Moving Question/Advice (Alexandria: to rent, safe area, school)

[jmn3]

Hello everyone,

I'm doing some job searching in the DC area. Currently located in Western New York. One of the companies I am strongly being recruited by is located in Bowie, MD. I am somewhat familiar with the area as I have some friends and family around. I'm not at the job offer stage yet, but I am doing some searching as far as where to live if indeed I did take a job there. I'm a 28 y/o single male, so I really don't think living out in Bowie would be a great idea. I'd rather be somewhere where there's a bit more action (bars, etc)...while still being in a safe area.

The family I have lives in and around Alexandria so I wouldn't mind being on the Virginia side. I have a vehicle and would likely be driving to work. What do you all think about living somewhere in VA and commuting to Bowie on a daily basis? Is this absolute nonsense that I should stop thinking about immediately? Again - just looking for some random advice/thoughts from anyone familiar with the area.

I would be looking to rent, one/two bedroom...max $1500 a month...if that info helps at all.

Thanks everyone!

[JfromReston]

Originally Posted by jmn3

I'd rather be somewhere where there's a bit more action (bars, etc)...while still being in a safe area.

The family I have lives in and around Alexandria so I wouldn't mind being on the Virginia side. I have a vehicle and would likely be driving to work. What do you all think about living somewhere in VA and commuting to Bowie on a daily basis? Is this absolute nonsense that I should stop thinking about immediately?

Absolute nonsense - YES!

If you really want to live near some action - try Dupont or Logan Circle in DC. You really don't want to have to cross the Potomac River twice every day. You will find yourself spending so much time in your vehicle that you have no time for the bars etc.

[jmn3]

Understand your point about the river crossings. I guess I was hoping that driving out to Bowie in the morning and then back to Virginia at night would be just somewhat against the normal traffic flow. But I guess that was just my outsider's naivety coming out!

I wouldn't say no to DC at all. I have done some research on this company and it's location and while the Bowie area seems nice, I don't want to be single, in a new city, and living in what appears to be a quiet suburb. I don't need to be smack in the middle of downtown, but a nice, walkable area with restaurants, bars, shops, and so on, where I feel safe and can meet other's in my age group is really what I'm hoping to find. Also - being reasonably close to the family and friends I already have in the area is of some preference too.

Just for curiosity sake, any commute estimates on Alexandria to Bowie....leaving Alexandria around 7AM and leaving Bowie around 5PM. You are right...I really don't want to spend all my time in my car!

All that being said - I need to get the job first!

[Tish Thompson]

That's a big commute and traffic is a beast. Since you have family in Alexandria, why not come down one weekend and scout out the Bowie area...and make the drive from Alexandria to Bowie to see if you can tolerate it. Traffic won't be so bad on the weekend, but you may find just driving the trip one way may be more than you want to do.

[michgc]

How about looking in Annapolis? It's a nice, small, downtown area with bars, restaurants, and plenty of walkability. And it's pretty close to Bowie.

[ebonediva]

Tailing off of the previous post....Annapolis is a great choice or Waldorf. Not a lot of bars in Waldorf but nonetheless a desirable community, affordable, and lots of shopping, etc. Plus Waldorf isn't too far your family in Alexandria.

[jmn3]

Thanks for the feedback. For what it's worth, I've done a bit more research and Annapolis does seem to be a fun little city that kind of has what I'm looking for. One of the biggest concerns I'd have is that it puts me farther away from the people I know in the area. The other question I have, is I've heard and seen all sorts of commentary on VA vs MD when it comes to taxes. Is it that much different? Keep in mind, I'm in New York State right now....we pay unbelievable taxes on everything (income, sales, property, school, etc. etc.). Is the difference in this type of cost really that significant or is it one of those things that often gets blown out of proportion?

If this progresses (which, it has moved on to the next step and all signs are still pointing toward very good!), I'd want to check out various areas and just really drive around and see places and see what works for me.

[JealousMonkey]

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Is someone out there who want to talk about NYC?
I wanna know so much but I don't know who to ask!
Please tell me!
on Skype: valentine_mo

I know, it's a bit stupid to ask, but I wanna talk to a living person, not just getting all the facts from the internet
Thank you!