American University - live in DC or commute in? (apartment, rent)

[msnguyen23]

I'm starting a full-time internship at American University in August, and am trying to decide whether I want to live in DC or commute in from northern VA. Any advice on what would be the best bet, in terms of cost of living and commute? I'm originally from the northern VA area but haven't lived there in years so I'm not well-versed in the traffic patterns these days.

Right now, I'd like to live near the Tyson's Corner/McLean area, so I can hop on Chain Bridge Road and take it all the way into DC (Canal Street) which is right by American. What kind of commute would that be?

I thought about the Arlington area, but it seems out of my price range (I'm hoping for less than $1000 per month, including utilities), and it doesn't seem that convenient for getting to American.

If I were to live in DC, what would the likelihood be of me finding a place with a washer/dryer and my own bathroom, in a safe neighborhood, and within my budget?

I prefer to live with a roommate or two so hopefully that'll help with the rent..

Any advice would be much appreciated!!

[JimGriffith]

If I were you, there's no way I would consider living in Tyson's -- chain bridge or no that drive is much more of a hassle than you need.

Since you're willing to have roommates, I don't see why you couldn't rent a room in a place right around AU in Tenleytown, Friendship Heights, Cleveland Park or Glover Park.

[msnguyen23]

Thanks for the response. I had been hoping to live closer to Tyson's, mostly because I'd be able to live with a friend, but if it's just not feasible then I'd rather not. Do others agree that the commute from McLean to AU would just not be worth it?

[smakawhat]

THat's an insane commute in my opinion.

[claremarie]

I wouldn't do that commute unless you can live rent-free in the Tyson's area (and are willing to leave for work around 6:30 am).

[PenguinSix]

I think also there is some road work on Chain Bridge Road/Rt.123 (i.e. the route toward AU from Tysons) that's going on for the next few years.

Really, it's not worth it. Spend a few extra bucks and live closer in.

[NOVAmtneer82]

I definitely wouldn't recommend living in Tysons while working at AU. All roads heading into DC are very congested in the morning plus as mentioned there is A TON of construction going on in the Tysons area as they widen the Beltway and build the Metro extension through the area. My company's office is out there and I've noticed it is taking me considerably longer to get around many of the back roads as more people are using them to avoid construction delays.

[akorosdc]

Tyson's is just too much of a commute. If you really don't want to live in DC, look in MD.

[dkf747]

I'm surprised by the comments. Commuting over the Chain Bridge is not too bad at all. From Mclean or Arlington it's not a bad route to AU. Maybe they mean from Tyson's is bad, but it isn't too bad from Mclean or Arlinigton.

[NOVAmtneer82]

Just depends on which part of "McLean" the OP is in. I tend to use McLean and Tysons interchangably and yes I meant more of the area towards the malls and office complexes where many apartment communities are located.