Harpers Ferry vs. Leesburg (Union: rental car, rental, home)

[LeavingLou]

We are moving to the DC area and are looking for some help in finding where to live. We are going to rent for a while, and have 2 dogs (medium and large), so the land /prices/space that we're finding in Leesburg and Harpers Ferry suit us well. Where we are stuck, no pun intended, is on the commute. I work from home, but she will be working in DC proper. Harpers Ferry seems to be further, but easier commute w/ the MARC. Leesburg seems to be almost equidistant when driving up to Point of Rocks to catch the MARC, but I hear of issues w/ 15 north? Is it even worthwhile to use the MARC from Leesburg? Basically, given what seems to be even amenities in housing, recreation, etc etc, which is easier on the commuter going into DC? And is there a significant difference in taxes? Thanks.

[7th Direction]

Taxes in Northern Virginia are MUCH higher than the taxes you'd pay in West Virginia.

I haven't heard of serious problems with 15N coming from Leesburg to Point of Rocks (we live in WV and my husband used to work in Leesburg... so he used to drop me off at the Point of Rocks MARC, but we were going south on 15). Leesburg is 15-20 minutes from Point of Rocks MARC with traffic, it may be more like 25-30. I don't consider that bad. It also depends on what time she plans on arriving at the train station.

[billscamaros]

From Leesburg, I think that you also have the option of driving into Herndon and catching a metro bus to one of the metro train stations. I haven't done a detailed investigation comparing taxes in WV to VA, but you might find some information on the City-Data.com website proper (not within the forums here).

Good luck.

[LeavingLou]

Thanks for the info on the commuter busses in Leesburg. It would appear to be a few minutes shorter than the MARC from Harpers, but signifigantly more costly. Have any of you experienced issues with the MARC, and how frequent/severe? She's leaning Leesburg, and I'm leaning Harpers Ferry, but my reasons (outdoor activities) aren't tipping the scale against her length of commute argument. Can anyone help me convince her why the WV area is a better move?

[billscamaros]

I don't know that you can hang much on your "outdoor activities" reason ....... being in Leesburg certainly won't hamper those activities much. Although I guess that it depends on what you mean by "outdoor activities"? Kayaking in the river .... Leesburg has a slightly longer commute to get to the river, but it can't be bad. Hiking? Harper's Ferry has the edge as the Appalachian Trail runs almost thru the town, but Leesburg has access off of Rt 7. Hunting? You'll need specific permission from landowners in either location. Fishing? easy access to rivers either place. Bicycling? Probably Leesburg gets the nod here, as the W&OD Trail goes right thru town. Others? probably just as easy from Leesburg as from Harpers Ferry. Possibly easier as you might find more distractions for you wife in Leesburg, freeing up more time for your "outdoor activities".

[LeavingLou]

Ha! I like the way you think, bill. Outdoor activities for me include kayaking, hiking with the dogs, and fishing. Thank you for the advice. Also, given the Rodriguez issues, would it catch me much heat/be in poor taste to wear my blue and maize Wolverines gear around on Saturdays?

[7th Direction]

Originally Posted by LeavingLou

Have any of you experienced issues with the MARC, and how frequent/severe?

The MARC Train has few serious issues, most of the time the biggest problem is delays. In the summertime, if the temperature gets warmer than 80°, the Brunswick MARC Line has mandatory reduced speed orders (the track is owned by CSX and it is a policy of CSX). This can slow the commute in the afternoon some, but usually not more than 15 minutes.

When there is a serious problem, it is a big deal. Serious problems include: if the train hits a vehicle at a crossing, or hits a pedestrian... the train involved and all others following are delayed, sometimes indefinitely. MARC will provide alternate transportation like buses, but you can imagine it can be very confusing and hectic.

Sometimes the train will hit something on the track: a fallen tree, a deer, etc. The crew is required to stop to make sure the collision did not damage any equipment. This usually only takes a few minutes, but if there is damage, who knows how long it would take?

Sometimes there is freight congestion. The MARC train shares the tracks with CSX Freight Trains and Amtrak Passenger Trains. With increased gas prices, there is increasing congestion on the rails. Ocassionally, the train will have to stop at a switch and wait for permission to proceed from the switch operator.

Sometimes weather causes problems. Recently, we had a storm that knocked a bunch of trees onto the tracks. All trains were cancelled going westbound (in the evening) and MARC did not even run the next day.

I like riding the MARC, there is an "express" train that leaves Union Station at 4:55pm that stops at Silver Spring, Rockville... and then goes all the way to Point of Rocks.

Another thing to keep in mind: There is a service for mass transit commuters called Guaranteed Ride Home Guaranteed Ride Home Program (GRH). In case your wife gets stuck at work late (past train hours) or has to come home in an emergency, if she is a member (free), she can get up to 4 emergency rides home a year for free. If she uses their service, they will cover the cost of a rental car or taxi back to her departing station.