Moving Alexandria or Falls Church? Other "nice area" suggestions (Arlington: middle-class, townhouse)

[Alotofmoving]

Hi,

My husband, I and our 1 year old will be moving soon to this area. He will be commuting to Bolling AFB and we do not want to be too far (30 min commute ideally)

We are looking for a nice, safe, clean, upscale area to live in . Probably would like a Townhouse (less maintenance) for about $3,000/mos.

I would say a yuppy-ish type of area, where people walk to little stores and restaurants.

I thought maybe Alexandria or Falls Church? Not sure how far Bethesda and Chevy Chase are from his work.

Anyone with suggestions on which you would choose would be helpful.

[akorosdc]

I personally love Alexandria. It's pricey nearer to the King Street metro and the river, but not too far away it's much cheaper. Old Town is definitely a "yuppy-ish...where people walk to little stores and restaurants" area. I was looking for a 2-bed 1.5-2 bath townhouse for my roommate and I and saw listings generally around $2200-$2500/mo. Most seem to have street parking, but some had little driveways you could slide into. As far as the commute, it probably wouldn't be too bad. It's about 7 miles, which should take 20-30 minutes in the morning (or less, depending on when you go).

If you'd like, I can give you the name of the realtor companies I used that are in the area.

[irisheyes13]

We drive to Bolling from Alexandria (but not the Old Town area) and the drive is not bad at all on most days. We love Old Town but just could not find anything in ou price range. You could expand your search to Arlington as well. There are some nice area that I think might fit your bill.
I would not want to make the trip down from Bethesda or Chevy Chase though. As I am heading inbound in the morning, the traffic coming down from Maryland is often worse then coming up from VA.

[Flamingo13]

I too love Alexandria - we're in the West End (a SFH though) - you probably want to check Alexandria/Arlington - Alexandria, if you find something affordable close to or in Old Town is walkable to shops/restaurants. Cameron Station, which is a beautiful development, is very yuppyish (as well as older folks - seems like a good mix) they have a farmers market there in season, and very pet friendly but only has small coffee/deli type restaurants - but has water, etc. and you can hop a bus right there and be in Old Town in minutes.

[The Dissenter]

Originally Posted by Flamingo13

I too love Alexandria - we're in the West End (a SFH though) - you probably want to check Alexandria/Arlington - Alexandria, if you find something affordable close to or in Old Town is walkable to shops/restaurants. Cameron Station, which is a beautiful development, is very yuppyish (as well as older folks - seems like a good mix) they have a farmers market there in season, and very pet friendly but only has small coffee/deli type restaurants - but has water, etc. and you can hop a bus right there and be in Old Town in minutes.

I'm on the West End too closer to Landmark. This is pretty much the only area of NoVA inside the beltway i can tolerate. Everything you need is within a short walk. Its one of the only areas in Metro DC that can TRULY call itself middle-class.

[VEIK]

Cameron Station.....right next to the asphalt plant.

greaaaat location

[Henry's Mom]

Is Cameron Station really that bad? or good?

[VEIK]

495 in the back yard
asphalt plant next door.

no, its all good.

;-)

[eli0808]

what zip code is old alexandria or cameroon station? thanks!

[akorosdc]

Old Town is 22314. Cameron Station is 22304, but I don't know if all of that zip code is considered CS, or just part of it.