Renting in Arlington vs. Alexandria vs. McLean vs. ? (Vienna: apartments, for rent)

[ajbuchan]

Hi there. I've found lots of useful info on these boards and was hoping someone could help me out again. I need to know what areas I should be looking in for my new apartment. To give you some background I am in my early 20s and have been in NOVA for about a year. I work in Tyson's Corner and live down the street in McLean (Gates of McLean) with a roommate in a nice 2BR/2BA. However, my roommate is moving out (new job) so I thought it would be a good time to try something new.

My main problem with McLean is that there is not too much to do around here for 20 somethings (although I have enjoyed the restaurants and 10 minute commute). Most of my friends are in Arlington or DC proper and it is getting old to always go to them, although I do have older friends in McLean/Vienna. I'm not a fan of the bar scene - I'd like an area with younger people around and lots of restaurants, coffee shops, and other low key interesting activities that encourage me to go out and about. I'd love to try some new interesting activities that don't involve bars all the time.

The ironic thing is I've helped quite a few friends find apartments in the area but they all wanted to be in the middle of everything. That being said, Arlington Clarendon/Ballston seemed to be a bit crowded and pricey for what I want. I like a little space between where I live and the heart of the activity. Why pay to be in the middle of it all when you aren't really going bar hopping very often?

I'd like to pay around $1500/mo or less but I'd be willing to pay up to $2000 if it was the perfect area.

Any suggestions? Thanks in advance.

[OrangeFish]

Originally Posted by ajbuchan

The ironic thing is I've helped quite a few friends find apartments in the area but they all wanted to be in the middle of everything. That being said, Arlington Clarendon/Ballston seemed to be a bit crowded and pricey for what I want. I like a little space between where I live and the heart of the activity. Why pay to be in the middle of it all when you aren't really going bar hopping very often?

I think you may have answered your own question. If your friends are in Arlington or DC proper, then go closer to where your friends are. And the prices will generally be cheaper further from the Metro (Arlington/VA Square/Clarendon) so you can get that "space" you need between your home and the activity at the same time.

Personally if I were 20-something I would be looking for a place north of Ballston/VA Square. Or, alternatively, you could look for a place in Arlington somewhere near the W&OD Trail, but some of those areas may be considered by some a bit less safe than Ballston/VA Square.

[qwertman]

actually to me, mclean seems like about what you want. it's not in the middle of everything but only 15 minutes away from that whole arlington corridor. If you want something a little more happening probably alexandria would be where to go, but rent will be a little more.

[sohogrand]

I would also look into the Pentagon City and Crystal City areas. I'm very much like you in that I want to live in an urban area where there are other young single professionals but I don't want to be smack dab in the middle of the action. Both areas I mentioned above are in South Arlington so between the Ballston-Rosslyn corridor and Alexandria. Places in close distance to the Metro stops are a bit pricier but in my opinion not nearly as expensive as apartments and condos for rent near the Clarendon or Ballston metros. They're also bigger. I'm not interested in paying $1400 a month for location and then an extra $400 for the apartment alone, not including a parking space or utilities. Especially when that apartment will be less than 600 sq ft. I think you'll find larger square footage if you head further south in Arlington. Stick to places around the Pentagon City and Crystal City metros and then work your way westward from there if the prices are still too high for you.