Philly to Front Royal VA (Reston, Centreville: apartments, rent, month to)

[icampbell]

Soon will be relocating to VA secondary to a job....
Have a few questions!

First, My info to keep in mind:

SIngle, Female, 25 y/o no kids
Drives
Enjoys city life....as well as country secnery.
Probably prefer renting until about a year; then will consider buying.
TWo cats



OK, so I am a city girl and will be working in the Front Royal area.
I was considering living in the Herndon/ Reston aree secondary to those locations being close to the DC area. However, I am concerned about the drive. I have no idea what the flow of traffic when I am going away from the city in the a.m. and towards the city in the evening.

IS it extremely rural in Front Royal or is there some young spirit to this area?

I have been looking at renting homes in the area. However, I am just concerned that its so quiet and open that it will be a not so good adjustment coming from a city like Philadelphia.


Should I buy or should I rent? Once I move I will be in VA for at least two years...Looking at the houses that I could afford; they are pretty reasonable....if I decide to stay past the two years. SHould I just go ahead and buy?

Thanks In Advance!

[Rhett_Butler]

WHOAH hun.... Okay.......

DEFINATELY rent first..... There is a lot of variety from town to town. The difference between Herndon/Reston and Front Royal is pretty much night and day....

Based on the little you said about yourself (young, single, would like a nightlife), do NOT live over in Front Royal..... You'll hate it. That isn't to bash the town. I like it there, but I'm married and don't go out as much as I used to so it would work for someone like me.... Yes, it's beautiful, but...

I'm assuming you're going to be a teacher there? Can't think of any other reason someone would move from Philly to Front Royal, honestly. The area gets a LOT of new teachers from Pennsylvania, so consider it an educated guess..... I could be wrong..

Anyway, the commute from Reston/Herndon is long, but against traffic, so it would probably be about an hour each way. Maybe Manassas or Gainesville would be a better plan? Maybe Warrenton? At least those have more of a sense of "civilization" that you'd appreciate. This is why you have to definately rent first... Find what you like.

[ibecowtippin]

Agree with everything Rhett wrote.

If you are new to the area, rent an apartment or something, month to month as you figure out the area, don't bother unpacking everything or bringing everything with you until you decide where to settle.

When I first moved to NoVa, I had a bed, clothes, computer, and that was it. Sold everything else that could be replaced. Rented a room from someone for a couple of months as I learned the area and figured out where I wanted to call home.

Take your time setting up residence until you are sure where you want to put your head at night. On the weekends, drive around and see what area suites you. Since you are working in Front Royal, I stay around 45 miles in that area. There will be no mass trasportation options for you to get there, so you will be stuck driving. Do you want to put more than 90 miles a day on your car commuting, and if gas prices hit 4 dollars again, paying 12-16 dollars a day for fuel?

[Rhett_Butler]

Originally Posted by ibecowtippin

Take your time setting up residence until you are sure where you want to put your head at night. On the weekends, drive around and see what area suites you. Since you are working in Front Royal, I stay around 45 miles in that area. There will be no mass trasportation options for you to get there, so you will be stuck driving. Do you want to put more than 90 miles a day on your car commuting, and if gas prices hit 4 dollars again, paying 12-16 dollars a day for fuel?

A good point..... I didn't list Winchester as an option, but it is I suppose... Might still be a little slow for you, but it's a heck of a lot closer than any of the other options I listed...

[icampbell]

So, ( honestly) RESTON/HERNDON is too far you think ? ( Even if i was going in the opposite direction from the traffic)

[icampbell]

I will be moving as an occup. therapist....

Thank You so much for everyones time....
SO are ther any other places u would suggest living....
? Trying to create a list!

[lchoro]

I would look at Chantilly, Centreville, or Gainesville. Chantilly is a 1 hour commute to Front Royal and there's a lot of new apartments. Centreville is about 45 minutes straight on I66.

[Rhett_Butler]

Originally Posted by icampbell

So, ( honestly) RESTON/HERNDON is too far you think ? ( Even if i was going in the opposite direction from the traffic)

My advice would be to come up and drive it some time. It's a bit of a hike, but doable.

You seem kinda hell-bent on Reston/Herndon. Any particular reason?

[icampbell]

Thanks Rhett and Ichoro....if i have any questions i will be sure to post?

[icampbell]

Are the taxes high in VA or it depends what part?