Commute/Location question (Alexandria, Falls Church, Washington: apartment, for rent, Home Depot)

[dawgfan58]

I'll be moving to take a position in Falls Church. Salary will be 130,000 a year. I've found an apartment near Reagan National for $2000 a month. I've never lived in Washington metro area. I would assume traffic flows towards DC, so I would be going against traffic from Reagan National to Falls Church, so less commute time? Also, my budget is around $2500 for rent, so if you have other suggestions of places to live I would be glad to hear them. Thanks.

[boyd888]

In this area traffic flows everywhere in all directions. Heading west will make it a little better - 20 mins maybe?

Your budget leaves pretty much anywhere open for a nice 1br. The Ballston-Clarendon corriodor (along the orange line) is very popular too if you want to have easy metro access in a walkable area.

[MedvedActual]

I'd also take a look at Alexandria (Old Town area). It's only a couple of miles away from Reagan and offers more walk-to places (bars, restaurants, waterfront, etc.) if you are looking for that sort of thing. Also, tons of options for food shopping, including Harris Teeter, Giant (2 stores; one off St. Asaph St. and another off Duke), Whole Foods, Aldi. Depending where you are, some may be walkable. Also, within 5 miles or so are other options including Lowe's, Home Depot, Shoppers, Safeway, Costco, etc. Del Ray is also very close and offers some cool spots like the butcher shop, cheese shop and a bunch of restaurants. Either way, even if you are by Reagan, all these are within a short drive. Good running and bike path as well that goes right by Reagan.

[johnsonkk]

Originally Posted by boyd888

In this area traffic flows everywhere in all directions. Heading west will make it a little better - 20 mins maybe?

Your budget leaves pretty much anywhere open for a nice 1br. The Ballston-Clarendon corriodor (along the orange line) is very popular too if you want to have easy metro access in a walkable area.

I'm going to agree with this recommendation above since Ballston-Clarendon is significantly closer than Reagan airport area ( crystal city).

Recall previous threads for the under 30, single crowd that Ballston is the center for usual activities. Travel along orange line or driving should be a short drive.