Moving to NOVA, need advice... (Arlington, Centreville: apartments, rentals, insurance) - Northern Virginia - Virginia - City-Data Forum

67chevy · 09-14-2011, 03:14 PM

I've been reading through this thread a lot lately and have finally decided to make a post. I have read good advice, but now I must ask for some myself.

I will be moving with my wife and 1 year old to NOVA in late October. I will be working at the Fairfax County Government Center right off of I-66 & West Ox road in Fairfax City (I believe).

I will be making around $50k and my wife, who is a teacher, will be finding a part-time teaching job and staying home with the baby.

We do have some family in Ballston aswell.

The number one goal is to have an easy commute to my work. I have heard that there is a lot of traffic in FXCO and I would like to have a less than 20 minute ride to my job if possible. I would also like somewhere safe for my family, since they will be staying home most of the day. We are not looking for anything out of our means and I make the same money where I come and pay $1500/mo to rent a 2/2 and we are doing well financially.

What areas can one reccommend to get a 2/2 (or bigger if possible) in that area. An easy commute to ballston would be a plus to see family easily.

Other than a place to live, does anyone have any other advice? We are coming from south florida, so I am used to big city and suburbia, but as for the NOVA area, we will be new, but are very excited for the possibilities and opportunities ahead.

ChristineVA · 09-14-2011, 03:18 PM

I'm afraid you are going to find that $50K per year isn't going to go very far in NoVA, especially for housing in Fairfax County. I don't have the exact numbers for rentals but a 2 bdrm/2 bath apartment near the governent center is going to be quite pricey.

Hopefully, those more familiar with Fairfax County housing prices will chime in.

I always want to say to people coming into this area at low salaries: are you really sure you want to do this?

RUSDC · 09-14-2011, 04:50 PM

Chantilly might work for you, maybe manassas.
But its going to be over 20 minute commute, and will have a very hard time finding 2br for that much.

Living on 50K is going to be tough too.

joiseygirl732 · 09-14-2011, 04:50 PM

To be honest...knowing what I know (not much, but enough) I would say prepare for a longer commute so you can find affordable, yet spacious apartment space. If it were just you and your wife, you would be fine with a 1 bd/1 bath, but since you have a child you need that extra bedroom. Other than that I don't know what to tell you. I'm more familiar with Arlington county.

sportsterjohn · 09-14-2011, 05:31 PM

When I was apt hunting about 2yrs ago, there were a few in Herndon and Ashburn / Dulles that were in the 1500 range. Not sure what they are now. From the mc Nair Farms / Coppermine road area (where many of the Herndon apts are) to Fairfax is not a long commute. Dulles or Ashburn would be a lot worse if you have to go in during regular commuting time.

Cost of living is very high here, it's not just the rent but the utilities and food costs are much higher than in the deep south. You may want to look at a cost of living calculator and compare where you are living now to here.

RUSDC · 09-14-2011, 05:53 PM

OP,

Look at Stuart Woods Apartments right off Herndon Parkway
Thats right next to 7100/Fairfax County parkway, which is a pretty easy drive to Gov Center....

marie5v · 09-14-2011, 08:00 PM

Hate to tell you this, but your wife might make more teaching full-time (if she is certified k-12) than you will make. Something to look into, anyway. If you don't have to drive during rush hour, you could probably find something out in Gainesville. But during rush hour that's too far.

choff5 · 09-14-2011, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 67chevy

I will be moving with my wife and 1 year old to NOVA in late October. I will be working at the Fairfax County Government Center right off of I-66 & West Ox road in Fairfax City (I believe).

I will be making around $50k and my wife, who is a teacher, will be finding a part-time teaching job and staying home with the baby.

.

I am not really familiar with it but since you said you will be working for Fairfax County, check with their HR as I believe there is a program for county workers that assists them in finding affordable housing. I have heard of it, but maybe someone else here knows more about it.

Azmordean · 09-14-2011, 09:55 PM

Do you have to have a 2/2? If you can handle a 2/1 you have some options:

Check out Avalon at Fair Lakes. Link is Fairfax VA Apartments | VA Apartment Rentals | Avalon Fair Lakes

It's right around 1500 for a 2br 1ba type setup - might even get it for less with a special.

You might also check out Ellipse at Government Center. Right near where you'll be working - a bit over 1500 on their web site, but sometimes you can get a deal at apartments if you stop by.

Also Gainsborough Court - it's on Jermantown Rd near Rt. 50. Older complex, but that's not always bad - many of the older ones are much better built and thus quieter than the new ones. Also has 2br 1ba in the mid 1400s.

The problem with 2/2 is they appeal to young professionals who want to have a roommate thus the price is a bit on the high side.

If you know you like this area, you MIGHT look at buying too, depending on wife's pay. I am buying a really nice 2br 2ba condo in the Penderbrook subdivision for 229,900. With 10% down, I'm looking at 1630 including my condo fee, insurance, and taxes. There are cheaper condos in parts of Fairfax and Oakton (which would be a reverse commute) so with a decent down payment you might get around the 1500 mark with that as well.

Bottom line - if your wife is going to make 10-15K, I think you can eke it out here. If you think she'll bring in 20+ I think you'll be just fine. Don't listen to all these folks who say that you "can't afford it."

EDIT: If you are interested in the possibility of buying something shoot me a PM, I can point you to a good agent.

Teebyrd86 · 09-14-2011, 11:13 PM

I think you will be fine.. I dont understand why people are always trying to shoot down $50,000 a year salarys in Nova... With your wife bringing in a little extra lets say $65,000 combined then you will be just fine!!.. especially since you say you are financially sound.. With that said you can find 2 bedroom condos in Centreville, herndon, reston and even fairfax for $1300-$1500.. it might take some digging but it can be found. When I lived in worldgate condos in herndon the couple across the hall were renting a 2/1 for $1350.. Any questions PM me