Whaddya think about our situation?

[PalmettoGuy]

Well, I decided to go to the interview, so we'll be headed to DC next week. Can anyone point me to some decent hotels that are (1) near safe SFH and TH communities in the areas you've mentioned (Burke, Kingstowne, Springfield seem to pop up most often) and (2) close to the Franconia/Springfield metro? That way, my wife and I can drive around and see what's available in those areas and get a feel for what the daily commute would be like.

Also, if anyone has suggestions for specific subdivisions or TH neighborhoods for us to check out (where we could live on a rent or mortgage payment of $2000-2100), that would be most helpful.

Thanks again!

[Mike From NIU]

Originally Posted by PalmettoGuy

Well, I decided to go to the interview, so we'll be headed to DC next week. Can anyone point me to some decent hotels that are (1) near safe SFH and TH communities in the areas you've mentioned (Burke, Kingstowne, Springfield seem to pop up most often) and (2) close to the Franconia/Springfield metro? That way, my wife and I can drive around and see what's available in those areas and get a feel for what the daily commute would be like.

Also, if anyone has suggestions for specific subdivisions or TH neighborhoods for us to check out (where we could live on a rent or mortgage payment of $2000-2100), that would be most helpful.

Thanks again!

When my wife and I came out the first time, we stayed in the Hawthorn Suites in Alexandria. (703) 370-1000. They aren't cheap ($180 or so a night with AAA discount), but it worked out really well for us. The 1-BR with sleeper sofa suite was very large and included a full kitchen. Our girls (age 4 & 2) were able to literally run around from living room into large dining room, past the kitchen, down the hall, into the bedroom. In addition to a hot breakfast, they also had a special "Manager's reception" every evening with complementary beer and wine and enough food for dinner (fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and corn one evening; burgers and hot dogs another evening; chicken cordon bleu also on the monthly menu). Between the kitchen and the complementary meals, we were able to save a lot of money and hassle by not having to go out to eat every meal with the kids.

It's also right on I-395, so it's easy to get to Springfield/Franconia. They also have a free shuttle to the Van Dorn Metro station, 1 stop in from Franconia Springfield.

Anyway, hotels in the area aren't very cheap, but I would recommend splurging for a suite-style place if you can afford it. You might save enough money on food to make up for the additional cost.

[mlv311]

Originally Posted by PalmettoGuy

Also, if anyone has suggestions for specific subdivisions or TH neighborhoods for us to check out (where we could live on a rent or mortgage payment of $2000-2100), that would be most helpful.

Kingstowne, Burke (22015) and West Springfield (22152) are good areas to check. I would also look in Fairfax (22032) at Middleridge, Kings Park West, Country View Estates, Fairfax Club Estates. They are also very close to Burke. Unless you drive to a metro station, these areas (as well as Burke) are mostly accessible via VRE.

[Hersh]

My family just moved to Burke/Fairfax and bought a TH. Your housing budget would work for a TH in this area. It's very family friendly (we have 2 kids 8 & 6). I work on E St. SW & with the Fed transit subsidy, I chose to live close to the VRE. My train ride is 40 min to L'Enfant, with 10 min walk to office.

[GMU]

Check out Occoquan, which is a small town just over the boundary lines of Fairfax/PW County. Nice area, some good townhome options right now, and a very convenient location. You are minutes from I-95, and right off Route 123. Also right there is the HOV ramp for I-95, and a nice huge commuter lot where you can either do the slug-line route, or take the bus downtown. I used to slug into work from Occoquan to DC (also near the Justice bldg) in the mornings, about a 35 minute commute. Then in the afternoons I usually took the bus home because of my schedule it was easier to catch on 14th street than slug drivers were.