Moving back to Nova from Abroad (Reston, Annandale: apartment, rental market, roughest)

[atimeforeverything]

I am originally from Fairfax and my family and I *hope* to move back to Nova soon. Husband will have green card, and me and our 2 young kids are citizens. We have family in Gainesville & Fairfax and hope to move back to the Nova but I am pretty freaked out. I know we will be low-income. I am college educated (Bachelors of Social Work) and my husband and I have run our backpackers hotel in Latin America for the past six years. Not sure how that will translate into finding work in Nova....
I am worried about finding a cheap 2 bedroom apartment in a safe area with a decent elementary school. We are VERY open to location.
Luckily we can stay for a few months at my friend's place in Fairfax City for a 2-3 months.
Any tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

[JfromReston]

In order to help you we need to know what your definition of "cheap" is.

[ersatz]

Originally Posted by JfromReston

In order to help you we need to know what your definition of "cheap" is.

For sure. "Cheap" by NoVA standards is considered stratospheric in most parts of the U.S. Consider it Interplanetary by Latin American standards .... Situations will vary but for something near the Beltway and with decent schools for the kids you are likely talking at least $1,700-2,000 per month. To find something more affordable, you will need to go south to Woodbridge or beyond and commute. More than likely, you will need the income of two working spouses. If you want to look around, I recommend Zillow, select rental, and set your desired rental range. Zillow is not always the most accurate, but it will give you a feel for NoVA rental market conditions from an overseas location. If you are seriously considering a particular neighborhood, reach out to City Data forum again for some frank advice.

Given that the greater Washington DC metro area attracts a huge number of tourists, businesses, and government staff on temporary visits, we have a number of hotels and motels that are constantly recruiting staff. Your experience running a hostel would be a plus. And, if you lived in Latin America, you speak at least one foreign language. Big plus!! Google is your friend - search Hotel Jobs Northern Virginia for some leads, reach out and market yourself with enthusiasm.

Buena Suerte!

[Flamingo13]

Have you spoken to your family to ask about costs of living, etc.?

[car54]

Any "cheap" apartment in NOVA will feel like you're still in Latin America.

[atimeforeverything]

I've been checking out craigslist, Zillow, all sorts of sites. I've seen some 2 bedrooms for as cheap as $1000, but they seem like rough areas. I'm totally fine with being surrounded by immigrants, as long as it is a safe area with decent schools. The most promising area seems to be woodbridge or manassas.
I've been looking into the different ADU housing programs, and maybe that would be a way to stay closer to Fairfax. Although wait lists seem a little daunting.

[Ffxdata]

I would try to see what employment options and locations you find first. If you already have a shoestring budget, commuting costs are something you can't afford.

I got an apartment right next to one of the roughest areas (Culmore: stabbings, armed robberies, a shoot out) and it was $1200 for a one bedroom with den. The 2 beds were $1800. You would likely have some better luck in Annandale or some parts of Fairfax. Of course this all depends on where you will be working. Any leads?

[ChristineVA]

I think you need to stay with your friend (as they offered) for at least a few weeks and get your employment locked down. Then go for the apartment. It's fine to say that you can get an apartment in Woodbridge but if your husband with the green card can only get a job in Takoma Park, MD, then that's not the way you want to go.

What field can your husband work and where do you expect to work? Also I assume you will need childcare at that point?

[atimeforeverything]

Originally Posted by ChristineVA

I think you need to stay with your friend (as they offered) for at least a few weeks and get your employment locked down. Then go for the apartment. It's fine to say that you can get an apartment in Woodbridge but if your husband with the green card can only get a job in Takoma Park, MD, then that's not the way you want to go.

What field can your husband work and where do you expect to work? Also I assume you will need childcare at that point?

I would prefer to get back into Social Work, so I will be trying to get a full time entry level position, normal 9-5pm and then husband will probably work nights and weekends to try to avoid childcare as much as possible. We both have a really great reputation for customer service and my husband really enjoys working with customers, so he will probably go for something along those lines.


I've been researching retail options for him to get settled in and start to have a work history in the US (his verbal English is great, written is decent, not much experience working with computers, but a fast learner, great work ethic). Trader Joes, Costco, Wegmans, & Startbucks look like good options for him. I am hoping he won't have problems finding work because of being an immigrant.....with a green card at least he wont have to worry about being illegal and looking for work!

[VRE332]

Originally Posted by car54

Any "cheap" apartment in NOVA will feel like you're still in Latin America.

LOL True