Smallish towns close to DC? (Arlington, Alexandria: rent, houses, to buy)

[ThisLady]

Hello! My boyfriend and I recently moved to the Alexandria/Arlington area for work and so far are loving it! We're both from midsized towns by the beach and know that we will eventually be interested in more of a smaller town feel as opposed to the city. Obviously we both realized that this area is way busy and way populated before moving here, but I thought that I would pose the question since we'd like to buy/rent a house and start a family someday. Our jobs are pretty stable and I don't see us moving from the area any time soon. Right now are rent is $1400 with utilities included and we'd definitely like to stay in that price rage, though going up to $2000 could potentially be doable in the future. We wouldn't want to travel more than 45 minutes to and from the Old Town area, as that is where our jobs are located.

Any and all suggestions are welcome!

[JfromReston]

You are NOT going to find small town feel in under 45 minutes from Old Town Alexandria at under $2K - Sorry.

[ThisLady]

What do you suggest for over $2k? I'd be nice to know what the options are, if any, regardless of price. All information is beneficial, right?

[Fallout Zone]

"Smaller town feel" is kind of subjective. I grew up in a town of 40-50k in Minnesota. I now live inside the Beltway in basically the capital of the world. But on a daily basis when I am home, it feels the same. Houses on 1/4 acre lots, neighbors that talk to each other when we are out and about and watch after things when people are gone. The necessities are close enough that you can make it your own little town. The advantages of a big city (access to everything) are the things that also cause you to be frustrated with it (traffic, crowds). You really have three options: 1) you actually move out to a small town, which will have soul-crushing commute, 2) you move to an outer suburb with neverending subdivisions, or 3) you find a relatively quiet enclave closer-in and make it your own small town feel. I've heard good things about Burke, Annandale, West Springfield that might be reasonable for your commutes.

[JfromReston]

45 minute commute is the bigger problem than the price. Also, what do you consider "smaller town feel". Some say Vienna "small town" others think it is Leesburg and still others would only consider Watertford. Many different idea of "smaller town feel".

Vienna, VA - Official Website
Leesburg, VA : Home
The Village of Waterford, Virginia - A National Historic Landmark

[ThisLady]

Thanks so much, Fallout Zone, you totally hit the nail on the head! We love where we live but the traffic and the crowds kill us. I went to the store the other day, which GPS said would take 15 minutes but the traffic and crowds made it at least 20 minutes longer and 100x worse on my soul. Then there's the parking situation! It never ends...

So I guess what I mean by small town feel is less traffic and crowds and more parks and houses with some yardage. Everyone here has been friendly and I love how restaurants/grocery stores are close, but they're not close enough to walk (a la NYC) and parking can be a huge b*tch...

I know I'm looking for this "perfect" town which may not exist, I'd just like to know what's out there in the NOVA area that comes close

[spencgr]

You are going +1.5 hours out before you get rid of the traffic.

[ThisLady]

Ah...that's what I was afraid of. Thanks!

[BamaBlue]

Sorry, it's just not possible if you both will continue to work in Old Town Alexandria.

[ThisLady]

Thanks for the replies everyone!