Moving to Alexandria - Need Input (apartment complexes, homes, safe area)

[lancecreed]

We are moving to Alexandria, VA and wanted some information about the areas surrounding the US Patent and Trademark Office and Inova Hospital. We would like to live near or in between the two so long as it is in a relatively safe area. We plan on spending $1800 per month on housing and would only need a two bedroom. It seems as though there are a number of options in that price range in the areas we want, but we would like some feedback from the locals first.

We would love it if there are things to do, i.e. parks, restaurants, etc. in the area as well. Any information is helpful!

** Quick disclaimer - we understand that no area is 100% safe and that bad things can happen anywhere.**

[saganista]

Originally Posted by lancecreed

We are moving to Alexandria, VA and wanted some information about the areas surrounding the US Patent and Trademark Office and Inova Hospital. We would like to live near or in between the two so long as it is in a relatively safe area. We plan on spending $1800 per month on housing and would only need a two bedroom. It seems as though there are a number of options in that price range in the areas we want, but we would like some feedback from the locals first. We would love it if there are things to do, i.e. parks, restaurants, etc. in the area as well. Any information is helpful!

The two are about a mile apart in downtown Alexandria. It's safe there. Most people are able to find both food and things to do there. It isn't like finding a needle in a haystack. The place is brimming with just such things. Ordinarily, the problems might be finding an available 2 BR in that area, and then finding it for $1800, but if you have that part in hand, the rest will be like hoping to bump into some Italians while you're spending time in Rome...

[thirdandlong]

The area around the Patent Office is really nice. You've got the metro within blocks so you can zip off to lots of places with things to do. But, you're also blocks from Old Town, which is great. Lots of shops, restaurants, etc. It's also an historic area with many of the homes over 200 years old. It's pretty safe.

Can't say much for the area around Inova - just not as familiar with it. It's about two miles down the road and close to 395. You can't walk anywhere from that area, but you can quickly get to lots of stuff via car. More ranch style homes and older apartment buildings. There's a lot of nice neighborhoods in between the areas if you're looking for a house.

I'm an enthusiastic supporter of the Old Town area and is my hands down pick between the two. From Old Town you can be at Inova in about 10 minutes by shooting up King Street.

[yankee.peddler]

Given your budget for housing, I also suggest that you look at the immediate area around the Patent Office. As thirdandlong indicated, this area of Old Town has experienced a recent renaissance. It is close to King Street (the heart of Old Town), the Metro, and has attractive residential communities that suit your budget.

INOVA is located in the West End off Seminary Road near I-395. It's about two miles from Old Town. You could either drive up Seminary Road (not bad during rush-hour) or take the DASH bus. Housing around that area is older. Some nearby apartment complexes are in good condition; others aren't. The hospital itself is surrounded by single-family homes.

Good Luck!

[slduvall]

I think they might have moved in already - that is 5 year old post. BTW- in violation of the rules. No ads allowed.