Searching for great family communities (Arlington, Burke: 2015, rentals, new home)

[Freemanfam]

I am considering moving out of San Diego for a Fed position located near the Pentagon. We have two pre-teen boys so safety and education are primary concerns for us. We would be looking to rent for between 2-3K per month for a 3-4 bedroom house.

We have a friend who lives in Woodbridge, but that seems like it may be too far out commute wise. I do know that my contact at my perspective employer mentioned different public transit options as well as the a flex schedule available. I would REALLY appreciate some direction as far as what specific areas I can begin looking for our new home. Thanks!!!!

[movingtodcfromseattle]

The Burke/Fairfax area sounds like a good fit for you. MANY of my neighbors work at the Pentagon and they take the express bus into work. The neighbors on either side of us work a flex schedule with every other Friday off. There are often rentals in our neighborhood (Robinson pyramid of FFX Cty schools). Lake Braddock is also highly regarding in this same area (we are on the border between the two schools). I'm in 22032 and just purchased this past fall from Seattle. Hope that helps.

[normie]

Burke is a good choice. Also, Falls Church might work well, and has the added advantage of being on a metro line.

[mlv311]

I agree with the PPs. Burke (22015), Fairfax (22032 and other similar zip codes) and West Springfield (22152) are worth checking out.

[Freemanfam]

Thanks...I will definitely check out those areas. How far is Woodbridge from Arlington...I am ok with commutes up to an hour or so.

[FindingZen]

Originally Posted by Freemanfam

Thanks...I will definitely check out those areas. How far is Woodbridge from Arlington...I am ok with commutes up to an hour or so.

If you can use that flex-time schedule to avoid the heart of rush hour (6:30-9:30am; 3:30-6:30pm) then you might be able to drive from Woodbridge to Arlington in an hour. Embracing the slugging lifestyle (Slug-Lines.com - Slugging and Slug Lines Information For Washington DC) would maximize your chances as you could then use the High Occupancy Vehicle lanes. Otherwise, it would be 45-50 minute ride on the Virginia Railway Express Rail service in Virginia - VRE from either of the Woodbridge stations to Crystal City in Arlington. From there, you'd transfer to the Metro train for a ~ 10 minute ride to the Pentagon (unless others here know of a direct shuttle from Crystal City?) Mass transit may break even with being a slugger/sluggee in terms of time but would definitely be an advantage over being a single occupancy driver as I-95 is otherwise jammed at rush hour.

[703]

If you are willing to take the bus, you can even live as far as Sterling, Ashburn or even Leesburg.

And take Loudoun County Bus to Pentagon.
Commuter Bus Schedules (http://www.loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=969 - broken link)

Relax and let the bus do the driving