Another moving to NOVA post... (Arlington, Alexandria: to rent, condos, neighborhood) - Northern Virginia - Virginia - City-Data Forum

Chilover7 · 03-10-2010, 10:50 AM

Hi everyone, thank you for reading my post. My husband and I will be moving to NOVA in the next few months. He will be working at Ft. Belvoir and I will be working at the Reagan Airport. We are attracted to the walkable city lifestyle and feel Alexandria would be a good fit for us. However, it is clear it will be very expensive and we will likely only be able to afford a studio or 1 bedroom with our income. So I would appreciate for those who know the area if you might suggest some other areas to live between Ft. Belvoir and Reagan Airport. Just to broaden our options, even though Alexandria seems like a lovely place. Or maybe where to avoid as well. We are in our late twenties, no children, 2 dogs, and ready to explore the area. Also, we have never used public transportation and I am excited for the cheap prospect of using the Metro. Would you recommend using the Metro? We both have always driven to work. Thanks for your thoughts!

FindingZen · 03-10-2010, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chilover7

Hi everyone, thank you for reading my post. My husband and I will be moving to NOVA in the next few months. He will be working at Ft. Belvoir and I will be working at the Reagan Airport. We are attracted to the walkable city lifestyle and feel Alexandria would be a good fit for us. However, it is clear it will be very expensive and we will likely only be able to afford a studio or 1 bedroom with our income. So I would appreciate for those who know the area if you might suggest some other areas to live between Ft. Belvoir and Reagan Airport. Just to broaden our options, even though Alexandria seems like a lovely place. Or maybe where to avoid as well. We are in our late twenties, no children, 2 dogs, and ready to explore the area. Also, we have never used public transportation and I am excited for the cheap prospect of using the Metro. Would you recommend using the Metro? We both have always driven to work. Thanks for your thoughts!

For something aesthetically pleasing,I'd recommend Kingstowne, an area that's in the Alexandria section of Fairfax County (as opposed the City of Alexandria). It's a newish area of apts, condos and THs with all your usual midscale retail conveniences within a short driving distance at most. You'd also have a choice of two Metro stations (Springfield/Franconia or Van Dorn) depending on where you live. A short drive to Ft. Belvoir.

Also look into Belle Haven also in the Alexandria section of Fairfax. You might be able to rent out one of the low-rise condos there. The shopping center is sort of quaint as well. You would be a healthy walk from Old Town Alexandria. In fact, it would probably be more convenient to drive to Reagan National from there via Washington St./GW Parkway.

For pure convenience and value, look into Huntington, particularly the Riverside, Belle Haven Towers and Huntington Gateway high-rises. All three properties run a shuttle to the Huntington Metro station a few minutes away. And it's a straight shot down to Ft. Belvoir. Some people consider parts of the immediate neighborhood to be "dodgy" but that seems to be mostly based on older experiences. More midscale retail further south on Route 1 albeit not as pleasing to the eye as Kingstowne. But as I said, this may be the best combination of convenience and value.

chariega · 03-10-2010, 11:21 AM

Honestly, if you both are working in Virginia, but seek a city lifestyle, I would say living in DC might work for you. You could take the metro to Reagan, and your husband can drive to Ft. Belvoir. Going south on 395/95 against traffic, is very doable. I lived way up off 16th and Juniper NW and drove to Springfield everyday. While I would not recommend living that far up, living in Capitol Hill might not be a bad idea. The Hill is close to 395 south for your husband to get to Ft. Belvoir. Capitol Hill especially is a good choice since it's not as congested, but walkable. There are a lot of cool restaurants, bars, markets, on the Hill and the Blue Line at either Capitol South or Eastern Market would take you to Reagan Airport if you didn't want to drive. Not to mention, it's not a crazy, raging part of DC like Chinatown, Dupont, Adams Morgan or Columbia Heights.

Virginia is great (I live in VA and love it) but for what it seems you're looking for, Capitol Hill might be the best option! Alexandria is nice but if you're looking for walkability, areas of Old Town are your best bet but there's no metro close by. King Street metro is about a mile plus away from Old Town.

If you are intent on staying in Virginia, I would recommend the Clarendon or Ballston areas in Arlington in terms of commute and walkability. There are quite a few more affordable housing options now. It's also a bit more happening down there than other parts of VA.

g3org3 · 03-11-2010, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chariega

Alexandria is nice but if you're looking for walkability, areas of Old Town are your best bet but there's no metro close by. King Street metro is about a mile plus away from Old Town.

Actually, King Street Metro is about a mile from the Potomac River and everything in between is Old Town.

weezycom · 03-11-2010, 01:40 PM

There's also a free trolley that runs the length of King Street between the Metro & the waterfront.

Del Ray in Alexandria is another possibilty where your rent $$ can get you a little more square footage.

slduvall · 03-12-2010, 05:38 AM

Another affordable possiblity is the area around the Eisenhower metro station, lots of apts, lots of people in your age group. I live in Kingstowne on top of Belvior and my husband works at the Hoffman Building at the Eisenhower metro, the commute isn't too bad for him, so a reverse commute to Belvior would be even easier, and you could just jump on the metro and not worry about paying to park. It is just 3 stops up the Yellow Line to Reagan. There is a dog park right near the metro, and while it is still a business district it is work in progess, you have great access to the highway, as well as old town.

nwc07 · 03-12-2010, 07:24 AM

I agree with Kingstowne. It puts you close to the Franconia metro and an easy 4 stops to Reagan. You would have to drive to Fort Belvoir but it is very close. The area has many restaurants, movies and shopping and is more affordable than DC or Alexandria. Your only issue will be finding a place that allows your 2 dogs...