Relocating for a job in Springfield; need advice on best area to live. (Arlington: apartment, rentals)

[barnes251]

I just accepted a job in Springfield and I am looking for an apartment for no more than $1200.00 a month, but less would be even better. I am single so I only need a 1 bedroom and I dont mind commuting. I am thinking about Stafford or Fredericksburg are these areas to far away? I am 15 hours away and know nothing about the area though I have started researching. I am starting work in about a month and need to do this quickly. Any suggestions on the best areas to look or the areas to stay away from? Thanks

[goldenage1]

Originally Posted by barnes251

I just accepted a job in Springfield and I am looking for an apartment for no more than $1200.00 a month, but less would be even better. .... Any suggestions on the best areas to look or the areas to stay away from? Thanks

Springfield is OK, but $1200 won't get you a luxury apartment. Spend the money to get a decent place close to work, as the commuting is awful in NoVA.

You might go south along I-95 looking for something cheaper, but be careful of anything that looks too cheap.

[NOVA_guy]

Stafford to Springfield is decent, it'll still be a nightmare somedays but I've seen worse.

Definitely wouldn't do Fredericksburg to Springfield.

If you can I would try to stay as far north as possible, getting to Stafford on 95 will be a pain. I don't know if you'll find much in that price range but try looking at Woodbridge and Lorton, that wouldn't be a bad commute.

[tgbwc]

Where in Springfield is the job? Why not bump the budget a little bit and look in Springfield? You'd probably make up a good part of the savings in commuting costs/time.

http://www.realtor.com/realestateand...77-48669?row=1

http://www.realtor.com/realestateand...90-79100?row=2

[FindingZen]

Yep, when considering the mileage you'd put on your car - and the toll on your psyche - commuting from Stafford/Fredericksburg, it would essentially be a wash with paying a bit more than your preferred budget for a place in Springfield. $1400/month is probably the minimum for a decent managed apartment although tgwbc's condo rental suggestions look promising as well.

[Leaving4Ca]

Suggest Springfield - you might be able to find a condo to rent. 22152, 22153, 22151, 22150. Newington would also work. Kingstowne would be an option, I remember an area there called Manchester Lakes I knew there were some rentals there. Very close to Springfield.

Please do not even consider Stafford. OMG. Commuting nightmare. Make it easy on yourself, please look in the areas I have listed above. You can probably get a one bedroom and one bath for about $1200 - it won't be top shelf, but it won't be a hellish commute.

Also look at Condos for rent... There are some around, or possible the basement of someone's townhouse.

[lqda4]

Whereabout in Springfield (no need for specific location or name of employer)? Will you be close to the Springfield Metro and train stop?

[SixPak]

[SIZE=3][/SIZE]
[SIZE=3]In my humble opinion it is all about what activities you enjoy.....if youlike the water, (although none are super clean) I would stay around Occoquan(Between Lorton and Woodbridge), or Mount Vernon (Mount Vernon being more expensive);if you enjoy walks in the park, city lights and the bar scene, try Arlington orOld Town, search Craigslist: [/SIZE][SIZE=3]http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/search/nva/apa?minAsk=1100&maxAsk=1200&minSqft=&maxSqft=&quer y[/SIZE]

[airjay75]

I would either up your budget or get a roommate and stay in the Springfield area. The 95 corridor between Springfield and Fredericksburg is one of the worst stretches of interstate highway in the entire country. You can and will encounter gridlock traffic at all times of the day and night. Any money you save by going south of Springfield will probably be eaten up mostly, if not entirely, by increased commuting costs - it's a different story when you're buying property, but when you're just going to be renting, save yourself some pain and suffering and stay close to where you work. That's what I would do.

[barnes251]

Thanks for all the great advice. I am going to look for a realtor in the area and see about renting a condo. I think I am going to try and stay in the Springfield area. I live now in a part of the U.S. where traffic is nothing. Besides moving 14 hours away from home with everything new and different, I definitely don't want to deal with traffic for hours everyday. Does anyone know of a good realtor?