How bad is Rt. 1 in Fairfax Co. (Alexandria: apartments, for rent)

[C3D2]

Hello all,

I have been townhome hunting for a few months now and have found some nice homes in the 300s along Rt. 1 right around the intersection with Rt. 235.

I have read a lot on this forum about staying away from Rt. 1 when it comes to renting...but not necessarily buying.

Some of the developments look really nice, but the surrounding areas just look kind of run down.

What is the deal with Rt 1?

Thanks,

C

[Flamingo13]

Do a search, there are extensive posts about the area. If it's not good for renting (safety-wise, etc., it's even worse for buying IMO).

[pcity]

Yeah but at least buying, you get a major bonus if the area comes around.

If you're renting, and the area comes around, you just get stuck paying more rent.

Also, the apartments in the area are generally old and run-down, but the townhouses and condos are nice and new.

It's definitely an area that's improving, with the millions and millions of chain stores that have opened in the past few years, and the new townhouses/condos I just mentioned, but it's still sketchier than most of Fairfax County. It really comes down to your comfort level and tolerance for risk.

[arabellava]

sketchy area in general- I would avoid it.. i remember a friend of mine saying for buying a house (not same here) to avoid a solid line in the road- too much traffic- with or without kids- but in general what you have heard is correct- sketchy

[MacUser85]

Route 1 in the Fairfax County portion of Alexandria (from the Beltway on south) is basically a huge thoroughfare through a very diverse section of the DC area. You have lots of traffic, congestion, strip malls, etc. Add to that some neighborhoods that really can be sketchy and this is just not the area to be in right now. The ironic thing of course is that less than a mile lies the GW Parkway with million dollar homes lining the banks of the Potomac. But that might as well be worlds away when you are on Route 1. So the rule of thumb here is that if you are moving into an established single family neighborhood EAST of Route 1, then you may be moving into a very nice area. But if you have found a good deal here, it probably is close to Route 1 and problems abound.

Sorry to sound grim...but better to hear it now then once you have signed on the dotted line.