Mechanical Engineer relocating to Alexandria suburb

[The Dissenter]

I think the best compromise is Arlington or Falls Church along I-66. You are close to the nightlife but have a (typically) reasonable commute to Manassas.

[k0hart]

Originally Posted by Ffxdata

I didn't... Old Town Alexandria skews 50s+. I'm trying to say that Del Ray is families. What appeals to you about Alexandria? Especially since work is far out.

My wife would have better work opportunities and we want to stay close to, well, things to do. We love staying in or close to large cities.

[ersatz]

Falls Church may be fine for you but you should also check out Vienna. You will have a reverse commute on I-66 to Manassas which will help with day to day traffic. Both of these towns have a lot of things to do in the way of culture, activities, restaurants, etc. Both lie on the Metro Orange Line. That will let you both easily get into the city during the evening and weekends.

Vienna is very close to the Mosaic district - a recently built magnet area for restaurants and upper end shopping - beside Dunn Loring Metro Station, which is also on the Orange Line. Vienna has a lot of community groups and events, especially for families. Mosaic skews more to the 20s-30s crowd. Really, the whole area of Vienna, Dunn Loring/Mosaic and Tysons Corner has a lot of restaurants, theater, and other entertainment options. The Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts Home | Wolf Trap is very close by. Although rents have climbed steeply in the past few years, it's slightly more affordable than Alexandria and Arlington.

You did not say what kind of work your wife does, but there are a lot of job opportunities in and around Vienna, Tysons, Reston and the Dulles Airport commercial area.

[k0hart]

Originally Posted by ersatz

Falls Church may be fine for you but you should also check out Vienna. You will have a reverse commute on I-66 to Manassas which will help with day to day traffic. Both of these towns have a lot of things to do in the way of culture, activities, restaurants, etc. Both lie on the Metro Orange Line. That will let you both easily get into the city during the evening and weekends.

Vienna is very close to the Mosaic district - a recently built magnet area for restaurants and upper end shopping - beside Dunn Loring Metro Station, which is also on the Orange Line. Vienna has a lot of community groups and events, especially for families. Mosaic skews more to the 20s-30s crowd. Really, the whole area of Vienna, Dunn Loring/Mosaic and Tysons Corner has a lot of restaurants, theater, and other entertainment options. The Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts Home | Wolf Trap is very close by. Although rents have climbed steeply in the past few years, it's slightly more affordable than Alexandria and Arlington.

You did not say what kind of work your wife does, but there are a lot of job opportunities in and around Vienna, Tysons, Reston and the Dulles Airport commercial area.

Thanks for your input. She's finishing up her Master in Sociak work and works as anSocial Worker now.