Neighborhood Advice? (Alexandria, Manassas, Springfield: apartment complexes, to rent, condo)

[sqladdict]

I know this is a frequent request, but I haven't found the answers I seek via search. We're relocating to NOVA in 6-8 mo. We'd really appreciate neighborhood recommendations based on the following criteria.

1. I'll be working at Quantico and want a southbound commute of < 1hr.
2. Want to live close to Metro. We're from the south and want to enjoy the big city before daughter starts school.
3. Prefer kid friendly metropolitan area with nearby park and playground. Splash pad is bonus as we have a 4yo.
4. Expect to rent nice 2BR Condo/Apt for 1-2 yrs until family grows. We want the convenience and amenities like pool, fitness center, etc.
5. Zoned for good public elementary school
6. Max budget is $2400
7. Access to biking trails would be a bonus.

I know we need to be somewhere along the blue/yellow line. I'm just not sure which area has the balance we need between family friendly, desirability, convenience, and recreation. Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

[tgbwc]

How about the Montclair area? Here is one in the Ashland community:

http://www.realtor.com/realestateand...29-14448?row=2

Community has a clubhouse, fitness center and pool. It's close to Quantico and the Prince William National Forest. We used to live there and thought the schools were fine. Not close to metro though.

Another option might be West Springfield:

http://www.realtor.com/realestateand...77-93423?row=1

http://www.realtor.com/realestateand...97-01808?row=9

Further to Quantico, but closer to metro. Good schools and you could join a local pool and use a county rec center.

[Deluusions]

Originally Posted by tgbwc

How about the Montclair area? Here is one in the Ashland community:

http://www.realtor.com/realestateand...29-14448?row=2

Community has a clubhouse, fitness center and pool. It's close to Quantico and the Prince William National Forest. We used to live there and thought the schools were fine. Not close to metro though.

Another option might be West Springfield:

http://www.realtor.com/realestateand...77-93423?row=1

http://www.realtor.com/realestateand...97-01808?row=9

Further to Quantico, but closer to metro. Good schools and you could join a local pool and use a county rec center.

I think they could find better/nicer places with their budget. Like the new construction near Wegmans?

[Bigfoot424]

Why do you want to live near metro if working at Quantico?

[tgbwc]

Originally Posted by Deluusions

I think they could find better/nicer places with their budget. Like the new construction near Wegmans?

Which one? Kingstowne?

[HokieFan]

Based on your criteria, and the fact that you want to live in a metropolitan area (Montclair is nice but it's not metropolitan), I'd suggest Old Town Alexandria or the Del Ray neighborhood (22301) in Alexandria or the Belle Haven neighborhood along the George Washington Parkway in Fairfax County (Alexandria 22307). This will max out your desire for a no more than 1 hour commute (45 - 60 minutes), but it fits all your other parameters.


http://www.trulia.com/rental-communi...dria-VA-22314/

http://www.trulia.com/rental/3133327...ndria-VA-22307

[airjay75]

Kingstowne is definitely the first area that comes to my mind. It's a pre-planned community with condomiums, townhomes, single family homes, and a couple of managed apartment complexes. There are two fitness and community centers, pools, trails, and all very close to Metro. Also pretty easy access to 95. However, it is definitely more of a suburban community - while the shopping centers are within walking distance, they are still more car friendly than pedestrian friendly in my opinion.

If you really want a more urban every day experience, you probably need to look to old town Alexandria, but that will up your commute time and also be closer to your budget max.

Another thought. Are you planning to enjoy city life mostly on the weekends or are you looking for somewhere where everyday is city living? If the former, you may not really care how close to Metro you are. Metro on the weekends has simply awful service and it it is both quicker (and often cheaper) to simply drive into DC or old town Alexandria. If it is the latter, well then I think your only real option is old town Alexandria. If you do plan to drive into DC on the weekends, I would personally just want to be close to the Beltway because 95 traffic between the Beltway and Fredericksburg can be hellish even in the weekends. Getting caught in that a few times would significantly detract from your desire to drive into DC.

[tgbwc]

Originally Posted by HokieFan

Based on your criteria, and the fact that you want to live in a metropolitan area (Montclair is nice but it's not metropolitan), I'd suggest Old Town Alexandria or the Del Ray neighborhood (22301) in Alexandria or the Belle Haven neighborhood along the George Washington Parkway in Fairfax County (Alexandria 22307). This will max out your desire for a no more than 1 hour commute (45 - 60 minutes), but it fits all your other parameters.


Meridian at Braddock Station Apartments, Alexandria | Trulia.com

6606 10th Street #B1, Alexandria VA | Trulia.com

True. I missed the metropolitan part. Kingstowne might be a "no" then too.

[sqladdict]

Originally Posted by Bigfoot424

Why do you want to live near metro if working at Quantico?

The first year or so, we want to take full advantage of the city... get the full DC experience. You know, while we get acclimated and seek out a community in which we'd like to buy. I assume the metro would be an easier mode of transportation into DC vs driving, finding parking, etc. Plus, although Quantico will be my primary work site, there may be times I need to commute into DC for work.

Originally Posted by airjay75

Another thought. Are you planning to enjoy city life mostly on the weekends or are you looking for somewhere where everyday is city living? If the former, you may not really care how close to Metro you are. Metro on the weekends has simply awful service and it it is both quicker (and often cheaper) to simply drive into DC or old town Alexandria. If it is the latter, well then I think your only real option is old town Alexandria. If you do plan to drive into DC on the weekends, I would personally just want to be close to the Beltway because 95 traffic between the Beltway and Fredericksburg can be hellish even in the weekends. Getting caught in that a few times would significantly detract from your desire to drive into DC.

City living is fine as long as there's a green space and grocery nearby. Old Town Alexandria definitely looks promising.

I don't think being within walking distance to metro is requirement. I can always drive to one that has parking. With that said, we'd still like an urban vibe within close proximity of where we live.

I really appreciate all the advice!

[AnalyzeThis]

As was previously mentioned, the metro on the weekends is pretty bad and unreliable. Unless you need metro daily for getting to/from work (which you won't), I would nix the metro requirement and find the best location that fits your other parameters. Also, Old Town does not have the best elementary schools by NoVA standards, so you may want to do your research on that (Old Town is in the 22314 zip code). I personally think Kingstowne fits the bill for you best and you still have close access to the blue line if you so choose to use it.