Where should we live (just married, early 30's) (Arlington, McLean: to rent, how much)

[gkwells]

Hi All,

My husband and I live in Vienna, but are looking to move closer to the city so we have a more equiptable commute (he works in Mclean, I work in downtown DC). We own in Vienna, but are willing to rent or buy our next place. Here are our constraints:
--fun, safe neighborhood with high walkability,
--good schools
--couples in a similar stage of life (early 30's, will probably start our family soon)

I know Arlington is an obvious choice, but we both lived in N. Arlington group houses there in our 20's, and I guess I'm having trouble understanding what it's like to live there as a family.

Any thoughts appreciated! Thanks!


please pardon any errors from this first-time poster!

[Stephen 81]

Well, Arlington isn't a big place per se, but there's a wide variety in terms of what Arlington's neighborhoods have to offer.

If I were in your situation, I would look at the Westover neighborhood on Washington Blvd between the EFC and Ballston stations. I think there are a lot of couples there with young children, and while I can't say anything about the local elementary school, I know the area feeds into Yorktown, which is Arlington's most highly regarded high school. There's a small commercial center with a number of good restaurants (Lebanese Taverna, Lost Dog Cafe) and a post office, and it's got a very nice neighborhood-y feel that you won't find in most places around here.

If your husband is commuting to McLean, it won't be a bad commute, and he could probably drop you off at the EFC metro a mile away on his way to work.

I don't know how much houses there cost, but there's definitely a wide range of housing stock, from small older (1940's?) houses and newer in-fill. The ZIP Code for the area is 22205, if you want to take a look at some listings online.

About Westover should give you a brief introduction to the neighborhood.

[athousandlogins]

I was also thinking Westover. Lots of young families there. The housing stock is mostly old, but the neighborhood is great.

[claremarie]

Westover is very nice, I agree.
You could also consider the City of Falls Church, which meets all of your criteria. Your housing budget will probably be your biggest constraint.

[Denton56]

You will lose SO MUCH money by moving. Is a commute from Vienna all that bad?