Where would you live in NoVA if job is Union Station? (Burke: townhouse, good schools)

[musman]

Originally Posted by dkf747

It's usually 30 to 35 minutes from Shady Grove to Union Station, but then you have to factor in time to get to the station. I'm thinking it would be similar on VRE, so either area would work. (Rockville/Gaithersburg or Springfield/Burke.)

I am considering these MD areas too but Google says that ride from ShadyGrove to Union Station is about 45 mins. But good thing is that I would have MARC and METRO both options to commute.

[boyd888]

Originally Posted by musman

I did some research and found that Burke, VA is hidden gem. I didnt see anything bad about Burke city, except for the bad traffic. Crime rate, schools and 30-40 min VRE ride to Union Station. It would be great if something can shed some light.

I think Burke is fine. It's a suburban area. Crime is not a major issue and certainly magnitudes lower than in DC. If anything it gets a bad rap because it isn't super close to DC like Arl/Alex and the housing is 70s-90s. I think it's a great option for someone commuting to Union Station via the VRE that doesn't need a Macy's 10 minutes from their house.

[musman]

Originally Posted by boyd888

I think Burke is fine. It's a suburban area. Crime is not a major issue and certainly magnitudes lower than in DC. If anything it gets a bad rap because it isn't super close to DC like Arl/Alex and the housing is 70s-90s. I think it's a great option for someone commuting to Union Station via the VRE that doesn't need a Macy's 10 minutes from their house.

VRE says commute is over 50 mins from Burke Center to Union Station. Is it correct?

[dkf747]

Originally Posted by musman

I am considering these MD areas too but Google says that ride from ShadyGrove to Union Station is about 45 mins. But good thing is that I would have MARC and METRO both options to commute.

There's been alot of delays lately, so 45 mins. sounds right, but, when the trains are running fine, it's only 30 to 35, or at least used to be. That was my old commuting route for 7 years.

[Zack]

If you got something along the yellow line, you could get to Union Station in about 30-40 minutes. You'll have to transfer to the red line, but it's only a couple stops and the trains run every 2-4 minutes during rush hour. Your budget is challenging for NoVa for getting anything near a train line that isn't a long ride in.

If you do the VRE, check the schedule carefully as the hours are very limited and don't allow for working late.

[musman]

Originally Posted by Zack

Your budget is challenging for NoVa for getting anything near a train line that isn't a long ride in.
.

Thats correct. I did verify that. Alexandria and arlington are too expensive.

[gomason]

Originally Posted by musman

I did some research and found that Burke, VA is hidden gem. I didnt see anything bad about Burke city, except for the bad traffic. Crime rate, schools and 30-40 min VRE ride to Union Station. It would be great if something can shed some light.

Burke and Springfield are both great for your commute. I considered these outside your commute time though because you have to add the time it takes to get from your home to the station (10-15 minutes) as well as walk time from Union Station (At least 10 minutes) which is an easy hour door-to-door.

[K.Sumers]

Rent in DC.

[slowlane3]

Boyd888 and GoMason.....from your remarks, it doesn't sound like either of you realize that Lorton, which the OP mentions, is a newer transit-oriented community......VRE commuter trains go straight from Lorton to Union Station where the OP says he works.

[JavaJunkieDC]

Clarendon. You can avoid the train completely by taking the 38B bus and getting on the Circulator in Georgetown (or on K St.). It goes right to Union Station.

NoVa is better than MD, by the way. 