Affordable place to live near Herndon-Reston Area (Fairfax: for sale, apartment)

[EpikHighgirl]

Hi, I'm not even sure if it's the right place to post, but here it goes.

I'm starting my first job in VA. It's in Reston, near Sunrise Valley (20191). I was wondering can anyone give me any possible lead on affordable housing near this area. studio - 1 bed (under $800 incl. utl). I'm currently renting a room in Herndon (20170) but due to too much restrictions it's better if I have a place of my own.

I'm a single woman, living alone. Therefore I'd like the place to be relatively safer (no auto-theft, burglary). I'm from Detroit area, so minor stuff doesn't bother me.

Thank you in advance.

[Caladium]

Maybe you can look for a roommate situation. If you split rent 2 or 3 ways you could probably find a place that would end up costing you less than $800, including utilities. I doubt you could find your own place with that kind of budget.

[FindingZen]

Your best case scenario would be to search the (online) classifieds for homes renting a basement apartment. This would essentially be a studio-type apartment with your own separate entrance. You may find something within your preferred max but it will be tough.

Generally speaking, any apartment you find under $1000 (or even $1100) will have its drawbacks, whether it be a lengthy commute, shoddy maintenance or holds a reputation of more than minor issues. As I just suggested, private owners (as opposed to a complex) may be an exception towards your favor but $800 inclusive won't give you many options.

If you happen to be under 30 then, per Caladium's suggestion, you will find plenty of potential roommates that would be happy to share space with you. It's a pretty normal phenomenon in this expensive area.

[Margery]

Tone is correct, as usual. Your best bet will be a basement apartment or finding a roomate to share an apartment. Check out HomesDatabase - Home for Sale and Rent in DC, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, and Pennsylvania, I found one in Reston this morning and if you use the map feature to zoom out you will find others in Fairfax County or Loudoun County close to Reston, or Prince William County which will be farther from Reston but still doable.

[crista73]

How about small towns nearby living? What's the options? Suggestions? I have same question

[LynchburgLover]

Originally Posted by crista73

How about small towns nearby living? What's the options? Suggestions? I have same question

When you look at a map, it appears there are separate small towns nearby but in reality, Northern Virginia is one gigantic urban sprawl of suburbia. Many of those towns are also rather affluent and the houses/townhouses are pretty expensive. Western Loudoun does not have many apartment options. You would also have to add the cost of commuting, especially if considering the toll roads.

Advice above about seeking roommates usually is the best option for someone on a tight budget. Try to get fairly close to your job.

Best of luck.