Moving to NOVA from Hampton Roads

[TheWatchmen]

Originally Posted by airjay75

You would also have options in areas near the Franconia-Springfield Metro that would afford a better commute in my opinion. Depending on where you're working near Federal Triangle, commuting using the Yellow Line to Archives may be another good option. My office is slightly closer to Federal Traingle, but I use the Yellow Line from Franconia-Springfield to Archives because the commute is better that way. Pentagon express buses are another good commuting option for both the Springfield area and areas further south on 95 - you take an express bus to the Pentagon using the 95/395 HOT/HOV lanes and then transfer to the Blue or Yellow Line at the Pentagon. For me, Reston and Loudoun County are simply too long of a commute when you're working in DC, but many people do it and are fine with it.

Ditto this.

[Deluusions]

Um why would you move far out to places like Ashburn, Reston and especially Sterling out of all places when you could live somewhere a lot closer with better schools in Fairfax or Arlington? Like other posters have said..... Cross out all those towns on your list. You're not looking into the right places..... Look into West Springfield, Arlington, Vienna/Oakton and Falls Church. All these towns have the best schools in the state and are extremely diverse.

Nova is more diverse than Hampton Roads in general so that shouldn't be an issue.

[gomason]

NOVA is way more diverse than Hampton Roads in general unless you mean more specifically blacks. Generally, the suburbs off of 395/95 have the biggest black populations if that's what you're looking for.

[LRG10]

Thanks so much for the advice and information! Any thoughts on moving to Maryland vs Virginia?

[LRG10]

As far as diversity goes, I just want to say a good mix of people from different ethnicities and social statuses--not one particular group.

Deluusions...I was looking at Reston, Herndon and Ashburn because not only did the schools seem to be pretty good, but I felt I was getting more for my money in terms of housing. I understand that I will have to sacrifice something, but I have a pretty nice home here in Hampton Roads and while I know I won't be able to get what I have down here, I am balking at paying a larger sum of money for a much older home just to be closer to the city.

I'm still looking and considering options, but I definitely appreciate all of the input!

[PK12]

Originally Posted by LRG10

As far as diversity goes, I just want to say a good mix of people from different ethnicities and social statuses--not one particular group.

Deluusions...I was looking at Reston, Herndon and Ashburn because not only did the schools seem to be pretty good, but I felt I was getting more for my money in terms of housing. I understand that I will have to sacrifice something, but I have a pretty nice home here in Hampton Roads and while I know I won't be able to get what I have down here, I am balking at paying a larger sum of money for a much older home just to be closer to the city.

I'm still looking and considering options, but I definitely appreciate all of the input!

Wait till you commue from Reston/Herndon/Ashburn - you will be balking in misery at your daily routine

[The Dissenter]

Originally Posted by gomason

NOVA is way more diverse than Hampton Roads in general unless you mean more specifically blacks. Generally, the suburbs off of 395/95 have the biggest black populations if that's what you're looking for.

That is something I've never paid attention to but you are correct. I'm a Hampton Roads expat myself (grew up in Hampton for 14 years). Definitely live closer in OP if you can afford to. The traffic here makes The HRBT look like a day at the beach.

[Miss_Mac]

Having recently moved from Hampton Roads myself my first advice is STOP, RUN, GO BACK THE OTHER WAY. That's just me being negative because I don't like it here and will be moving back to Virginia Beach as soon as my tenant's lease is up.

I was concerned about the lack of diversity as well between the two metro areas. My husband is a military brat and doesn't do well without a diverse population and my children are mixed race. We finally settled on Kingstowne in Fairfax County. The area is nice, with lots of amenities and shopping near by. The Franconia/Springfield metro is less than a mile away and runs blue trains that will take you right to Federal Triangle. I drive into DC ( near L'Enfant) and my commute is usually around an hour on a good day, could be two if traffic is bad.

The schools are great and my children have had no trouble adapting to the curriculum or fitting in with the other children. I will say that diversity here includes many more races and ethnicities than in Hampton Roads but I think that leads to less cliques.

[Tyler Hold]

Originally Posted by LRG10

We are looking for a town home or single family home. Although we can afford more, I really don't want to go over $2500/month in housing expenses.

I'll be working in Federal Triangle.

How much do you want to put down? $2500 will get you a decent rental.