Relocating to Alexandria (Springfield: apartment, for rent, townhouse)

[DreamElis]

Hello. I'm looking into the prospect of relocating to the Alexandria area (Ideally, the closer to Alexandria/ DC the better, but I'd be working in 22304 and am okay with anything up to a 40-minute driving commute).

I'd really like to be someplace with a private, enclosed outdoor area for gardening/ entertaining/ potentially dogs. I don't need a lot of space; just SOMETHING. I also play multiple instruments and would prefer to be able to do so without worrying about so many neighbors/ noise-related rules. So I've been trying to find 'for rent by owner' spaces in duplexes, etc. Does anyone have any suggestions on a good source for such ads?

Thanks!

[HokieFan]

Originally Posted by DreamElis

Hello. I'm looking into the prospect of relocating to the Alexandria area (Ideally, the closer to Alexandria/ DC the better, but I'd be working in 22304 and am okay with anything up to a 40-minute driving commute).

I'd really like to be someplace with a private, enclosed outdoor area for gardening/ entertaining/ potentially dogs. I don't need a lot of space; just SOMETHING. I also play multiple instruments and would prefer to be able to do so without worrying about so many neighbors/ noise-related rules. So I've been trying to find 'for rent by owner' spaces in duplexes, etc. Does anyone have any suggestions on a good source for such ads?

Thanks!

Try Craigslist, Zillow, Trulia, Militarybyowner.com.

What is your budget?

[DreamElis]

I'm not finding a ton on Zillow, Trulia, Craiglist (occasionally there's something, but not much). MBO seems to have more - thank you for that. Though I have to look into where the bases are and see where I should be looking. My per month limit is $1300 plus utilities, but counting any monthly per deposit (I have 2 cats).

[Badger21]

1300 at the best is splitting the cost of a 2 BR apartment and even then you're pushing it. You won't find anything at that price point even worth considering for a 1BR.

Roommates, up your budget, or you might find better luck further out West.

[boyd888]

Originally Posted by DreamElis

private, enclosed outdoor area 40-minute driving commute My per month limit is $1300

Not compatible unless by private you mean "shared among my townhouse roommates" or "in Prince William County over an hour from where I work."

You could rent a townhouse by yourself in Springfield for maybe $1750, but probably closer to $2000.

[HokieFan]

Originally Posted by DreamElis

I'm not finding a ton on Zillow, Trulia, Craiglist (occasionally there's something, but not much). MBO seems to have more - thank you for that. Though I have to look into where the bases are and see where I should be looking. My per month limit is $1300 plus utilities, but counting any monthly per deposit (I have 2 cats).

With your desire to have a small outdoor space and no/limited shared walls (due to noise from playing your instruments), I was thinking you're looking for a townhouse at the bare minimum. With your budget, you won't be able to rent a townhouse without having a roommate. It will be difficult to even find a decent apartment for $1300 inclusive of utilities within 40 minutes of Alexandria.

Your low budget is why you're having trouble finding something.

[Spudcommando]

I got lucky and found a tiny studio in old town for less than 1300 with water and gas included. With your size requirements, you're going to have to look into getting a roommate.