Commuting from NOVA to MD, and smth else (Alexandria, Leesburg: how much, live)

[Anna_M]

Please, advise.
1. What should one expect when commuting from NOVA (e.g., Leesburg) to the Montgomery County, MD?
I've looked it up on Google maps, and it's showing 40 something minutes, including a ferry ride?! Is there any other way to get there w/o taking a ferry? If so, how much longer will it take? Can I take something else to get there, rather than driving myself??

2. If commuting from Leesburg to Alexandria, what's the fastest route to take? What are the best hours? Can I take something else to get there, rather than driving myself??

Thank you in advance!!!

[dystopian]

I have a few friends who have discussed in great detail their commutes from Loudoun County, mainly Ashburn to DC and everyone must make a gut check on the trade-off between commute vs. lifestyle.

With that said, if my commute involved any ferry other then the Staten Island Ferry I would probably quit. A ferry as part of a commute sounds like a nightmare.

[spencgr]

Originally Posted by Anna_M

Please, advise.
1. What should one expect when commuting from NOVA (e.g., Leesburg) to the Montgomery County, MD?
I've looked it up on Google maps, and it's showing 40 something minutes, including a ferry ride?! Is there any other way to get there w/o taking a ferry?

You can take the Greenway to the Toll Road to the Beltway to Mont. County, Md. Not knowing where you are starting in Leesburg, or where in Mont Co. you are going, I would estimate the time to take anywhere from 50 minutes (zero traffic at 4 am) to an hour 45 minutes (rush hours). This route will cost you about $15/ day in tolls.

Originally Posted by Anna_M

Can I take something else to get there, rather than driving myself?

Let's see...you could drive to a commuter lot, and then take a bus to the Metro. Take the Metro to Mont Co. Depending on where you need to be, you'll probably need to take another bus or shuttle to your workplace. Expect this to take from 1:40 to 2:30 each way. This will also cost approximately $15/day, but you may work for a company that subsidizes public transportation.

Oh, you could also hire a driver......I imagine that cost is much more.

[snowdenscold]

Do you have to stay in Leesburg?

[stpickrell]

There's a MARC station in Point of Rocks, maybe 15 minutes from Leesburg. Where in MoCo are you heading?

Anything N of Gaithersburg I'd head up 15 to 270 and avoid having to cough up $7 each way to take 267.

[Anna_M]

No, I don't have to stay there. It's just that housing market there seems to be a lot more affordable than anywhere closer to D.C. Would you say there are reasonably priced and safe areas in Montgomery Co. ? (I can't afford anything higher than 400 thousand, even that is a bit of a stretch.)
Thanks!!

[stpickrell]

Frederick County MD is perfectly safe, last I checked and Frederick is cheaper than Leesburg.

Clarksburg, Germantown, and Damascus might also be options for you.

[michgc]

Montgomery County is a big county. If you tell us where in the county you will be working, we can probably give you some ideas for places that work with your budget and a reasonable commute.

[Anna_M]

I don't know where exactly yet I'll have a job: maybe in NOVA, maybe in MD.
One thing I've learned on this forum (as well as from my research:-)) that how far one lives from his/her work is of crucial importance! :-)

[spencgr]

Originally Posted by Anna_M

I don't know where exactly yet I'll have a job: maybe in NOVA, maybe in MD.
One thing I've learned on this forum (as well as from my research:-)) that how far one lives from his/her work is of crucial importance! :-)

yes, find the job then the house.