Lorton, Oxon Hill, Arlington, or Falls Church to Alexandria? (Springfield: apartments, to rent)

[archaeogirl]

I have recently been offered a job making $35,000-$45,000 in Alexandria. I'm a single, 20 something female with no children coming from Baltimore, MD.


Between Oxon Hill, Arlington, Falls Church, or Lorton, which area would be the best and relatively safe to live in? Am I missing an area? Or would it be best to live in Alexandria? I'm open to any suggestions!

[Vectorhead]

Your best bet is to share an apartment or rent a room in a house or townhouse. Craigslist is a good place to start.

It's hard for us to say how much you can afford because we don't know if you have any debt, or what your spending habits are, but there's no doubt it would be challenging to afford your own place on that budget.

[archaeogirl]

Originally Posted by Vectorhead

Your best bet is to share an apartment or rent a room in a house or townhouse. Craigslist is a good place to start.

It's hard for us to say how much you can afford because we don't know if you have any debt, or what your spending habits are, but there's no doubt it would be challenging to afford your own place on that budget.

I do have a car loan, but no education debt or anything in a large quantity. I do like to treat myself from time to time but I would definitely be willing to give the luxuries up.

[Carlingtonian]

Falls Church, hands down.

Arlington is too expensive--unless you're willing to share a house with three other people. And even then it might be a squeeze.

Oxon Hill is not as safe and much farther away.

Lorton will put you in a daily commute of nightmare proportions, even though it's not that far. (I recently talked to a guy who lives in Kingstowne [Springfield] and takes an hour to get to Ft. Belvoir in the morning rush!)

FC is convenient to everything and still has some affordable-ish apartments here and there.

Why not look at Alexandria itself? South of Old Town are some nice apartments and condos (technically Fairfax County).

[archaeogirl]

Originally Posted by Carlingtonian

FC is convenient to everything and still has some affordable-ish apartments here and there.

Why not look at Alexandria itself? South of Old Town are some nice apartments and condos (technically Fairfax County).

Are you talking like the Groveton area? Or are there others?

[Ffxdata]

Falls Church is cool.

I'd also recommend Del Ray. You may find a cheaper apartment or room to rent. Lots of young people and fun bars and dining spots. It's also not a trek to get to Arlington or DC

[slduvall]

Originally Posted by Carlingtonian

(I recently talked to a guy who lives in Kingstowne [Springfield] and takes an hour to get to Ft. Belvoir in the morning rush!)

Kingstowne literally sits on top of Fort Belvoir, and while I agree it is a pain it never took more than 30 minutes to get from my house in Kingstowne (through Beulah gate) to any part of Ft Belvoir. That being said if this person was actually coming from Springfield and using the Parkway and that gate, then perhaps. Kingstowne actually has an Alexandria mailing address, and some neighborhoods right outside of Ft Belvoir (near golf course on Telegraph) have a Lorton mailing address. Most people think Lorton and only think of the area on the other side of Parkway and highway.

[The Dissenter]

I'd stick with renting a room in Alexandria as your best option. Particularly on the West End, be sure to checking whether you have a guaranteed spot for parking, parking can be a major problem especially if you get home late.

[Carlingtonian]

Originally Posted by slduvall

Kingstowne literally sits on top of Fort Belvoir, and while I agree it is a pain it never took more than 30 minutes to get from my house in Kingstowne (through Beulah gate) to any part of Ft Belvoir. That being said if this person was actually coming from Springfield and using the Parkway and that gate, then perhaps. Kingstowne actually has an Alexandria mailing address, and some neighborhoods right outside of Ft Belvoir (near golf course on Telegraph) have a Lorton mailing address. Most people think Lorton and only think of the area on the other side of Parkway and highway.

Well, Kingstowne is definitely close--just up Beulah on the other side of Telegraph. But yeah, I was really surprised to hear it took him that long. I know that coming home, I can get to K'towne Village Parkway (which I use to get to Van Dorn sometimes) in about 10-15 minutes. So maybe K'towne is bigger than I realize.

Re. Lorton, I'm shocked to hear anything near the golf course could be Lorton. To me that's clearly either Springfield or Alexandria. And as to the commute from Lorton (in/around the clock tower) Let me amend my previous comment: That commute might not be bad if you can work a very early shift--say arriving by 7AM.

Originally Posted by archaeogirl

Are you talking like the Groveton area? Or are there others?

No, that's on Route 1--much less desirable and less safe. I'm talking south of Old Town on the GW Parkway--Belle View, Belle Haven, etc.

[archaeogirl]

Originally Posted by The Dissenter

I'd stick with renting a room in Alexandria as your best option. Particularly on the West End, be sure to checking whether you have a guaranteed spot for parking, parking can be a major problem especially if you get home late.

West End would be perfect! My place of employment is on the side of 395 closer to Wilburdale.