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Old 08-09-2013, 08:31 PM
 
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I have been renting apt in Arlington for 5 yrs, and now ready to buy a townhouse and looking at areas which is more reasonably priced than Arlington. Budget around 300-350K. Can you suggest some areas in Northern Virginia ? I work in D.C. so I don't want to spend too much time commuting. Ideally within 45 mins drive. Also good school, neighborhood.

Also, how to shop around for good interest rate. Any advise?
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Old 08-09-2013, 08:43 PM
 
Location: northern va
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45 minutes, at that price range, would put you in Springfield/Lorton

increase in commute time would bring you into Woodbridge and get you a newer/larger townhome.
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Old 08-09-2013, 10:40 PM
 
Location: Northwestern VA
982 posts, read 3,486,911 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lakey View Post
I have been renting apt in Arlington for 5 yrs, and now ready to buy a townhouse and looking at areas which is more reasonably priced than Arlington. Budget around 300-350K. Can you suggest some areas in Northern Virginia ? I work in D.C. so I don't want to spend too much time commuting. Ideally within 45 mins drive. Also good school, neighborhood.

Also, how to shop around for good interest rate. Any advise?
You can buy new construction in DC in that price range. That would definitely help with your commute.
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Old 08-10-2013, 07:59 AM
 
9,879 posts, read 14,125,760 times
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Originally Posted by Tish Thompson View Post
You can buy new construction in DC in that price range. That would definitely help with your commute.
Where can you get a new construction townhome in DC for under 350K?
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Old 08-10-2013, 10:26 AM
 
3,555 posts, read 4,095,439 times
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Ryan Homes is building brand new townhomes in Lake Ridge in that price range. From what I've seen from the outside they look pretty nice: stone, decks, some even have a garage, though that might be the higher price point.


http://www.ryanhomes.com/find-your-h.../vantage-point

Last edited by Grsz11; 08-10-2013 at 10:28 AM.. Reason: Add URL
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Old 08-10-2013, 02:31 PM
 
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Go for Burke/West Springfield.
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Old 08-10-2013, 09:39 PM
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by spencgr View Post
Where can you get a new construction townhome in DC for under 350K?
That's what I wanna know! Sign me up!
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Old 08-11-2013, 01:24 PM
 
Location: Tysons Corner
2,772 posts, read 4,317,667 times
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DC purchase price per sqft often are less than Arlington and Fairfax because of the higher crime rate and lesser school selections

The price for a 2br in Arlington often gets you a full row home in DC. If you expand out towards petworth, bloomingdale, up in Cleveland Park, or Fort Totten you can find some good units in the 300 to 400k range. (maybe not townhomes, but 1200sf condos or duplexes)

Near bloomingdale
2436 2nd St NE, Washington, DC 20002 - Zillow

1346 Downing St NE, Washington, DC 20018 - Zillow

That being said, theres a reason they are more expensive. Poor transit access (though if you are ok with buses its fine); non-gentrified neighborhoods (less retail, grocer options), terrible public schools, and the occasional crime. And they wont be new built.
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Old 08-11-2013, 04:20 PM
 
9,879 posts, read 14,125,760 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tysonsengineer View Post
DC purchase price per sqft often are less than Arlington and Fairfax because of the higher crime rate and lesser school selections

The price for a 2br in Arlington often gets you a full row home in DC. If you expand out towards petworth, bloomingdale, up in Cleveland Park, or Fort Totten you can find some good units in the 300 to 400k range. (maybe not townhomes, but 1200sf condos or duplexes)

Near bloomingdale
2436 2nd St NE, Washington, DC 20002 - Zillow

1346 Downing St NE, Washington, DC 20018 - Zillow

That being said, theres a reason they are more expensive. Poor transit access (though if you are ok with buses its fine); non-gentrified neighborhoods (less retail, grocer options), terrible public schools, and the occasional crime. And they wont be new built.
Yes, I think we are all aware that you can obtain housing in DC that is less expensive that many places in Virginia due to higher crime rates and bad schools. The OP was specifically looking for a good neighborhood and good schools.
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Old 08-11-2013, 04:22 PM
 
Location: Tysons Corner
2,772 posts, read 4,317,667 times
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Quote:
Originally Posted by spencgr View Post
Yes, I think we are all aware that you can obtain housing in DC that is less expensive that many places in Virginia due to higher crime rates and bad schools. The OP was specifically looking for a good neighborhood and good schools.
Sorry it was meant as a @ reply to the incredulous responder in the thread, not the OP; should have made that more evident. Thank you
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