Considering moving to NoVa from Jersey

[jds560]

I'm curious if there's any monthly expenses I may not be aware of that typical NOVA residents incur. Here's what I expect to be paying for
*rent
*utilities
*tv & net
*food

Is there anything else I should be aware of? Is all parking permit based or are some streets free to park on. How does this property tax on vehicles work? I want to have a good idea of my monthly expenses. I'm estimating $2000 a month (ROUGHLY) for everything.

[rmm0484]

Originally Posted by jds560

I'm curious if there's any monthly expenses I may not be aware of that typical NOVA residents incur. Here's what I expect to be paying for
*rent
*utilities
*tv & net
*food

Is there anything else I should be aware of? Is all parking permit based or are some streets free to park on. How does this property tax on vehicles work? I want to have a good idea of my monthly expenses. I'm estimating $2000 a month (ROUGHLY) for everything.

Property taxes are based on the current value of the car. You will need to register your car, once you find a place to live, that is. If you live in Alexandria, be prepared to also pay for a parking sticker (about $25). If you live near Old Town or certain parts of Arlington, parking is metered on the popular streets.

I would move down here, put your stuff in storage and not commit to a permanent location until you get a job. The National Park Service also employs history buffs and historians, see

Work with Us (U.S. National Park Service)

Also see these sites for other ideas:

Internship/Employment Opportunities | NOVA's Historic Preservation Program

Careers and JobHQ

Keep us posted on your progress!

[jds560]

Originally Posted by rmm0484

Property taxes are based on the current value of the car. You will need to register your car, once you find a place to live, that is. If you live in Alexandria, be prepared to also pay for a parking sticker (about $25). If you live near Old Town or certain parts of Arlington, parking is metered on the popular streets.

I would move down here, put your stuff in storage and not commit to a permanent location until you get a job. The National Park Service also employs history buffs and historians, see

Work with Us (U.S. National Park Service)

Also see these sites for other ideas:

Internship/Employment Opportunities | NOVA's Historic Preservation Program

Careers and JobHQ

Keep us posted on your progress!

I think this is a good idea, and there are a few positions I wasn't aware of that I will be applying for. My main concern right now is housing. Is there a better alternative than Craigslist to find housing? I'm heading back to Alexandria from the 20th-23rd and I plan on grabbing a local newspaper and looking at apartments and rooms over that 4 day period. I'm not opposed to picking up some type of part time / seasonal work until I get on my feet (FedEX, cashier, server, etc).

I'm estimating the average individual income is more than $50,000 a year? At an entry level I think I can expect $35-38,000?

[jds560]

I really don't want to give up on this dream, but the area is "expensive" to an extent. During my last trip, I visited several apartment complexes. I noticed that, unlike most of NJ, there are median salary requirements, applications to fill out, credit checks, etc. I hate to draw parallels, but that doesn't exist in most of New Jersey. We have multi family homes where the owner rents out the 2nd and 3rd floor to tenants. At any rate, I definitely need a job before I can consider moving, unless I find someone renting a room that I get along with.

As far as the trip goes, I again, had a great time in Alexandria. It's great being able to walk around late at night and not feel like I'm going to get mugged. I'm really not opposed to other parts of NOVA if the rental rates are slightly less expensive. Do metro lines go out to Centreville, Reston, Fairfax?

I'm debating this move with a move to Philly. Philly is a lot cheaper, but there aren't as many jobs in the field I want. I'm going to have to keep weighing the pros and cons over this month, apply for jobs like crazy, and hope for the best come January.

[JfromReston]

Originally Posted by jds560

Do metro lines go out to Centreville, Reston, Fairfax?

Metro goes to Reston, but not Centreville or Fairfax.

[Ffxdata]

Originally Posted by JfromReston

Metro goes to Reston, but not Centreville or Fairfax.

Metro does go to Fairfax... Vienna Fairfax Metro stop.

[JfromReston]

Originally Posted by Ffxdata

Metro does go to Fairfax... Vienna Fairfax Metro stop.

Sorry I was thinking the city of Fairfax - and not considering Vienna and Fairfax to be the same place.

[Mimi1016]

Originally Posted by jds560

During my last trip, I visited several apartment complexes. I noticed that, unlike most of NJ, there are median salary requirements, applications to fill out, credit checks, etc. I hate to draw parallels, but that doesn't exist in most of New Jersey. We have multi family homes where the owner rents out the 2nd and 3rd floor to tenants..

There are salary requirements, applications to fill out and credit checks to fill out if you're renting an apartment in NJ as well. Renting a room in someone's house is an altogether different situation no matter what state you are in so saying that doesn't exist in most of NJ is inaccurate.