Job at Pentagon - Family Friendly Neighborhood

[Vectorhead]

Originally Posted by TheWatchmen

I assume that the HOV-3 lanes on 395 move a lot faster than the general ones, and this is how the express buses remain express? Really dumb question, but I haven't paid close attention to those lanes when I've commuted that way. I telecommute, but have a lot of meetings and errands in the general area.

395 starts backing up before 7 in the morning in Alexandria west. I live off of the Duke Street/395 exit, and if I have a 7:15 meeting in Crystal City, I leave a smidge after 6:30. No joke. The Crystal City/Pentagon exits are 4 or 5 exits down from Duke Street. I'm always nervous about being late, but I have most definitely hit traffic on 395 before 7.

Yes, the buses move along and stick to their posted times pretty well. Here's a link to several express buses that go through the 22152 area code: http://www.wmata.com/bus/timetables/va/18a-r.pdf
. Look at 18P, for example. It stops in front of the Giant on Old Keene Mill/Rolling road at 8:44 and arrives at the Pentagon at 9:05. The buses aren't always perfectly on time, obviously, but they're pretty reliable. It's really an amazing way to commute. Driving in the main lanes at that time of day would take probably triple that time, if you are lucky enough to have parking at the Pentagon.

[slduvall]

Your budget will get you a 1 car garage TH in Kingstowne, and 2 car in Island Creek. Quick trip to the metro (or bus to station) I found it quicker to drive, though you pay for parking. If he metros he will get subsidized to offset public transportation. Not sure if he intended to drive, parking is premium. Also you might want to confirm he is actually at Pentagon rather than Mark Center.

Kingstowne sits basically on top of Belvoir, very safe, lots of trails parks etc. Good Shopping. Lots of military, easy acces to base hospital. Great elementary schools. Belvoir will most likely be your assigned hospital.

I'm seeing quite a few for rent on Militarybyowner (used Fort Belvoir).

[Vectorhead]

Make sure you find out about parking before you make the decision to drive. Most Pentagon employees don't get parking (even military).

[TheWatchmen]

Originally Posted by Vectorhead

Make sure you find out about parking before you make the decision to drive. Most Pentagon employees don't get parking (even military).

Why would that be? The Pentagon parking lot, at least the side that faces 27, is half empty on the days that I drive by it on weekdays.

[Vectorhead]

Originally Posted by TheWatchmen

Why would that be? The Pentagon parking lot, at least the side that faces 27, is half empty on the days that I drive by it on weekdays.

I have no idea! It's just really difficult. Word on the street is you have to be a pretty high ranking officer to get parking. Not sure what it takes if you're a contractor, but my husband is a retired AF officer and then worked at the Pentagon for 8 years as a contractor and didn't qualify for a parking pass.

[slduvall]

Originally Posted by Vectorhead

I have no idea! It's just really difficult. Word on the street is you have to be a pretty high ranking officer to get parking. Not sure what it takes if you're a contractor, but my husband is a retired AF officer and then worked at the Pentagon for 8 years as a contractor and didn't qualify for a parking pass.

My husband got parking there when stationed there as a Lt Col, but when he returned as a Col, didn't. So it depends on the office and how they distribute parking passes. Or so it seems. I think part of it is a ploy to have people use mass trans.

[gomason]

20000 people work at the Pentagon and 10000 people visit everyday. How could they possibly provise parking for everyone? Also, its like a 10 minute walk from most lots so why would you want a pass?

[Zack]

There's parts of the City of Alexandria that will meet your requirement. The commute will be a little easier than coming from Springfield. If you'll go up closer to $3k, you can get that kind of place in Arlington as well.

[LBC13]

Thanks so much for all of your advice! We appreciate it!