Should I move to Arlington? (Alexandria, Springfield: apartment complex, rentals, credit)

[shouldimove2]

I currently work and live in Springfield. My main reason for considering moving is I want to be more social. I live within walking distance to work, which is great but I don't really ever go out since it always seems like a hassle to drive/metro anywhere.

I'm 25 y/o male and not the most outgoing. I figure if I live in Arlington I'll be more likely to go out since a lot of stuff is within walking distance. I feel like I should be having more fun in my 20's...

It will be stretching my budget to move to Arlington but I'm wondering if it's worth it? I'm looking into the Ballston area. My max budget is $1800. I don't want a roommate. How's the commute from Ballston to Springfield? Looks alright on google maps. I can get a credit from work of I think $100 for Metro costs. I have student loans that I already pay a lot more than the minimum on but it's hard to justify spending a lot on rent when you have debt.

Also considering Alexandria.

Thanks

[Carlingtonian]

I've live in Arlington. It's been a long time (like 15 years) since I was in the rental market, but I'm pretty sure that 1800 is not going to get you your own place in a "happening" area. You might try looking for a roommate(s) in a shared rental house.

The commute to Springfield depends on what time you leave and where you work. I can get to Ft Belvoir in 30 minutes (and back home in 20-25 minutes), but I'm on the road before 6AM, and the base is near the freeway.

But to the larger point: If you're not outgoing, I'm not sure being near bars and restaurants is going to be the answer for you. Instead, I'd suggest you join clubs/meetups that reflect your interests. You could start with your local college alumni association. Good luck.

[gomason]

1800 is very doable. I payed $1400 to live directly off of Wlson Boulevard in Ballston. There are places as low as $1200 but then you will run into gang and roach issues. I encourage you to look at www.arlingtonurbanrentals.com for the best deals. Dittmar isnt bad either.

You may want to check out Shirlington too. Not as happening but easier commute. (Ballston would be an easy commute too).

[ChristineVA]

First question: do you have friends that will get you out? You say you're not overly social so if you move to Arlington are you going to be trying to go sit in bars alone? Boy I'd hate that!!! But....if you have some sort of group you can go out with then I think it's a good move. I have a daughter the same age as you and she got out the suburbs FAST and rents a room in DC and is having a very good time and loves the walkability.

My friend's daughter lived in Arlington for several years in the Sheffield Court apartments. She paid about $1600 for a 1 bedroom. She lived there for about 6 years and just moved out 2 months ago when she bought her own place. So I think she like the apartment complex, the management, etc. Not overly social herself, but I do think she enjoyed the overall lifestyle. For awhile she commuted from there to Quantico. I think the drive to Springfield would be fine.

[Badger21]

do you have friends that will get you out? You say you're not overly social so if you move to Arlington are you going to be trying to go sit in bars alone? Boy I'd hate that!!!

It's all perspective I guess. This was me the first couple of years I moved to NoVa. I'd consider myself a friendly introvert and while this area is difficult to make friends as compared to other areas in the country, I kept at it and was able to find some people to hang with. Just be friendly

I would make this move if I were in your shoes. You'll be at the center of it all if you choose to live along Wilson Blvd tho I think your budget is probably just scraping the minimum needed for along that location. Check Craiglsist and the site gomason mentioned and I think you'll find something that checks off the boxes.

[shouldimove2]

Yea, I have a few co-workers that live in the area who I'd probably hang out with. They have other friends, who I've never met but I'm sure I'd be hanging out with them. I've been looking into AVA Ballston

https://www.apartments.com/ava-balls...on-va/se6cck4/

Seems decently priced and has plenty of good reviews.

[shouldimove2]

Thanks, Yea I have a few co-workers I'd probably hang out with but totally wouldn't mind just hanging out at a bar alone.

I've been looking into AVA Ballston

https://www.apartments.com/ava-balls...on-va/se6cck4/

Seems decently priced and has plenty of good reviews.

[ChristineVA]

Sounds good, then. I think you should do it. Living out in the suburbs was my daughter's biggest complaint. Most of her friends were in Arlington or DC. She tried staying home to save money and doing the "sleep on someone's couch thing" for her weekends, but that got old fast.

[shouldimove2]

Yup, that's exactly how I feel. I just end up never even going out.

[Deeman804]

Originally Posted by shouldimove2

Yea, I have a few co-workers that live in the area who I'd probably hang out with. They have other friends, who I've never met but I'm sure I'd be hanging out with them. I've been looking into AVA Ballston

https://www.apartments.com/ava-balls...on-va/se6cck4/

Seems decently priced and has plenty of good reviews.

I wouldn’t live here for exactly the reasons that you SHOULD move here. This building is filled with 20-something year olds and on weekend nights you see a slew of neighbors making noise pre-gaming and such. It’s not dorm-room loud but in the common areas it can get pretty busy. It’s also close to everything in ballston.

I think you should do the Arlington move not only to socialize there but because you will find yourself heading to DC much more often. That 25 minute drive turns into a 10 minute one or metro which eliminates time spent looking for parking spots (either at the metro or on the street at your destination).

One last item to consider, make sure that you ask how much parking is where you choose to live. That can quickly end up being a deciding factor.