TH Recommendations in ARL/ALX (Arlington, Falls Church: 2015, condos, townhouses)

[uwutengr]

I am looking to buy in NoVA soon, coming from the MD side of the river. My budget maxes out around 450k. No interest in condos, so that leaves me with townhouses or shabby single families unless we start looking south of 495.

I'm a 30 yo single male, no kids, so being near Old Town, Arlington, and west DC are important. I have a car, use Uber, and work in MD, so being on a metro line isn't critical. Since I work in MD across the Wilson Bridge, I'm trying to not get too far up into Arlington.

I'm young, but understand the value of finding safe areas with good schools that will hold their value and hopefully appreciate. My current neighborhood in Charles County is very nice, but there is a lot of flux and I foresee a downturn in its future. Not my main reason for moving, but certainly a consideration.

I know it's difficult to project, but any guidance on up and coming areas or nice/stable areas vs areas set for a downturn or areas to definitely avoid would be helpful. I spend a fair amount of time in NoVA and have a feel for the neighborhoods, but other opinions always help.

I find my searches pointing me toward Shirlington/Fairlington or Cameron Station. Old Town is well out of my price range and Del Ray seems high as well. I've read a bit about the areas on here, but they seem to be changing rapidly, so I was looking for a late 2015 update.

What neighborhoods/areas would you recommend?

[Carlingtonian]

Belle View looks nice and seems to fit your criteria.

[The Dissenter]

I wouldn't get my hopes up for anything under $450k but I would look at Wingate I or II in South Arlington. It is very close to 395 and well kept.

[Ffxdata]

There are parts of yet-to-be-gentrified Shirlington like along Kemper Rd that would fit your criteria. They have duplexes and some brand new townhouses. The duplexes run around $350 I think.

[NOVACENTRIC]

I have always though the Winter Hill community in Falls Church City is nice and well within your budget. With all of the development around it and the metro not far, I believe it would be a good investment. I think that there is not currently one on the market, but watch closely because they come available pretty regularly.