Where to live - Leesburg,Ashburn,Sterling? (Reston, Herndon: apartments, rent)

[lcuiftay]

I looked up some housing in Leesburg, and I also have looked up apartments at Village of Potomac Falls in Sterling.

My daily commute will be to George Washington University campus in Ashburn, VA.
I will have to travel to Foggy Bottom once a week though, but I won't need to be there until or after 10am.
I also have a dog and may need to drop him off for daycare (at times) while i am staying in DC late.

Need advice where to live to minimize the traffic commute.

Thank you for any suggestions.

[HomesForAllVA]

Some of my answer would probably depend on what you like to do for fun. If it were me I would opt for Reston, Herndon or Sterling. Leesburg can be really off the beaten path depending where you need to go. There is lots to do in the Reston and Tysons Corner areas.

If you give me more info, I may be able to be of better assistance.

[sonnymarkjiz]

I would either do Ashburn or Sterling. I know that Ashburn has a bus that goes either to the silver line in Reston, or goes directly into DC on weekdays.

Leesburg is a bit too far out, IMO. Especially if you want to head to DC once a week.

[BOS2IAD]

If you choose Sterling, be careful about researching the particular area that interests you. Some areas are better than others.

[mdcrim]

There are apartments right by the GW campus in Ashburn. I can't remember what they are called but they are up the hill across from the Chick Fil A. There are dog walkers that can come to your place if you're running late.

[lcuiftay]

Thank you. My options are at Sycamore Hill in north west Leesburg next to 773 Riverside Parkway. Thinking that the riversie parkway wouldn't be as bad around 8am and trip shouldn't take more than 25 mins to Gwu in Ashburn. Otherwise another option I have is at McDowell Squarre also by the riverside parkway and is 3miles closer.

The weekly commute to DC will be only at first then occasionally or as needed. Was thinking of just doing battlefield parkway to 267 and then about an hour starting around 8:30am?


I'm a homebody and if going out for fun would mostly just want to go on motorcycle trips through the country. Also getting into metal detecting for coins and old memorabilia. It's also somewhat important to be close to dog parks or open spaces to hike with dog.

[mdcrim]

There is a dog park in Leesburg. If you like to ride motorcycles and go metal detecting I think you are very smart to live west of work toward the more rural portions of the area. Off Riverside to the Ashburn GW campus shouldn't take long. For your commute to DC, you could try saving the Greenway toll by taking Route 7 to Route 28 south to the Dulles toll road and see how long that takes. If you can commute to DC on a Monday or Friday you will save considerable time since those are the most popular telecommute days and traffic is lighter.

If you take your motorcycle to work, you can use the HOV lanes on the Dulles toll road and you would be eligible to drive inside the beltway on Route 66 during HOV time. If you will be commuting by bike I'd recommend that you go in a earlier than 8:30 to take advantage of the HOV lanes.

[lcuiftay]

Thank you, great suggestions. What's the toll difference between Leesburg and Route 28 ?

[spencgr]

Originally Posted by lcuiftay

Thank you, great suggestions. What's the toll difference between Leesburg and Route 28 ?

$5.25 each way.....but also a significant amount of time saved at 8:30.

[Badger21]

OP,

I'd suggest moving to Reston or Sterling. Any money saved in rent will be applied towards your toll fees and add in the aggravation of time spent...I just think the cost is much greater living further out.