Small home near work or large home one hour commute? (condo, townhouse)

[That's my question]

After I sell my home I have two choices:

Move to Dupont Circle and live in a 1000 square foot townhouse with the potential for noise and lack of privacy but a five minute commute to work?

Move to Woodbridge or Centerville and live in a 3000 square foot new home with a forest behind it on a huge lot but commute 90 minutes each way to work.

Both options would cost about the same amount of money. We are a childless middle age couple.

Which would you choose?

[DC Bossman]

I value my time more than anything else. I definitely would not be able to stand spending 15 hours a week in a car stuck in traffic

[Internal Breathing Fire]

Depends on what you want. You could possibly get something thats not too far from work but still close enough for a 30 min commute on the train. Silver Spring, Forest Glen, Wheaton, or Glenmont are quite ideal in this situation. Maybe even Greenbelt.

[terrence81]

Well definitely not the Dupont Circle condo. You don't sound excited about either.

If you were excited: I have the opportunity to live in fun and exciting Dupont Circle.

I voted for mid-sized townhouse in an inner-suburb like Arlington or Alexandria. Or you can get the smaller townhouse in the District/ Really and truly you sound like a Centreville or Woodbridge person but the commute just wouldn't be worth it. I like the suburbs too but I also like being closer to the city too much.

You say you don't have kids. Are they grown with the chance of coming home for visits (guest room needed) or are you truly childless I wonder? Either way it doesn't sound like you need a lot of space.

I know a couple who gave up the huge house in VA for a much smaller place in Adams Morgan and they couldn't be happier. So look at your priorities.

[Viceroy of Lost Umbrellas]

I'd rather live in Dupont and not have to spend 15 hours a week commuting, but you aren't me.

Which do you prefer? What about Arlington? It's a shorter commute and you may have a bit more space.

[normie]

Originally Posted by terrence81

Well definitely not the Dupont Circle condo. You don't sound excited about either.

If you were excited: I have the opportunity to live in fun and exciting Dupont Circle..

Good point. I totally agree.

Originally Posted by terrence81

I voted for mid-sized townhouse in an inner-suburb like Arlington or Alexandria.

That gets my vote, too.

[KStreetQB]

If you had kids going to public school, I would say outer suburbs. Without kids, it's Dupont Circle or an inner suburb.

[bibio7]

You should consider Arlington or Alexandria. You can still find a good spot in some areas of Alexandria - definitely bigger than 1000 sq. ft. Besides, you don't want to do that drive on Jefferson Davis Hwy or on the Hwy each day. You'd be stressed each day before you get to work and be so beat when you get home that you won't enjoy the "big house." Consider something in between . . .

[stars99]

Originally Posted by That's my question

After I sell my home I have two choices:

Move to Dupont Circle and live in a 1000 square foot townhouse with the potential for noise and lack of privacy but a five minute commute to work?

Move to Woodbridge or Centerville and live in a 3000 square foot new home with a forest behind it on a huge lot but commute 90 minutes each way to work.

Both options would cost about the same amount of money. We are a childless middle age couple.

Which would you choose?

Don't overthink the problem, and you will find the answers you're looking for.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ksmsv4myOmg

[restoner]

The commute from my SFH in Reston to Metro Center is usually just under one hour (bus/rail combo). Hopefully, the commute will be shorter when the metro station is finished. Am very happy not to have a shared wall anymore.

Also, one thing to keep in mind with a new subdivision -- lots and lots of neighborhood kids