Is living in DC and commuting to Falls Church to much? (Chantilly: transfer, bus)

[TashaT]

Hello, I am relocating to DC area from Oklahoma City. I have been to DC, but I do not know the area well. I have talked to many people who have overwhelmed me about how bad traffic is in the DC/VA/MD areas. I do not mind driving, but I keep hearing that it will take a hour to drive every where. I have a job offer in Falls Church, but I want to live in the DC metro area. Will I be driving for a hour? And also how long will it be if I take the metro? Thank you so much in advance!

[dullnboring]

Well, it depends where you're looking to live within the DC metro area. Similarly, if looking to live in DC itself, it depends on where within the city you'll be living. As far being "too much" of a commute, that's subjective. Generally though, a DC to Falls Church commute isn't horrific by area standards. It's somewhat of a reverse commute and there's the option of taking public transit. In my opinion, in this area, if Metro is an actual viable option for someone, I'd recommend it. A trip from Metro Center (large transfer station in the heart of downtown DC) to Falls Church on Metro will take roughly 20 minutes.

[Tish Thompson]

You should be fine because you'll be driving against traffic. Also, public transportation is available between D.C. and Falls Church. Taking the Metro (the transit system in this area) will save you some time also.

[TashaT]

Thank you both! Dull, I do not know exactly where I would live in DC because I am still looking. I want to live in the NE or NW sections of the city. I do not know if the location would make much of a difference. I am so happy to hear traffic would not be that bad. And that the metro is not bad either. My cousin just told me that he thinks it would be best for me live in Va. But he said I am not far from DC, he just thinks it would be confusing for someone new to the area to travel. I don't know, I am trying to weigh everything out. Again thank you!

[dullnboring]

Originally Posted by TashaT

Thank you both! Dull, I do not know exactly where I would live in DC because I am still looking. I want to live in the NE or NW sections of the city. I do not know if the location would make much of a difference. I am so happy to hear traffic would not be that bad. And that the metro is not bad either. My cousin just told me that he thinks it would be best for me live in Va. But he said I am not far from DC, he just thinks it would be confusing for someone new to the area to travel. I don't know, I am trying to weigh everything out. Again thank you!

My pleasure.

One thing to keep in mind though in regards to traffic is that it's relative. Those of us responding are locals who are accustomed to horrific traffic so our views may be a little skewed to someone coming from OKC who may find something "unbearable" that we consider "not too bad". As I said, if Metro is a viable option, I would definitely recommend it over driving.

As far as traveling in DC being confusing, well, the city of DC itself can give tourists and newcomers a bit of headache with it's traffic circles, detours and one-way streets, but you learn with time. Similarly, the Metro system is fairly easy to use. Many people have difficulty for whatever reason grasping the concept of the farecard system (you pay a sliding scale based on where you're going and if you're transferring, and the rates are posted in each station) and figuring out how the machines work, but it's something you'll get the hang of rather quickly.

There's advantages to living in DC and advantages to living in Virginia. DC is a major city with all the pluses and minuses that go with it. For someone coming from a less urban area, Virginia would be less overwhelming than DC. Settling in Virginia would give you a bit more breathing room, lower rents in most cases, and a shorter commute to Falls Church. By the same token however, you won't be in the middle of all of the action (which may be a plus or minus).

[saganista]

Keep in mind that there isn't a whole lot that would resemble a workplace in the actual vicinity of either the East or West Falls Church Metro stations. Could be that a decent bus ride will be involved as well if you Metro out from DC. If you were driving, tha major challenge would be to figure out a reasonably reliable way to get out of town. Once you reach the Old Dominion, the run to Falls Church against the traffic is an easy one...

[memiller]

Falls Church/DC is a breeze on Metrorail.

[geometricdisaster]

Originally Posted by memiller

Falls Church/DC is a breeze on Metrorail.

Agreed! I would recommend the same to the person asking this question as long as their office were pretty easily accessible from the Metro stations.

Otherwise, as others have mentioned, a person on this commute route would be able to use I-66 if needed, and would be going in the opposite direction of most commuter traffic.

[Adrian71]

Originally Posted by geometricdisaster

Agreed! I would recommend the same to the person asking this question as long as their office were pretty easily accessible from the Metro stations.

Otherwise, as others have mentioned, a person on this commute route would be able to use I-66 if needed, and would be going in the opposite direction of most commuter traffic.

On the other hand, I'd also warn the OP that there's really no such thing as a reverse commute in this area. Yes, the traffic is a little less insane if you drive away from D.C., but it's not a breeze. My wife used to commute from Fairfax to Chantilly -- supposedly a reverse commute -- and she was sitting in traffic every day, especially on her ride home.

Wherever you settle, try to situate yourself near the Orange Line on the Metro. That's the one that takes you to Falls Church. You want to use public transportation in this area whenever possible, trust me.

20-30 minutes on the Orange Line from D.C. sounds about right.