Where in NoVa would you point two empty nesters who like urban/walkable/quaint (Arlington: neighborhood, place to live)

[brooklynborndad]

Originally Posted by slim04

A WMATA employee testified years ago that every mass transit agency proposes expanding access to far flung locations, not because they thought it would happen or was feasible, but to get political support for the public transportation system from areas that are not well served by them. Meaning, most proposals are really pie in the sky wish lists that are utter B.S.

Hey that streetcar line may happen, but if anyone moves there expecting it to happen, you may be in for a long wait.

The Columbia Pike LRT is a proposal by Arlington County, not by WMATA, IIUC. It may not happen, but I do think Arlington is pretty serious about it.

[brooklynborndad]

Originally Posted by normie

Looks like there really isn't any place in Virginia that would work for hyp couple. Thinking way outside the box, they might want to follow Joe Biden's example and live in Delaware. It would be a long train ride to work in the morning, but otherwise Wilmington works for their interests.

Hypo couple would certainly pick Baltimore over Wilmington.

[brooklynborndad]

The nabe itself has a great neo-urban feel, a few nice shops, walkable proximity to ben brenman park, and to the Alex central library. And lots of buses, afaict, to Van dorn metro and king street metro.

Not really fully urban walkable (even as much as Shirlington) though, and just a tad on the expensive side - 2br 2ba condos seem to list from about 350k.

[FindingZen]

Originally Posted by brooklynborndad

The nabe itself has a great neo-urban feel, a few nice shops, walkable proximity to ben brenman park, and to the Alex central library. And lots of buses, afaict, to Van dorn metro and king street metro.

Not really fully urban walkable (even as much as Shirlington) though, and just a tad on the expensive side - 2br 2ba condos seem to list from about 350k.

I've never been inside the neighborhood to see any of the shops but I definitely agree with everything else. I see it as sort of a "cul-de-sac"-like oasis within the city. Plus you can get plenty of exercise running up and down those garage-high steps!

[brooklynborndad]

Originally Posted by Tone509

I've never been inside the neighborhood to see any of the shops but I definitely agree with everything else. I see it as sort of a "cul-de-sac"-like oasis within the city. Plus you can get plenty of exercise running up and down those garage-high steps!

Of course if we moved there it would be to a condo, not a TH.

[FindingZen]

Originally Posted by brooklynborndad

Of course if we moved there it would be to a condo, not a TH.

LOL There goes the "exercise"!

[Carlingtonian]

Thoughts:

1. If you must have a 2BR condo for under 300K, I think your options are limited to Vienna, Columbia Pike, or possibly East Falls Church.

2. Folks, Navy Yard is already on the Metro--the green line. The Navy Yard stop is right across the street from NGA.

3. I think the best deals right now are Columbia Pike (which is only gonna go up in value) or possibly Anacostia (even more upward potential but a good bit grittier and less retail for now).

4. If investment potential isn't the main concern for you, I'd still lean toward the outer reaches of the Orange Line (EFC or beyond). The good schools are a waste in your case, but you get a lot less crime and probably more folks you'll have something in common with (active retired upper-income Baby Boomers).

5. Easiest real estate site to use, by far, is Search Homes for Sale & Find Real Estate Agents Who Put You First | Redfin. It actually updates faster than the realtors' own website, homesdatabase.com. Go figure.

Good luck!

[brooklynborndad]

lets try this again with an additional challenge added.

Suppose one member of hypothetical couple has gotten involved in FFX county politics and has decided they need to stay in FFX county (and that means the COUNTY, not FFX city or Falls Church). Assume all else remains the same - prefer walkable and/or quaint, reasonable commute to DC (with metro or frequent bus access preferred), targeting at least a 2BR condo. To make it a tad easier, lets ease the price constraint to 340K.

This has eliminated Falls Church proper, Del Ray, all the Arlington options. not to mention all the MD/DC options.

I guess whats left is Vienna, Reston, Baileys/Skyline (not quaint or all that walkable, but LRT on the way, and relatively affordable). And maybe Merrifield.
Tysons can't possibly be worth it, can it?

Other ideas?
Huntington? Metro access good - nothing at all walkable is there? though at least close to Old Town Alex.
Kingstowne?

[JD984]

What about Park Terrace condo in Town of Vienna? Close to Maple Avenue, W&OD bike trail, and town stuff. Not too fancy, but 2BR/1BA is certainly within the hypothetical budget.

[Caladium]

If you can wait until the silver line is completed, you might consider the historic section of Herndon. It's not huge, but it does have lots of charm, a few interesting stores as well as practical shops, a great farmers market, community events throughout the year, the W&OD, a good library, and lots of restaurants all within a few blocks.