Anywhere Commutable to Tyson's Corner with AFFORDABLE Homes Like These? (Burke: cul-de-sac, for sale)

[ScranBarre]

After some soul-searching here's a best-case scenario for me:

1.) I've decided to stay in the Northern Virginia area long-term.
2.) I'm going to be working in Tyson's Corner for the foreseeable future.
3.) I will likely be earning a $90,000 salary at age 30.

Where can I find a home in this area that is affordable for a single person on a $90,000 salary with these minimum requirements?

2 BR
1 BA
1,100 Square Feet
0.10 Acre Lot (Just enough to plant a few sunflowers, a few tomato plants, a spot for my Siberian husky to pee, and maybe a hot tub someday if I'm lucky).
Character (No, seeing vinyl siding on a cul-de-sac governed by a Nazi-like HOA has no "soul" or "charm" to me).

Here are some example of homes that I love, albeit most are still way too large for my tastes:

24 W 7Th Avenue, S. Williamsport, PA, 17702 - MLS #57542 - Single Family Home real estate - REALTOR.com®
358 Eldred Street, Williamsport, PA, 17701 - MLS #57409 - Single Family Home real estate - REALTOR.com®
1236 Pennsylvania Avenue, Williamsport, PA, 17701 - MLS #57745 - Single Family Home real estate - REALTOR.com®
247 Hughes Street, Williamsport, PA, 17701 - MLS #56430 - Single Family Home real estate - REALTOR.com®
936 Race Street, Williamsport, PA, 17701 - MLS #57559 - Single Family Home real estate - REALTOR.com®
327 Brandon Avenue, Williamsport, PA, 17701 - MLS #57679 - Single Family Home real estate - REALTOR.com®
931 High Street, Williamsport, PA, 17701 - MLS #56995 - Single Family Home real estate - REALTOR.com®
120 Eldred Street, Williamsport, PA, 17701 - MLS #56722 - Single Family Home real estate - REALTOR.com®


Why is it that homes like these cost, generally, $150,000 or less in most other parts of the country and $600,000 here? Why is it that single people in those metropolitan areas earning half of that $90,000 salary can afford homes like that, often times by age 25 or 26 but they couldn't dream of it here, even at age 40 or 45? Other than "good schools" (why do I care since I don't have kids?) or "good jobs" (what do I care since I don't want to die saying the highlight of my life was the 9 to 5?) what is so "amazing" about this area that has pushed housing prices up to unattainable levels for single-income households? "Proximity to DC" is a moot point if our terrible mass transit options and nation's second-worst congestion make it so difficult to access anyways.

I don't want this to come off as another "ScranBarre hates his life and is taking it out on NoVA" threads, but seriously I am still waiting on people to "sell" me on living in this area. Other than "good schools", "good jobs", and "close to DC" (all three of which aren't a big deal to me or are even exaggerations in themselves), why should someone like me stay in a place like Reston, Ashburn, Woodbridge, or Oakton? I'm just not seeing what is so "superior" about these areas to command such sky-high housing prices for such mediocre homes. At least in other exorbitant areas there are more redeeming qualities: L.A. you get proximity to the beach, NYC you get...well...NYC (which crushes DC), etc. What's the big "edge" to living here?

What's the advantage to living in a 1-BR apartment on a $90,000 salary in DC or living in a beautiful historic home in Pittsburgh, for example, on a $60,000 salary? Call me stupid, naive, or jaded, but I suppose I'm just STILL not seeing the reason for the housing bubble here.

[JfromReston]

Originally Posted by ScranBarre

Why is it that homes like these cost, generally, $150,000 or less in most other parts of the country and $600,000 here?

The homes you listed are charming but not the type of home that are out here in the 'burbs of NOVA. I also don't think that the equivalent homes cost $600,000 here. Check out these $600K homes for comparison - I think they have character - just not the same old world character - and they are all substantially larger homes on larger lots than those on your list.

View Property Details- 2208 HALTER LN, Reston, VA 20191
View Property Details-
View Property Details- 1316 DEEP RUN LN, Reston, VA 20190
View Property Details- 11710 OLD BAYBERRY LN, Reston, VA 20194
View Property Details- 2325 CLUB POND LN, Reston, VA 20191

P.S. It took me a long time to accept vinyl/aluminumn siding on a home.

[Gottasay]

Evenin', Scranbarre. I think Falls Church has the Craftsman/Cape Cod style homes that you seek w/in proximity to DC. Only problem is your price range. Here's a cute one (its under contract) in the $300K range. It dropped substantially in value. At peak was $583K.

FX7174087 on FranklyMLS.com 2915 JOHNSON RD, FALLS CHURCH VA for $299,900 in TYLER PARK Home For Sale

[jaunespinoza]

Scran,
Something like this:
6805 Custis Pkwy, Falls Church, VA, 22042 - MLS #FX7077213 - Single Family Home real estate - REALTOR.com®


BTW, if PA were so nice; I don't think you would see all the Steelers' logos littering our roads. Seems like they've been in a recession since the 70s. Their property taxes are lethal, also. VA is in way better shape economically. I know someone in Philly, who spends 5000 per year on oil heat, and it's still freezing cold in his old beautiful, house--taxes are another 5000, and it's only worth 200K.

