Relocating for Job Opportunity @ Andrews Airforce Base (Alexandria, Woodbridge: apartment, to rent)

[jstark125]

Hi Everyone,

I am possibly relocating to the area for a civillian job opportunity at Andrews Airforce Base. I was wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction for a place to rent. Safety is my main concern as I am bringing my 1yr old son, and fiance with me. I dont mind commuting up to 45 mins to work if need be for the peace of mind of everyone being safe. I was looking into the Woodbridge area but was told it could take up to an hour and a half to get to work. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

[slduvall]

If you could provide a budget, housing requirements, school desires etc, we can give you some useful information.

[ChristineVA]

I think Woodbridge is going to be too far to be comfortable for you. It is a tough ride up through the Springfield area and, after that, a bit of smooth sailing depending on your time.

If you want to be in Northern VA (which is probably good because the areas surrounding Andrews aren't great), then do NOT go any farther south than Springfield. Of course, rents are going to be higher than Woodbridge.

It will help if you post your budget.

[justtitans]

If you want some of the same qualities in a place that Woodbridge has but don't want the commute then I recommend Bowie. Bowie is very nice and is probably at the most 45 minutes from Andrews. Waldorf is another place and it is very very similar to Woodbridge as far as cost, amenities, and everything but depending on what way you go the commute can be tough. I think realistically, without knowing your budget, the only places that you can conceivably commute within 45 minutes from VA is Alexandria (city or FFX county) and maybe Springfield.

[stpickrell]

I was about to say, Bowie might work, depending on how long you'll be in the area.

The schools in Prince George's are not that great, at least with regard to test scores and percentage of students in poverty -- there might be some elementary schools which are comparable to the mid-ranking Fairfax elementaries.

[jstark125]

Our budget is around 1800 a month, I wouldn't mind renting for a yr to get accustomed to the area then moving into a town home/condo. We were up in the Annapolis area this past week for three days and found a apartment called 1901 West seemed to have some good amenities and nice spacious rooms. Anyone have any feedback or opinions on the area? My son is still pretty young and school wouldn't be an issue for another 4 yrs but when that time comes I do want him in a good school system. I appreciate everyone trying to help out.

[yankee.peddler]

You mentioned wanting to commute no longer than 45 mins. I think you'd be pushing that limit by living in Annapolis.

Another possible area for you to investigate is the West End of Alexandria. Your budget would allow for a comfortable apartment and the commute would normally take less than 45 mins. To be blunt, Alexandria's schools are not the best in northern VA; however, they are definitely a notch above most of the PG County system.

Good luck!

[ChristineVA]

Annapolis is nice, I think you'll like it but it could take you about an hour to get to work. And it the summer, well, the Friday beach traffic's going to irritate you.

[jstark125]

my work hours would either be 7am-3pm or 3pm-11pm would I hit a lot of traffic during those hours? If I needed to be at Andrews at 7am what time would I need to leave to be there on time would 6am be ok or am I looking at more like 530am to start heading out?

[ChristineVA]

Originally Posted by jstark125

my work hours would either be 7am-3pm or 3pm-11pm would I hit a lot of traffic during those hours? If I needed to be at Andrews at 7am what time would I need to leave to be there on time would 6am be ok or am I looking at more like 530am to start heading out?

I would say that if you left Woodbridge at 5:30, you'd be good. 6:00 a.m is a little tricky because around 5:30, traffic out of Woodbride and on I-95 between Woodbridge and Lorton gets VERY heavy. Once you slog through that part of if, you'll be doing well. If you leave at 5:30, you will avoid most of that. For every 5 minutes you delay your leaving time after 5:30 am, traffic keeps getting exponentially worse.

As for the 3:00 p.m to 11:00p.m shift, that going to work better for you, although you will find routine delays on I-95 north due to construction that always seems to be going on but it won't be a severe as the morning commute.