Good area to buy in NOVA? (Arlington, Alexandria: condo, restaurants, zip code)

[eristic]

Hi,

I was offered a position at Fort Belvoir and will be relocating in December of this year. Single male (no kids, no wife) looking to be close to nightlife but by no means do I need to be able to walk to it. Looking for no more than a 30 minute commute to the Fort, and hopefully no more than 15 minute commute to the local metro/bus line.

I know prices of property aren't doing so great, so I'm hoping to buy early 2008 and catch one while on the rise but still for a good deal on a condo. Any/all recommendations very much appreciated. Not looking to spend more than $350k on a condo.

Priority for me is the following:

1. Nice area
2. Commute time
3. Nightlife

A friend suggested Kingstowne but I'd like more than 1 option . He also noted that I could position myself to always be driving against traffic due to the location of work (maybe you could explain that better?), .

Thanks for all input.


p.s. pie

[Mikhaela]

I think Kingstown is great! I would also look at burke and sprinfield. For a single person do not go any further than springfield or you can call it a night. This is the half way point into DC, and off the exit to Tysons Corner-

Good Luck

[knopfler]

Springfield, Lake Ridge, Alexandria (Fairfax Count, not Alexandria City), Lorton, and Kingstowne would all work nicely. Just stay away from the nasty parts of Route 1 in Alexandria/Fairfax County, and you should be fine. Those areas tend to cluster in zip code 22309. The two Metro stops that are closest to your workplace are Huntington (yellow line) and Springfield/Franconia (blue line), both about 10 miles away from FB.

[Yankeesfan]

Kingstowne would be perfect. Short commute, plenty of restaurants and amenities, and a five-minute drive to the Blue Line if you want to go to Old Town, Arlington, or DC.