[Denton56]

Since you like other places better than NOVA, why are you intending to stay here long term?

Sorry, I just don't get it.

Houses cost more here because people think they're worth more. Supply and demand. People here can afford to pay those prices so there is competition that drives prices up. People in PA cannot afford these prices and there is MUCH less demand because people make much less money, fewer jobs, etc.

Ever looked at home prices in the richer parts of New York and New Jersey and California? More income, higher house prices. DC isn't unique in that. It's not rocket science, it's economics.

[powersnax]

I have the answer to your problem finding "reasonably priced" houses close to DC - everything EAST of the city! Don't forget to bring your bullet proof vest!

[normie]

I thought you were being transferred to the Dulles office. You've already had two job transfers since you moved here in June, and you've made several conflicting announcements about possibly moving to another state. That's ok, that's part of being 22. Life is full of change when your fresh out of school.

Hate to sound like a broken record but we told you this last month and the month before. Things are changing way too much in your life right now to think about buying a house. Plus, right now you're enjoying going out clubbing and hitting nice restaurants. It sounds like you have a lot of fun with your friends, are you really ready to let go of that? That's not a lifestyle that goes with owning a house.

You're only in your 20's once, why not enjoy it? There's plenty of time for owning a house.

[Alanboy395]

Originally Posted by ScranBarre

After some soul-searching here's a best-case scenario for me:

1.) I've decided to stay in the Northern Virginia area long-term.
2.) I'm going to be working in Tyson's Corner for the foreseeable future.
3.) I will likely be earning a $90,000 salary at age 30.

Where can I find a home in this area that is affordable for a single person on a $90,000 salary with these minimum requirements?

2 BR
1 BA
1,100 Square Feet
0.10 Acre Lot (Just enough to plant a few sunflowers, a few tomato plants, a spot for my Siberian husky to pee, and maybe a hot tub someday if I'm lucky).
Character (No, seeing vinyl siding on a cul-de-sac governed by a Nazi-like HOA has no "soul" or "charm" to me).

Here are some example of homes that I love, albeit most are still way too large for my tastes:

24 W 7Th Avenue, S. Williamsport, PA, 17702 - MLS #57542 - Single Family Home real estate - REALTOR.com®
358 Eldred Street, Williamsport, PA, 17701 - MLS #57409 - Single Family Home real estate - REALTOR.com®
1236 Pennsylvania Avenue, Williamsport, PA, 17701 - MLS #57745 - Single Family Home real estate - REALTOR.com®
247 Hughes Street, Williamsport, PA, 17701 - MLS #56430 - Single Family Home real estate - REALTOR.com®
936 Race Street, Williamsport, PA, 17701 - MLS #57559 - Single Family Home real estate - REALTOR.com®
327 Brandon Avenue, Williamsport, PA, 17701 - MLS #57679 - Single Family Home real estate - REALTOR.com®
931 High Street, Williamsport, PA, 17701 - MLS #56995 - Single Family Home real estate - REALTOR.com®
120 Eldred Street, Williamsport, PA, 17701 - MLS #56722 - Single Family Home real estate - REALTOR.com®


Why is it that homes like these cost, generally, $150,000 or less in most other parts of the country and $600,000 here? Why is it that single people in those metropolitan areas earning half of that $90,000 salary can afford homes like that, often times by age 25 or 26 but they couldn't dream of it here, even at age 40 or 45? Other than "good schools" (why do I care since I don't have kids?) or "good jobs" (what do I care since I don't want to die saying the highlight of my life was the 9 to 5?) what is so "amazing" about this area that has pushed housing prices up to unattainable levels for single-income households? "Proximity to DC" is a moot point if our terrible mass transit options and nation's second-worst congestion make it so difficult to access anyways.

I don't want this to come off as another "ScranBarre hates his life and is taking it out on NoVA" threads, but seriously I am still waiting on people to "sell" me on living in this area. Other than "good schools", "good jobs", and "close to DC" (all three of which aren't a big deal to me or are even exaggerations in themselves), why should someone like me stay in a place like Reston, Ashburn, Woodbridge, or Oakton? I'm just not seeing what is so "superior" about these areas to command such sky-high housing prices for such mediocre homes. At least in other exorbitant areas there are more redeeming qualities: L.A. you get proximity to the beach, NYC you get...well...NYC (which crushes DC), etc. What's the big "edge" to living here?

What's the advantage to living in a 1-BR apartment on a $90,000 salary in DC or living in a beautiful historic home in Pittsburgh, for example, on a $60,000 salary? Call me stupid, naive, or jaded, but I suppose I'm just STILL not seeing the reason for the housing bubble here.

The only homes I've seen in the DC area that look anything like that are in Prince George's County, MD. Yes, PG has some considerable problems but that is the only place I can think of that has homes that look anything like the ones you mention.

Some of the posters here will do everything to keep you out of PG County (probably because they are scared of even stable black neighborhoods but won't admit it) but spots that you may want to check out for your style of housing are New Carrollton, Mt. Rainier, Lanham, and possibly College Park. Now these areas are in troubled PG County but these are so-so areas in PG. Do they have higher crime rates that Northern Virginia? Yes. Are they VERY dangerous? No.

