Affordable Apts for Working in Fairfax and Taking Classes in Arlington (affordable apartments, college)

[TNmomteach]

Helping a family member who is relocating soon to Northern VA. Trying to get ideas about affordable apartments in areas that might be convenient to both George Mason campuses. He is a recent college grad who will be working at the Fairfax campus and taking one or two night grad classes a week at the Arlington campus. Also would appreciate any tips in general about issues such as transportation/traffic and any areas to definitely avoid, or any other things to think about. Thanks!

[BOS2IAD]

When it comes to "affordable", what would your family member consider to be a "affordable" rent?

[dkf747]

Two seconds on google gave me this: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/housin...rdable-housing

Does he qualify?

[boyd888]

Originally Posted by dkf747

Two seconds on google gave me this: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/housin...rdable-housing

Does he qualify?

I think it was pretty obvious that one and done OP meant affordable in the sense of not super expensive for a new grad.

[dkf747]

Originally Posted by boyd888

I think it was pretty obvious that one and done OP meant affordable in the sense of not super expensive for a new grad.

I thought so, but they didn’t say clearly, so...

[BOS2IAD]

Originally Posted by dkf747

I thought so, but they didn’t say clearly, so...

^^^^This

Besides, everybody has a different idea as to what is "affordable".

[TNmomteach]

Originally Posted by dkf747

I thought so, but they didn’t say clearly, so...

Yes, you and boyd888 are both right! I was not very clear in my OP!

I was thinking "affordable" for a recent college grad with a professional full-time, entry-level job but needs to keep it tight while he adjusts to the extremely different much higher standard of living from his current location, as opposed to "affordable" looking for government assistance housing (if that's what the website link is for).

Oops! Good reminder to not assume that the people you're asking for help are mind-readers, right?

It may have helped if I had added this to my OP?

Based on what seems like the hundreds of apartment websites we've looked at and considering what he thinks his income might be, what might be "affordable" would be in the $1200-$1400/month range for a one bedroom apartment in an area that would be within 20-30 minute drive from GM Fairfax campus (if such a thing exists).

Thank you, from a first-time poster!

[TNmomteach]

Originally Posted by BOS2IAD

^^^^This

Besides, everybody has a different idea as to what is "affordable".

Yep. Definitely realize now I was not very clear.
Now that we've done some research on apartments in the area, we're thinking $1200-$1400 max might be his "affordable" range, preferably 20-30 minute drive from Fairfax campus (if such a place exists).
Thanks!

[dkf747]

For $1200-1400, you will want to see my earlier link. However, that only works if you make below a certain income. You have to qualify for those.

[NOVAmtneer82]

$1200 - $1400 is tough if not impossible for a 1 bedroom apartment that is in between George Mason in Fairfax and the other campus in Arlington. Is he willing to get a roommate? As dk said above, he will need to qualify for government sponsored affordable housing.