New job in Arlington...and I'm clueless (Vienna, Merrifield: apartments, crime)

[SteveMcQueen]

Hi,

I just got a job in the Clarendon section of Arlington and I need to make plans immediately to move everything down there.

I'm a white male, 34yo, no kids, no wife. I do have 2 cats. I don't really mind where I live all that much. I'm just not that picky.

My new salary is going to range from the high 40's to low 60's. I know this isn't much, so I'll move in with roommates if needed.

My two questions are what is the maximum distance I should live from Clarendon to accommodate a 45min commute time and what are some of the areas that I should avoid looking? Crime would be the biggest factor here.

So what would you say? I'd consider DC as well if it would be cheaper than places in VA.

[saganista]

Your biggest concern is not much of a worry. There are very few places in Northern Virginia where crime is an actual factor at all, including Clarendon. Clarendon itself however is quite expensive. It sits right on top of Metro's Orange Line and its upscale, walkable, smart-growth, high-density environment is a mecca for yuppies. You can easily get to Clarendon on the Metro from DC in less than 45 minutes, but the nicer places in the District are expensive as well. You'd be better off cash-wise looking out to the west. You could conveniently Metro from areas like West Falls Church, Dunn Loring, Vienna, and nearby and beyond. Your employer might pick up part of the cost. Many do. Driving would mean parking in Clarendon every day, which is difficult to afford even if it can be accomplished. A handy free spot from your employer would of course change all that, but not very many provide it. How's that for starters?

[irvine]

Check out the Merrifield / Dunn Loring area on the Orange line about 6 miles west of Clarendon. New retail and urban-style apartments have recently opened within walking distance of the Metro stop. That area is much less expensive than Clarendon itself.

Or you could look for apartments along Lee Highway in Arlington a short walk from Clarendon. The apartments are cheaper along Lee Highway because they are not right on the orange line but about a 10-15 minute walk away. They are also older (built in the 1930s-60s).

In DC I'd look at Columbia Heights, Petworth, and Bloomingdale. Those are very popular and beautiful DC neighborhoods with Metro access lots of small bars and cafes. Apartments there would be cheaper than in Clarendon.

[irvine]

To address your main concern, I should add that there is more crime in the DC neighborhoods I mentioned than in the Virginia suburbs. But nothing to cause any alarm.

[SteveMcQueen]

Thanks for your help. I think I found a few places out in West Falls Church. The metro rail is pretty close by and only seems to be about a 10 min ride to Clarendon.