Virginia or Maryland? (to rent, crime, homes)

[robtrevino]

Hey guys, I've been offered a Job in VA, Mclean, to be precise. I was thinking of moving to MD instead of VA because rent is lower. Now, I don't know ANYTHING about either state and I would even consider DC, but would you recommend I move to MD? Could you please give me some pointers/suggestions? THANKS!

[normie]

Traffic is a serious problem in the DC metro area. Try to live as close to work as possible. Remember that crossing a river limits your possible drive routes and will make your commute even longer.

[pythagras]

Here's what I've seen so far as *differences* both sides have similarities.

MD
Pros:
-More public transportation including much deeper Metro and Commuter Rail penetration. This is really nice if you live in MD and commute to DC.

Cons:
-Higher taxes, generally a tax-and-spend state thus somewhat less business/job opportunities than VA.
-Seems to have slightly more crime and poverty

Depends on your preferences
- Slightly more liberal outlook


Northern VA:
Pros:
- Lower taxes, thus probably more businesses try to stay in VA, thus more job opportunities.

Cons:
- Seems to be more gridlock than MD. People seem to go farther out for homes and there is less public transportation penetration

Depends on your preferences
- Slightly more conservative outlook, though much less than a lot of VA.

Both Have
- Lots of diversity
- Decent access to DC on weekends for city attractions
- Lots of art & culture in both MD and VA (not just in DC proper)
- Strip malls galore
- Suburbs galore
- Traffic galore
- Some more "urban" areas attractive to some
- Some farther out "small town" areas attractive to some
- Crime
- A slightly higher proportion of Type A personalities than other areas of the country (though most people are decent)

[Carrot2000]

Originally Posted by robtrevino

Hey guys, I've been offered a Job in VA, Mclean, to be precise. I was thinking of moving to MD instead of VA because rent is lower. Now, I don't know ANYTHING about either state and I would even consider DC, but would you recommend I move to MD? Could you please give me some pointers/suggestions? THANKS!

You want to live in Virginia. The difference in rent will not be worth the expense of losing your sanity trying to commute to work everyday.

[pythagras]

Originally Posted by Carrot2000

You want to live in Virginia. The difference in rent will not be worth the expense of losing your sanity trying to commute to work everyday.

Mclean is right there where a commute from MD or VA would be the same level of pain, unless there is a nice area actually in McLean that is affordable to the OP.

[robtrevino]

Mclean is very expensive to rent on. just 10 miles out, the rent is like 20% lower

[pythagras]

Originally Posted by robtrevino

Mclean is very expensive to rent on. just 10 miles out, the rent is like 20% lower

You could consider DC. There are the pricey areas, and more affordable "up and coming" areas if you want some color in your life. I did the reverse commute for a while, you get to mock the suckers coming the other way. Unfortunately, now I'm just another sucker.

[robtrevino]

You could consider DC. There are the pricey areas, and more affordable "up and coming" areas if you want some color in your life. I did the reverse commute for a while, you get to mock the suckers coming the other way. Unfortunately, now I'm just another sucker.

That is actually a very good idea, I will consider it, thanks!

[spm62]

Originally Posted by Carrot2000

You want to live in Virginia. The difference in rent will not be worth the expense of losing your sanity trying to commute to work everyday.

lol...that`s the truth

[Merlander]

Originally Posted by pythagras

You could consider DC. There are the pricey areas, and more affordable "up and coming" areas if you want some color in your life. I did the reverse commute for a while, you get to mock the suckers coming the other way. Unfortunately, now I'm just another sucker.

I agree that DC is a possibility. Better than MD, commute-wise. Keep in mind, though, that:

1) Not all opposite direction traffic is smooth sailing. Ex: The toll road/I-66 junction.

2) Many two-way arteries become 1-way during rush hour. Ex: Canal Rd on the DC/MD side of the river.