One thing about those areas is that the commute is going to be difficult to Tysons Corner. I hate to break it to you but for you to get your dream house here is going to require a lot of pain one way or another. That is why I would be looking for the exit door if I were you.

[robbobobbo]

Originally Posted by ScranBarre

After some soul-searching here's a best-case scenario for me:

1.) I've decided to stay in the Northern Virginia area long-term.
2.) I'm going to be working in Tyson's Corner for the foreseeable future.
3.) I will likely be earning a $90,000 salary at age 30.

Where can I find a home in this area that is affordable for a single person on a $90,000 salary with these minimum requirements?
(snip)
Why is it that homes like these cost, generally, $150,000 or less in most other parts of the country and $600,000 here? Why is it that single people in those metropolitan areas earning half of that $90,000 salary can afford homes like that, often times by age 25 or 26 but they couldn't dream of it here, even at age 40 or 45? Other than "good schools" (why do I care since I don't have kids?) or "good jobs" (what do I care since I don't want to die saying the highlight of my life was the 9 to 5?) what is so "amazing" about this area that has pushed housing prices up to unattainable levels for single-income households? "Proximity to DC" is a moot point if our terrible mass transit options and nation's second-worst congestion make it so difficult to access anyways.

I don't want this to come off as another "ScranBarre hates his life and is taking it out on NoVA" threads, but seriously I am still waiting on people to "sell" me on living in this area. Other than "good schools", "good jobs", and "close to DC" (all three of which aren't a big deal to me or are even exaggerations in themselves), why should someone like me stay in a place like Reston, Ashburn, Woodbridge, or Oakton? I'm just not seeing what is so "superior" about these areas to command such sky-high housing prices for such mediocre homes. At least in other exorbitant areas there are more redeeming qualities: L.A. you get proximity to the beach, NYC you get...well...NYC (which crushes DC), etc. What's the big "edge" to living here?

What's the advantage to living in a 1-BR apartment on a $90,000 salary in DC or living in a beautiful historic home in Pittsburgh, for example, on a $60,000 salary? Call me stupid, naive, or jaded, but I suppose I'm just STILL not seeing the reason for the housing bubble here.

First off, "good jobs" are vitally important to many people, and if those people are responsible for children, even more important. You have to be able to pay your mortgage and eat, after all. Would you spend thousands in relocation costs, plus thousands more on a down payment on a house, to move to an area where if you lose your job, you have a terrible chance to find another? Proximity to DC is certainly not a moot point - it is the entire point, and you're naive if you think the downsides outweigh that face. The Federal Government is what drives the economy of Northern Virginia. It's the reason why NOVA is booming, and why it developed. And most people who need to put food on the table don't say "eh, so what".

Good jobs brings the people here and keeps them here. Good schools are a bonus - it may not be an issue to you, but it sure is to many other people.

Every place has good and bad. LA? Ha, the traffic is horrible, it's renown for sprawl, and has no downtown character, from what I've read from people living there. NYC has many detractors. This area has a lot going for it, and hundreds of thousands of people who don't mind strip malls, or driving to work, or vinyl siding, or cul-de-sacs

DC and the area has plenty to offer. Why do you have to be "sold" on it by others? Why is it our responsibility to make you like living in a place you obviously dislike? For what it's worth, it doesn't make sense to me why you continue to live in the far-flung burbs. I felt similar to you at your age - I was living in western Ffx Co to be close to GMU. I wound up moving to Falls Church, which was ok but not my speed, then to Clarendon, in a group house of guys my age. That was fun, and eventually, most of my group moved (individually) into DC. I felt most at home in DC. If I'd stayed in Fairfax or Burke, I'd be miserable and I suppose writing to C-D about it.

[tgbwc]

Sometimes you have to move up in steps. We first bought around age 24 (my wife and I). For about 7 years we lived in this neighborhood, which was fine for us commuting to West Springfield:

PW7166878 on FranklyMLS.com 12994 ABNER AVE #64, WOODBRIDGE VA for $119,900 in DEVILS REACH CONDO Home For Sale
PW7137828 on FranklyMLS.com 1770 TIGER LILY CIR #101, WOODBRIDGE VA for $129,900 in DEVILS REACH CONDO Home For Sale
PW7184062 on FranklyMLS.com 1862 TIGER LILY CIR #10, WOODBRIDGE VA for $129,900 in DEVILS REACH CONDO Home For Sale

Then we had a child in 2000 and found that the little townhome was too small, so around age 30 we moved a bit further out. Now, 8 years later, I have moved again, each time "trading up" so to speak. This last move put us close to work, but the trade off was it is an older house, built in 1969 instead of 2000, with a carport instead of a garage, etc. But we are still happy.

I would also like to point out that sometimes the grass is always greener....I look at a $90,000 salary by age 30 and think "Wow, that's great. At age 38 I am $20k under that with no raise next year either". But then I remind myself of the trade-offs if things were different, and count my blessings for the things I do have (food, heat in the winter, cool air in the summer, etc).