Where to nest if working in McLean or DC? (Arlington: real estate, gated)

[bockoboy]

I am considering moving down to the DC area and found that the most "affordable" SFH appear to be in Prince Williams County. With kids in 1-7 grades, the schools are great almost any where in NOVA or Montgomery Co MD.

Work wise the job would be in McLean (Tysons) or DC (downtown near Metro - McPh Sq)

Where are the best values for the 450K - 550K range????

Thanks!

[VRE332]

Working in those areas has a major setback called Traffic. It will take you at least 1 hour each way.

[OrdinarySoul]

If I were in your situation, I would probably get a condo in Ballston/Arlington, or a townhouse near Vienna metro. Oakton Elementary School is pretty good. There are townhouses in the area in your price range, and Vienna metro is only about 10 minutes away. You can take the metro to DC, and Chain Bridge Rd to McLean. It will take you about 25-55 minutes to get from Vienna Metro to DC, depends on where in DC you work. It would take you about 30-45 minutes to get to McLean.


Commuting from Price William County to DC or McLean will take you at least an hour and a half, on a good day. I used to commute from Manassas right by I-66 to Falls Church. It was horrible.

[bockoboy]

Looks like you are a train rider VRE - how is the journey to the station from Haymarket (Dominion Valley/Piedmont) and then how long is it to Union station?

Also,what about the commute from Haymarket (Dominion Valley/Piedmont) to Reston or Chantilly?

Looking at prices in the area the only viable options for a single family home looks to be the Gainsville/Haymarket area. Potomac Falls still seems to be in the 700K range. (and no, a 50's/60's/70's house is not really a choice) - I am looking for 4bed house, fairly new (post 2K) and hopefully in a neighborhood that has some amenities such as pool/trails/and even gated...

[claremarie]

If you want a new house with bells and whistles for about $500K, you are consigning yourself to a horrible commute. You may be able to take VRE to a DC job, but if your job is in McLean, driving will be your only option, and you can expect to spend three hours a day in the car.

[bockoboy]

So where do you suggest looking?

[mtneeratheart]

This is a tough one. If working in McLean/Tysons area 450-550K won't get you very far in the way of a loaded single family house. I work in Tysons Corner and many new townhome developments are still starting in the low 400s, this area is prime real estate in an already expensive region.

Prince William County definitely has cheaper housing but please think carefully before you committ. A co-worker of mine lives in Dale City and it takes him an hour and a half in the morning to get to Tysons and sometimes two hours in the evening to get home. Gainesville/Haymarket area of western Prince William might be a LITTLE better but it wont be much. I seem to remember reading an article in the Post about a guy who lived out there and worked in Tysons, I think he also said it sometimes took him close to two hours to get home.

I would consider looking in the Burke or West Springfield areas of Fairfax County, they are fairly close to Tysons and have easy access into DC via the VRE or Metro subway (station is in Springfield). You will have to likely push your budget up to between 550 and 650K, a few years ago even that was a stretch in most Fairfax neighborhoods but given the current real estate situation you should be able to find something in this area. The homes might not have everything you want and may need a little work but it can be done..

[novaman]

I would recommend a townhouse in the vienna oakton area. You'll have great schools for the kids, and a manageable commute so you'll be able to see them.

[claremarie]

Quite honestly, if your price range is under $550K, and you absolutely must have a newer home with upscale amenities, I would suggest that you look for a job in another city.

[Rick084]

I dont know your patients with traffic but I would consider Reston, Herndon so you get more for your money.I dont know if you would be leaving before or after traffic.