Crazy question, I know...cheapest places to live in NOVA?? (Alexandria: 2014, apartments)

[tf2014]

I am a CT teacher (ESL and reading), need to get out of CT for a fresh start. I lived in DC for most of the 90s and early 2000s and would love to return to the area. I know things have gotten crazy expensive, but is there anyplace in NOVA that is reasonably inexpensive yet not in farm country? I'm applying to most districts in NOVA. Probably can't afford anything inside the beltway, but I also don't want to be super far from civilization! I already have a long commute in CT, and trust me, I-95 in the NYC area will make you cry as much as the beltway. Ideally, I would like to be in a place where I could walk to a grocery store or CVS...I hate always having to drive to the store. I would be renting, can't afford to buy. My limit would be $1800. See, told you I was crazy! Thanks in advance!

[spencgr]

Originally Posted by tf2014

I am a CT teacher (ESL and reading), need to get out of CT for a fresh start. I lived in DC for most of the 90s and early 2000s and would love to return to the area. I know things have gotten crazy expensive, but is there anyplace in NOVA that is reasonably inexpensive yet not in farm country? I'm applying to most districts in NOVA. Probably can't afford anything inside the beltway, but I also don't want to be super far from civilization! I already have a long commute in CT, and trust me, I-95 in the NYC area will make you cry as much as the beltway. Ideally, I would like to be in a place where I could walk to a grocery store or CVS...I hate always having to drive to the store. I would be renting, can't afford to buy. My limit would be $1800. See, told you I was crazy! Thanks in advance!

$1800 is not an awful budget. Find a job, and then find a place to live close to it to minimize commuting costs.

[gomason]

For a 1 bedroom?

$1800 for a 1 bedroom in DC is a pretty healthy budget. You can afford to live almost anywhere in NOVA, even an apartment off of Wilson Boulevard and be able to walk everywhere.

[CapnTrips]

You can pick up an "Apartments for Rent" book (or similar title) from newspaper boxes at many metro stations, as well as look in the usual internet sites. $1800 is enough for a place inside the beltway in VA. if you don't need to be in a top drawer luxury building. Try looking around the Braddock Road Metro area in Alexandria -- walking distance to Old Town, the subway, and all the things you are looking for.

[Lilac110]

Originally Posted by spencgr

$1800 is not an awful budget. Find a job, and then find a place to live close to it to minimize commuting costs.

Originally Posted by gomason

For a 1 bedroom?

$1800 for a 1 bedroom in DC is a pretty healthy budget. You can afford to live almost anywhere in NOVA, even an apartment off of Wilson Boulevard and be able to walk everywhere.

Originally Posted by CapnTrips

You can pick up an "Apartments for Rent" book (or similar title) from newspaper boxes at many metro stations, as well as look in the usual internet sites. $1800 is enough for a place inside the beltway in VA. if you don't need to be in a top drawer luxury building. Try looking around the Braddock Road Metro area in Alexandria -- walking distance to Old Town, the subway, and all the things you are looking for.

Music to my ears, as I'm guessing it is for the OP, too. I'm willing to go a little bit higher, and out of paranoia have budgeted $2,000, but if $1,800 is a reasonable expectation for what the OP has described, woo-hoo!

[Deluusions]

Well find a job first and go from there. Also, maybe living in DC is an option? Your budget is good enough or do you want to live in the suburbs strictly?

[tgbwc]

Definitely get the job (shouldn't be too tough with ESL and reading certifications) and then the place to live.
Good luck!