Moving to Northern VA. Need help finding a city/town that suits my needs. (Alexandria: salons, real estate) - Northern Virginia - Virginia - Page 2 - City-Data Forum

terrence81 · 02-11-2011, 02:12 PM

Yes Northern Virginia is pretty darn suburban so that small town main street vibe just doesn't exist here. One place that might come close would be Leesburg. They have a cute little downtown and it does feel like a small town versus random suburb. But its so far from everything. As far as clubbing goes you'd be an hour from DC. Not exactly a fun drive on a Friday night.

A lot of people like Reston but its not a small town its still a high powered suburb. It would still be a good option to consider though.

Falls Church kinda has that small town vibe but you'd be looking at a long commute.

Honestly you might want to go with the previous of just getting a short term lease really close to your job and then start exploring areas that fit your lifestyle. BUt yeah Dulles is straight up suburbia as far as the eye can see for the most part.

Either way good luck and welcome to VA.

stpickrell · 02-11-2011, 02:12 PM

OP,

If you're just renting, then look at places closest to your work. That would rule out Falls Church unless you plan on going into DC *every* weekend. North Arlington would be too far for a commute you're doing every day as opposed to social opportunities in DC you'll be doing 2-3 times a week at most.

Centreville, Fairfax, Vienna, no point if you're renting and you plan on being at this job for more than 2-3 years.

To wit: Herndon, Reston, and Leesburg.

Herndon = Probably the best, commute-wise, but as said before, its downtown is not much. As I have never worked nor lived there I can't speak much of it.
Leesburg = The cheapest and with the best downtown, but the furthest out. On the other hand, it is the closest thing, I think, to NEPA -- it is a highly historic town dating back 200+ years and has a very nice mix of ecletic downtown stores (maybe too many antique places) and chain shopping (Walmart, Target, Costco, Wegmans, etc.)
Reston = Might be too pre-planned for your taste. Its Town Center has mostly chain places (who else can afford the rent?) and is pretty pricey.

Ashburn = too new for your taste, probably.
Sterling = too car-dependent, plus some parts might be a little too run-down.
Chantilly = too car-dependent for your taste.

terrence81 · 02-11-2011, 02:17 PM

Yeah it depends on lifestyle. I go out every weekend and have started going out on Wednesdays as well. So living out by Dulles isn't an option. Back in July I did commute from south Arlington to Chantilly everyday. It wasn't the greatest an hour each way with the AC out in my truck. How I survived is a mystery for the ages. But Arlington is just a better fit for my lifestyle.

robbobobbo · 02-11-2011, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by terrence81

BUt yeah Dulles is straight up suburbia as far as the eye can see for the most part.

Which makes sense, considering that Dulles is named for the airport, and the airport location was chosen for the reason that it was out in the middle of nowhere, where airplane noise and other associated ills wouldn't affect residences.

Caladium · 02-11-2011, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crys_tyle08

My budget is anywhere between $1,000 to $1700 for a 1 bedroom with a den and/or loft, or a 2 bedroom (some utilities included is great). I'm looking to move into a newer (contemporary style) apartment community. I'm in my late 20's, but I don't go out to bars/nightclubs often. Usually only when friends come to visit (which is generally once a month). I'm originally from north-eastern PA, which has pretty much died after the coal industry started to lose it's ground. I like a fair mix of history and new infrastructure, much like Harrisburg PA area where I live now. I love that Harrisburg has festivals along the river throughout the year, but I don't mind heading closer to the DC area for things like that if I have to. I also like how in the summer, restaurants in downtown Harrisburg are open to the outside, and you can eat right along the street (or river). I like spending tons of time outdoors when the weather is nice. It'd be nice to be not to far from an area that has non-chain restaurants, a coffee shop, maybe an art gallery, and small shops. I don't mind having to drive a couple miles to large chain grocery, retail stores, or malls.

Having read this, I'd suggest renting in Herndon (look for a place closer to the downtown, not the Worldgate area). Try to get a short term lease, and by the time it's up you'll have a better feel for what appeals to you. Alternate sugestions would be to rent in one of the complexes circling Dulles Town Center or in Reston Town Center area. Rosslyn and Occoquan are two river front towns that fit the description above, but the commute would be miserable. I think you'd be happier in Herndon. Reston and Herndon have plenty of festivals, especially at RTC and Lake Anne Plaza.

JfromReston · 02-11-2011, 02:50 PM

Sounds like you would like Reston Town Center and head into DC for your history fix.
11800 SUNSET HILLS RD #316, RESTON, VA 20190 - HomesDatabase (http://www.homesdatabase.com/home-listings-CARLTON+HOUSE-RESTON-VA-MRIS-FX7525796 - broken link)
1705 LAKE SHORE CREST DR #34, RESTON, VA 20190 - HomesDatabase (http://www.homesdatabase.com/home-listings-EDGEWATER+AT+TOWN+CNTR-RESTON-VA-MRIS-FX7509668 - broken link)
12000 MARKET ST #371, RESTON, VA 20190 - HomesDatabase (http://www.homesdatabase.com/home-listings-SAVOY+AT+RESTON+TWN+CNTR-RESTON-VA-MRIS-FX7525579 - broken link)

Alicia Bradley · 02-11-2011, 03:10 PM

Check out Fairfax City.. it has the most 'actual small town that became suburb' feel (in its central core, that is) of any community in relatively-close-in (but still outside-the-Beltway) NoVA, IMO. The commercial part of Church Street in Vienna is nice (albeit short/small), too.

Caladium · 02-11-2011, 06:23 PM

Crys, while you're on your trip down here, take a look at Lake Anne Plaza in Reston. It has a couple of outdoor cafes as part of a funky 40-year-old shopping plaza on a lake. All the stores and restaurants are non-chain and an easy walk from the neaby apartments. People seem to either really love it or not like it much at all. So give it a look--it might be exactly what you're seeking.

I personally love the idea of living halfway between Lake Anne and RTC. But.... take a look for yourself. Just because something really appeals to me doesn't mean it's the right place for you.

Here are the photos so you can get an idea.

Reston-Town Center and Lake Anne

mikebnllnb · 02-11-2011, 06:41 PM

If you want a short commute but want a semi urban/town feel checkout Brambleton and the area around the Reston town center.

crys_tyle08 · 02-11-2011, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caladium

Crys, while you're on your trip down here, take a look at Lake Anne Plaza in Reston. It has a couple of outdoor cafes as part of a funky 40-year-old shopping plaza on a lake. All the stores and restaurants are non-chain and an easy walk from the neaby apartments. People seem to either really love it or not like it much at all. So give it a look--it might be exactly what you're seeking.

I personally love the idea of living halfway between Lake Anne and RTC. But.... take a look for yourself. Just because something really appeals to me doesn't mean it's the right place for you.

Here are the photos so you can get an idea.

Reston-Town Center and Lake Anne

Lake Anne Plaza looks exactly like what I'm looking for. Fortunately, two of the apartment complexes I found are only a mile away. That's great! Thank you so much