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Hello! Looking for information on where to buy. Husband will be working in Crystal City & the Pentagon for the next few years. Looking for a family friendly neighborhood as we have a 1-yr old son. We love being outdoors, so close to parks and jogging/bike trails would be a plus. House or Townhome. Looking to spend no more than $725k. Right now we are looking in Arlington, Alexandria and Burke. Important to be close to Metro or VRE, to avoid driving to work. Trying to narrow down neighborhoods and developments to make our house hunting trip as efficient as possible. Thanks so much!
Last edited by Army Family; 03-22-2012 at 11:17 PM..
Reason: Change title
Being close to Metro Rail or VRE will be the toughest part, unless you buy right near CC or Pentagon (and then I think you'd end up with a condo apartment, not a townhosue or single family dwelling). I'd contact a realtor and check ads in the Washington Post, etc. Have you contacted USAA?
Hello! Looking for information on where to buy. Husband will be working in Crystal City & the Pentagon for the next few years. Looking for a family friendly neighborhood as we have a 1-yr old son. We love being outdoors, so close to parks and jogging/bike trails would be a plus. House or Townhome. Looking to spend no more than $725k. Right now we are looking in Arlington, Alexandria and Burke. Important to be close to Metro or VRE, to avoid driving to work. Trying to narrow down neighborhoods and developments to make our house hunting trip as efficient as possible. Thanks so much!
You'll get more responses if you post on the NoVa sub-forum. If schools aren't that important to you yet, a townhouse in Shirlington in Arlington might be one good option to consider (no VRE or Metro there, but good, regular bus service to Pentagon and Crystal City). It's near the Four Mile Run trail and the Shirlington Village area, while small, appeals to those who like walkable shopping areas. Otherwise, for $725K in Arlington, you're probably looking at an older house that may or may not be near the Metro or in good condition.
The Alexandria, Burke and West Springfield areas of Fairfax County are probably more popular with military families, since they are more affordable than Arlington, though many drive or "slug" (pick up riders) to get to their jobs. There are also VRE and Metro stations in the area, including VRE stations in Burke (Burke Centre) and West Springfield (Rolling Road).
How long will you be here? If you don't plan on staying at least five years, its not a good idea to buy. The DC market, though surviving better than most, is still pretty variable. $725k will not get you much house close to the Pentagon-- it *will* buy you something nice further out, but then there is traffic (unless he is smart and takes the train/yr new home is close to the metro.)
Do you want something in a planned suburban community or are you more urban dwellers? High rise condo or new construction with yard? Drive to the grocery store or walk to the grocery store? Chain restaurant or privately owned restaurant? Malls or mom and pop shops?
Also, just a bit more info. Planning on spending the rest of hubby's career in DC area, 6 years, plus a few extra after. Considering a Townhome or something inside beltway close to metro to live in for a few years (until baby is school aged) then turning into a rental and buying another home at that time in the burbs. Thanks again for the replies!
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