45 minute commute to Downtown DC from NoVa? (Vienna, Falls Church: to live in, drive)

[Fallout Zone]

Originally Posted by spencgr

If you are referring to driving to DC, you are going to be limited to the closest suburbs - Arlington, Falls Church, McLean, Alexandria. For a nice 5 bed plus good yard, expect to pay 1M and up.

Maybe not relevant for this thread because the OP has a decent budget, but you can get a 5 BR with a nice yard in a good area inside the Beltway for much less than $1M. I know, because I have one Now, it won't be new, but renovations/updates can do wonders to a 60s or 70s house.

[spencgr]

Originally Posted by Fallout Zone

Maybe not relevant for this thread because the OP has a decent budget, but you can get a 5 BR with a nice yard in a good area inside the Beltway for much less than $1M. I know, because I have one Now, it won't be new, but renovations/updates can do wonders to a 60s or 70s house.

And you can drive to various areas of DC under 45 minutes during rush hour?

[Fallout Zone]

Originally Posted by spencgr

And you can drive to various areas of DC under 45 minutes during rush hour?

Some places might be tougher than others (Union Station, maybe not, Foggy Bottom probably), but if the OP really wanted to guarantee that they should live in DC proper. Train + Uber/Cab/walking also could make sense.

[Western Urbanite]

Originally Posted by Fallout Zone

Train + Uber/Cab/walking also could make sense.

This is going to be the best method of transit in DC regardless, unled you work from 10pm-4am, or something like that.

[graceC]

OP, if 45 minutes' drive is your limit, I honestly wouldn't go further west than Falls Church. Rush hour traffic in this area is a way of life, even the toll road is usually crawling at rush hour.

Regarding Vienna, only when all the galaxy's force is with you will you make the 45 commute to DC in rush hour, which is extremely rare. If you want a sure shot of limited commute to DC, buy a place in DC proper.

[Old Guard]

Originally Posted by spencgr

And you can drive to various areas of DC under 45 minutes during rush hour?

I certainly can and I live in one of those houses.

[FlightAttendant]

I think Vienna would take more than a 45 minute commute. If you take Metro, you might be able to do it. Driving? No way.

Alexandria, Falls Church or McLean would probably work for you. Although you have a decent budget, it will probably take all of it if you move to one of these locations though.

Best of luck, you should be able to find a nice home.

[spencgr]

Originally Posted by Old Guard

I certainly can and I live in one of those houses.

There is currently only 1 5-bedroom home in Falls Church below 1 million dollars. Yes, it's possible to get one, but will likely be hard to do.

[Old Guard]

Originally Posted by spencgr

There is currently only 1 5-bedroom home in Falls Church below 1 million dollars. Yes, it's possible to get one, but will likely be hard to do.

Falls Church Fairfax county, not Falls Church City.

Also parts of Annandale will be workable as well.

[ACWhite]

Do you need all 5 BRs above grade? In the suburbs near D.C., many "5 BR" listings have at least 1 BR in the basement.