ

hmmm, In my interview, my Project Manager told me the parking is $100 a month at the garage in the Mark Center. I didn't ask which one, but I'm sure it should be the garage that everyone else works at the Mark Center parks in?





Well, right now I am paying 860 a month for a Basement, but its really just a big master bedroom and I have my own Bathroom. I think the highest I would go is 1,100 a month. The farther I get from DC, the more bang for my buck I get. In Annandale Im renting a room, but for a couple hundred bucks more, I could get my own apt. or a basement apt. with my own kitchen...I would just have to move farther out...but I dont know what the commute will look like, especially with my hours being what they are.

I'm sitting 3.5 miles from the Mark Center, and the thought of commuting there makes me nervous. I've seen horrible backups very early in the morning on Seminary leading to the Mark Center. A 40 minute commute is very little distance during rush hour. I used to commute 10-11 miles in 45 minutes to my last 2 jobs. If you're willing to put up with a 1-2 hour commute, Lorton, etc. will be fine.

I know that Landmark can be kind of sketch, but some good deals on apartments are to be had. Check it out. Very close to Mark Center!

1BR/1BA Apartment - 5380 Holmes Run Pkwy

Not Landmark, but close to Mark Center

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/n...929940901.html

I go to the shopping center adjacent to this complex all the time. Looks okay!

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/n...931950112.html

[Grsz11]

I drive from Woodbridve to Mark Center, takes about 45 minutes, its not that bad. And I got a parking pass no problem for free, maybe they charge contractors? There is plenty of parking available.

[beatlecrazy]

I'm in Southern Towers right across the street, renting a studio for $945 per month. I have a cat now so it's really $965. It would be the best commute ever if I worked there.

[rmm0484]

I would go with Southern Towers and walk across the street. Saves on gas, time, and aggravation.

[Old Guard]

I am confused, Annandale should be fairly reasonable and have a good commute to Mark Center. I would also looking into renting Condos.

Really it depends on how old you are. If you are younger and single I would look to stay closer into the city. There is just a lot more to do.

Seven Corners area is pretty walkable now and has bus service to several metro stops including Ballston and Pershing Drive and Washington Blvd right outside of Clarendon.

Annandale is not as walkable but should be affordable. Maybe I am out of touch.

[gomason]

Originally Posted by beatlecrazy

I'm in Southern Towers right across the street, renting a studio for $945 per month. I have a cat now so it's really $965. It would be the best commute ever if I worked there.

I have read some terrible reviews about Southern Towers. Has that not been your experience there?

OP, keep in mind that VDOT is in the process of building an HOV exit at Seminary Road right now that will open in September. If you want to live further out, I would suggest finding somewhere along 95/395 (maybe Woodbridge?) and try slugging or take the free shuttle from the Springfield Metro. You usually can find some cheap places in Springfield and that would be like a 15 minute commute in the HOV lanes on the shuttle.

I would hate trying to drive everyday between Springfield/Lorton/Woodbridge to the Mark Center everyday otherwise.