20 something teacher moving to NOVA (Arlington, Alexandria: apartment, to rent, townhouse)

[KayX]

If going out and meeting new people is a priority---I would definitely recommend arlington!--lots of fun but not cheap. If it doesnt weird u out--look on craigslist and get a 3rd roommate. Sharing a house will be cheaper than a 2 bedroom apt. I lived with 3 college friends in arlington and my rent was $450. You could also try falls church (2 metro stops to choose from) --and still close enough to cab into DC without paying a fortune. My old roommate is a fairfax co teacher . She now lives in a 2 bedroom apt in south arlington with another teacher--so its definitely doable! (btw...south arlington (along columbia pike and the route 50 area) is the most affordable. ) Good luck!

[DCguy03]

Originally Posted by newtonova

I was hoping for 700-800 a piece so somewhere around 1400-1500 in total for a 2 bedroom.

I have lived in a few different apartments in NOVA since moving here after graduating, so I think I could provide some good recommendations.

The main question is: what town are you working in, and are you looking to live in the same town that you are working in?

Fairfax County is a relatively large and diverse area, so for instance Fairfax, VA is quite different than Arlington, VA.

[newtonova]

Originally Posted by DCguy03

I have lived in a few different apartments in NOVA since moving here after graduating, so I think I could provide some good recommendations.

The main question is: what town are you working in, and are you looking to live in the same town that you are working in?

Fairfax County is a relatively large and diverse area, so for instance Fairfax, VA is quite different than Arlington, VA.

Hi,

I'm not exactly sure where I'll be working because I don't have a job yet! But...probably in Fairfax County somewhere (I know it's a big area).

As far as living, I don't want to live in the same town that I teach in. I'd like to live somewhere affordable but close to a Metro so that I can get into the city. I also would like to be in a neighborhood/area with 20-somethings.

Thanks for your help!

[newtonova]

Thanks for that info. I might consider the idea of more roommates. Price is definitely important. Are there specific neighborhoods in South Arlington that are fun and safe?

[novahousehunter]

Ignore what I said earlier--I thought that was your combined price range. You'll be fine!

Probably the most popular (and $$) place for 20-somethings are Arlington (Clarendon, Ballston, Court House) right along the metro line. In South Arlington the Shirlington Area is a little less tony but nice. Alexandria has Old Town.

I used to live in Cherrydale/Spout Run which was north of the VA Square stop and it was great--a bit of a walk to the metro but therefore cheaper.

A lot of the apts that have websites, or describe themselves as "luxury" or are in a high rise are going to be really $$, but there are smaller complexes and of course houses/condo sublets that are cheaper. Try both Craigslist and the Washington Post (smaller buildings are more likely to advertise there).

[KayX]

Arlington Village (in south arlington) is a cute neighborhood made up of townhomes. i have friends that live there and love it. Shirlington & fairlington are nice and not quite as expensive either. My teacher friends live in a high rise called Dorchester Towers off of Columbia Pike. Its closer to pentagon city. They both go jogging and always feel safe. Their rent is around $1450 & their apt is huge! Theres a metro bus station right out front of their apt & theyre pretty close to the stop. Hope that helps!

[se_taber]

Nova is short for Northern Virginia.
If you and your roomate are willing to spend $1000 each for rent itself you will be able to find a nice apt. near a metro. The price range you listed is pretty low for "nice" in fairfax county metro areas unless you have several other roomates or live further out away from the metro, you may want to look on craigslist or go through a private owner.

[Figaro2008]

Did you go to the Fairfax County job fair for elementary teachers yesterday? They had a lot of information on relocating and apartment discounts offered to teachers employed by the county. Try this hyper link which will give you all the information provided by Human Resources.

htt;://www.fcps.edu/DHR/employees/incentives/housing.htm

I'm looking to move from NY and I was told that you don't even find out about getting a job until June/July, so that's something to keep in mind, especially if you can't get the apartment with the discount until you have proof that you have been hired.

[Mary Michelsen]

It would be hard to pick a place to live before knowing where you will work. Your commute could get very long depending on where you work. I would find your teaching job first.

I highlt recommend Westbriar ES in Vienna. We have a lot of fun, young teachers and a great community.

[Yankeesfan]

I suggest waiting until you have a signed contract with Fairfax County. We are facing a $650 million budget shortfall with the new budget proposal coming out tomorrow, so there's no guarantee that you'll find something. I don't mean that to be discouraging, just realistic. As others have suggested, after you know where you'll be teaching (is your roommate also going to teach, or does she already have a job lined up?), then you will have a better idea based on your commute. But getting ideas now is smart.

You can rent in Manchester Lakes, which is very close to the Franconia Springfield Metro, for your price range. Check realtor.com zipcode 22310. It probably isn't the totally young demographic you're looking for but it will be safe and convenient if you don't find something else affordable.

Manchester Lakes