Commute from Waldorf, MD to Alexandria, VA (to live in, office)

[SmoothGuy]

Hi, Im from Charlotte and I just got an engineering job at the USPTO and I am starting in 3 weeks, I have a friend who lives in the DC area now and I am crashing with him for a month before I get situated. His apt is in Waldorf, MD. I am wondering how early should I leave for work? I have to be there at 8:30am, and I know that traffic is crazy up there.

Also, I will be looking for a 2 bedroom apt in Alexandria after I crash with my friend, can anyone recommend a good area to live in? I don't want to exceed $1300 a month. THANKS IN ADVANCE!!

[fjennell]

probably between 6:45 & 7:15 - depending on what part of waldorf and what part of alexandria - i leave around 6:15 to ensure getting to DC by 7:30 - you never know what traffic may be like but the later you leave, the worse it gets unless you leave after 8:00 am.

[SmoothGuy]

Originally Posted by fjennell

probably between 6:45 & 7:15 - depending on what part of waldorf and what part of alexandria - i leave around 6:15 to ensure getting to DC by 7:30 - you never know what traffic may be like but the later you leave, the worse it gets unless you leave after 8:00 am.

Thank you so much for your response, also are you familiar with Alexandria, VA? The United States Patent and Trademark Office is located on Dulany St, are there any nice apts close by that I can get for around $1300/mo or what area would you recommend that's pretty nice in Alexandria?