Areas for young professionals (Arlington, Alexandria: rent, townhouses, neighborhood)

[johnadamson]

I just got a job in Northern Virginia and need some help with regards to living situations since I am very unfamiliar with the NOVA area. Basically, I want to know where the ideal areas are for someone in their mid-20s that wants the young and fun atmosphere. So far it seems as if Ballston and Clarendon are what most people are saying. However, are there other areas that are a bit cheaper that would still be a good fit for someone like me? All help is appreciated. Thanks a lot.

[FCNova]

You could check out South Arlington areas, such as Shirlington. Lots of young people choose South Arlington because it's cheaper than Ballston/Clarendon/Rosslyn areas but still pretty close.

[CaliTerp07]

Where is your job going to be, and what are you comfortable spending (and for what sort of living situation? Roommates? Studio? 1 br?) Your job location will narrow down areas you want to look at significantly.

The short answer for "young and fun atmosphere" is the orange line corridor from Rosslyn to Ballston. Creep out a little further to Falls Church or Pentagon/Crystal City, and you still have easy access to plenty of fun things, and it's just a few metro stops from the heart of it all. If metro access isn't a priority, you can shave a couple hundred a month off rent by moving a mile away from metro stops and using buses or taxis to get to happy hours and/or downtown.

But again, where is your job?

[tysonsengineer]

I wouldn't discount the fun to be had further south off the orange line though, I mean Shirlington is not shabby, Huntington is pretty solid. And further out I think Reston is a possibility.

[johnadamson]

My job is located in Crystal City. I have no preference regarding roommates or not since my budget is most important. I am only making $40k/yr so I don't have too much wiggle room. Also, being near the metro is not a priority since I have a car to take to work.

[tysonsengineer]

Well you might have a car but if you are far enough out you are gonna find it difficult to get to CC during rush hour via car. Do you flexible work hours?

[pcity]

Originally Posted by tysonsengineer

Well you might have a car but if you are far enough out you are gonna find it difficult to get to CC during rush hour via car.

Not to mention that CC parking is expensive. It may be cheaper to Metro, especially if your employer is picking up part of the tab, which is common here.

[johnadamson]

I have a parking pass right under my building that my job provides for me. Also, I can get into the office whenever really so I could get in as early as 6am if that's what it took to beat traffic. Thanks for all the answers so far!

[FindingZen]

Huntington as suggested before is a good idea, but not because it's a particularly exciting neighborhood on its own. There is a relatively affordable high-rise complex called Cityside that is a healthy walk away from the Huntington Metro station. You can take that train straight to Crystal City. You could actually drive straight up Route 1 north to CC if you wanted to as well. Also, Old Town Alexandria is nearby for a decent night out and the strolling/running/biking along the Mount Vernon trail near the waterfront is a great way to pass the day. For practical needs, most of your usual retail suspects will be found due south on Route 1.

[tysonsengineer]

He clearly wants to drive, which isnt a big deal from huntington either, just head up 110 across old town, take you about 10 minutes in the morning... it pains me to suggest driving but if you get free parking and you are going in a non-heavily traversed path then you are prolly ok.

40k should be good anywhere in Huntington/Shirlington but I would advise you to get a roommate because you can get a much nicer 2br for 1800 in those two areas (900 each) or you can get a kinda weak 1br for 1600 (just by yourself which would hurt). You could always get a studio in Rosslyn that go for about 1100 if you look at the older buildings. For 40k I am not sure if you wanna be pushing the budget, I'd suggest you play it safe and find a roommate.

Also look into the Del Ray region, some townhouses there that are often looking for a 3rd roommate that come out to the same approx. amount 900-1100 and its a really fun area in its own right and even closer to Crystal City for driving. (The younger parts can have a bit of a block party feel some nights)