Relocating to DC...need help with location! (apartment, for rent)

[griff_sa]

Hello all! I just accepted a job offer in DC @ Patriots Plaza. I will be relocating with my husband and 5 month old daughter in a couple of months. I was wondering if anyone could tell me some nice areas to look into for renting a SFH or TH (I have to have a backyard). I do not want to live in DC. I am looking for a diverse, safe area outside the city. Although we both have cars, it would be nice (but not a requirement)to be in a community where things are in walking distance (Park, Restaurants, shops). We are both in our thirties and aren't too worried about night life. My budget is 1600....does this sound possible? WHere should I begin my search? Thanks in Advance!

[slowlane]

I've lived here for 59 years but never heard of "Patriot's Plaza"?? I've only heard of the "Patriot Center" show arena in Fairfax, VA.

[HurricaneDC]

I believe it's an office building in SW:

SWDC Blog: Topping off at Patriots Plaza (http://swdcblog.com/2009/01/topping-off-at-patriots-plaza.html - broken link)

[BKmachine]

I'd say look at Rockville, Olney, Greenbelt, Burtonsville and Silver Spring in MD.

[The Heartbreak Kid]

Updated 2 Bedrooms - Free Metro Shuttle from $1,641 (http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/apa/1744996763.html - broken link)

check that spot out...

[javonnibrustow]

Originally Posted by -.-

I'd say look at Rockville, Olney, Greenbelt, Burtonsville and Silver Spring in MD.

Those are all good areas. stay away from Southern Maryland. Also for Greenbelt don't go to that place that used to be Spring Hill Lakes by Greenbelt station. They have townhomes but at times it looks like Little Mexico there and they had a massive fire there in 07. i mentioned there because for Greenbelt a lot of people look there for townhouses. Don't fall trap. Also... Don't do Landover, possibly New carrolton, NO capitol heights and proceed with caution throughout Prince George's County. It'll be cheaper but slightly sketchy in spots. burtonsville is sort of far also

[mississippimagnolia]

I've lived here for 59 years but never heard of "Patriot's Plaza"?? I've only heard of the "Patriot Center" show arena in Fairfax, VA.

I know four people that work in Patriot's Plaza. The Department of Agriculture has offices there. There are 800 FBI Employees working in Patriot's Plaza right now. I think there is an IRS office there well.

[griff_sa]

Thanks so much for the info. I was also wondering about locations in NoVa...Is Alexandria and Arlington ok? Where else in VA fits my description? Thanks again!

[juniperbleu]

Just for ease of commute, I'd try looking in VA. For Maryland, you'd have to cut through the whole city to get there (and transfer Metro lines if you're not driving in).

Arlington and Alexandria are nice, though you may have an issue with your budget. Further away from a Metro station it could be possible to find a good place, but I rented a 2-bedroom apartment (i.e. no yard) in Alexandria 2 miles from a Metro station for about $1500....2 years ago. For a 2-bedroom townhouse you'd be looking at least $2,000/mo, but likely more for a walkable area.

[griff_sa]

What areas in Va do you think I could find something in my budget? Woodbridge? I don't want to drive more than 45 minutes. Any ideas???