Anacostia Naval Station commuting (Arlington, Alexandria: low income, 2011, rent)

[NvaWrtr]

Hello all,

I recently accepted a position at the Anacostia Naval Station (right by the Bolling AFB) and am trying to figure out the best route for commuting and will relocate accordingly.

Any opinions as to the best routes and places to live for someone single in their 20's?

Thanks!

[irisheyes13]

There is a Anacostia metro stop but am not sure of your bus options to your exact work place. Bolling does run a bus from the station to base but I am not sure if it goes to the Navy locations. I would think so but the base web site may be the best option to check that out.
Metro - Navy Yard Metrorail station

[Capacity]

Thanks I will check that site out. It just seems like such a shame that such a large employer like the base does not make it easier for folks to get there

[bluiznsmilez]

I just arrived to DC area and work at the Navy Yard, which isn't far from Anacostia at all. We bought out in Manassas and like it. For commuting, we were hopping on the VRE, but then started driving the 66. We leave earlier than alot around here so traffic is nothing. My husband takes the VRE back, and I usually leave work early enough to miss the rush. Its further away from Malls but their are shopping plazas. There is a Mall here but it's smaller. The commissary and exhange is okay at Quantico. I lived in San Diego, where the commisary and exchange were amazing, so I"m probably expecting too much. There are all kinds of commuting options. After a month, I'm glad I live here and not Fairfax which is so congested and the people seem rude. I've been down to Woodbridge, which is no more of a commute than getting somewhere in SDGO. I like that Manassas has high schools on the top 100 list and the kids are good there. I like that I don't feel like I'm in a big city or immersed in the Navy. It does get annoying with their antiquated traffic light systems. If you could take a house hunting trip to come out, that would be better. I tried to listen to this site, but Manassas gets a bad rap, it's not trendy and overpriced so people equate that to run down or hick. Definietly in some parts, but the 20111 zip is nice. Some on here seem really tunnel vision. I did look on many a website like zillow to get a visual on the communities near the houses I found on line. I ended up buying a house I found on line after researching Manassas, the commuting, the resale, etc...AND seeing it on person. If you can't take a house hunting trip. I'd make no decisions until you get here, maybe rent or take some leave and drive the area. I wouldn't go any more south than woodbridge though. Good luck!

[DCRight]

My husband is stationed at the Navy Yard and our daughter goes to Daycare at Anacostia Naval Station. There is a shuttle provided by the base for dependents and employees that takes you to and from the Anacostia Metro. The base has a lot of parking so if you are going to be working there, chances are you have parking.We live in Alexandria, VA (not city of Alexandria) and it's very reasonable. We rented a new townhouse in a very nice and quiet neighborhood off of Route 1. The area is not a hot nightlife spot nor is it beautiful but it is very convenient to DC and it takes us about 20 minutes to get to Anacostia Naval Station.I work for the Dc police Dept and I do not recomment you walk to and from the base to the Anacostia Metro. The are there is also known as Barry Farms, a high crime, low income housing project. Actually it's one of many in the SE area. There isn't any adequate walking sidewalks or lighting from the gate to the Metro, not to mention it's quite a walk especially in the winter)Let me know if you have any questions.

[nva79]

I would recomend you live in DC or Arlington or Fairfax County. DC would be optimal, as this is a very fun and vibrant place to live near your work. There is actually a lot of construction at Navy Yard, one stop from Anacostia. This is right near Nats Park and is now a very nice area. There isn't much new housing on the other side of the Anacostia. Arlington is also close and convienant, and Fairfax County is further but nice. I would hate to have a long commute and would not recomend a mega-commute.