Alexandria OT to Charlottesville (Manassas, Fredericksburg: to rent, home, living)

[Eilsel]

New to NOVA. My husband is starting a job in Alexandria OT where he needs to be in the office 3 days/week. Flying nationally 2+ times/month. I work in Charlottesville where I have to be onsite at least once/week. We both prefer public transport commutes (his is preference, mine necessity). We expect to rent for 6 months or so with the goal of relocation. We have 2 small dogs. We'd appreciate any advice on where we should we be looking to rent that would be reasonably accessible to public transport, safe & reasonably priced so that we can save some $ for a downpayment.

[The Dissenter]

I would look at Fredericksburg since your husband can VRE to OT Alexandria and you do not have a very long drive to Charlottesville (95 minutes per Google Maps.)

[MedvedActual]

Hmm, I am not aware of any public transport options from NoVA to Charlottesville. The 6 month rent window may be pretty tough as well; would think most are looking for at least a year commitment. Depending on your budget, living around OT is nice, very close to the airport as well as public transportation. Don't think there is an option that would work perfectly for both of you, but seeing your husband has to be in the office more than you do, you may just have to drive to your work once a week. Just my two cents.

[MedvedActual]

Originally Posted by The Dissenter

I would look at Fredericksburg since you can VRE to OT Alexandria and your husband does not have a very long drive to Charlottesville.

I suppose that would work (used to live in that area), although from Fburg to Charlottesville is about 1 - 1.5 hours IIRC and the trip north, VRE or not is painful too. They did open the Spotsy station though from what I hear... Seems like that would make longer commute for both of you as opposed to only the OP who doesn't have to be in the office as often.

[spencgr]

Your only option for public transportation is Amtrak, so I would live as close to a station along the route from Charlottesville, VA to Alexandria, VA. Your options are Manassas or Culpeper. You could also live in OT or Charlottesville.


Manassas - Strip malls/ pure suburbia/ traffic-traffic-traffic / commuter town / the area directly near the train station is a cute little "old town".


Culpepper - country / more laid back

[Middlin]

I can't imagine trying to drive to OT Alex from Culpeper 3x times a week, especially as OP only goes to Charlottesville once a week.

[spencgr]

Originally Posted by Middlin

I can't imagine trying to drive to OT Alex from Culpeper 3x times a week, especially as OP only goes to Charlottesville once a week.

In theory, he wouldn't be driving, he's be taking Amtrak, as the OP wanted public transportation for both.

[HereinVA]

Originally Posted by spencgr

Your only option for public transportation is Amtrak, so I would live as close to a station along the route from Charlottesville, VA to Alexandria, VA. Your options are Manassas or Culpeper. You could also live in OT or Charlottesville.


Manassas - Strip malls/ pure suburbia/ traffic-traffic-traffic / commuter town / the area directly near the train station is a cute little "old town".


Culpepper - country / more laid back

Is Amtrak even a viable option? I did a quick search on the Amtrak site and it looks like the only trains going from Manassas to Charlottesville leave in the evening. There were trains FROM Charlottesville to Manassas in the morning and at 3:19 pm. So it seems like OP would have to go to Charlottesville the night before, spend the night and come back after work (assuming she is able to leave work to catch the 3:19 train.) If she must stay in the office later than that, it would require a second overnight.

[spencgr]

Originally Posted by HereinVA

Is Amtrak even a viable option? I did a quick search on the Amtrak site and it looks like the only trains going from Manassas to Charlottesville leave in the evening. There were trains FROM Charlottesville to Manassas in the morning and at 3:19 pm. So it seems like OP would have to go to Charlottesville the night before, spend the night and come back after work (assuming she is able to leave work to catch the 3:19 train.) If she must stay in the office later than that, it would require a second overnight.

hmm..I didn't check the schedules. If that is accurate and the OP MUST go with public transportation, then they have no other option than to live in Charlottesville directly.

[HereinVA]

Originally Posted by spencgr

hmm..I didn't check the schedules. If that is accurate and the OP MUST go with public transportation, then they have no other option than to live in Charlottesville directly.

That will be a rough commute for the spouse going from Charlottesville to OT Alexandria three times per week. From what I can tell, the earliest amtrak train would have him departing Charlottesville at 7 am and arriving in Alexandria at 9:30 am, and it looks like ride home leaves Alexandria at 6:49 and arrives in Charlottesville at 8:47pm.
That's a really long day, three times a week. Plus, I wonder about the cost--does Amtrak have a special rate for those that ride several times per week?