Where to live to commute to Arlington

[gomason]

Originally Posted by phillynewbie

How long do you think Herndon to Arlington would be on the Toll Road? Also, is there any reason not to use the Toll Road other than the cost - which looks like a maximum of $3.50 each way if I'm reading it right.

Here's your problem: I-66 is HOV-2 from 6:30-9:00 am going eastbound and 4:00-6:30 pm going westbound. If you commute during those hours, you have to exit the toll road either at 495 and take that to 50 eastbound or take the exit at 123 for McLean and cut through Falls Church to get to Arlington. No cars without at least 2 people in their cars can go past the 123 exit during these hours. I would guess that commute would be about 60-75 minutes on average and up to 90 minutes on a really bad day. However, the toll road is the least congested highway in NOVA, so its worth it if youre willing to pay $7 a day for it.

The Silver Line to Rosslyn would be a great alternative though and thats what I would probably do, especially if you can get transit benefits.

Beware that Herndon has some sketchy schools and neighborhoods so ask about the area youre looking in.

[phillynewbie]

Originally Posted by gomason

Here's your problem: I-66 is HOV-2 from 6:30-9:00 am going eastbound and 4:00-6:30 pm going westbound. If you commute during those hours, you have to exit the toll road either at 495 and take that to 50 eastbound or take the exit at 123 for McLean and cut through Falls Church to get to Arlington.

Thank you very much, Gomason. I didn't realize I-66 was HOV-2 during prime commute hours. Do you think the commute from Springfield, Burke or Lorton would be quicker? I was looking at areas that feed into West Springfield or Lake Braddock High Schools. If I put Burke VA in google maps right now at 5pm on a Friday it says 45 minutes for commute time. Not sure how accurate that is. 395 looks solid red for traffic south of the Pentagon down to VA-236.

[gomason]

Originally Posted by phillynewbie

Thank you very much, Gomason. I didn't realize I-66 was HOV-2 during prime commute hours. Do you think the commute from Springfield, Burke or Lorton would be quicker? I was looking at areas that feed into West Springfield or Lake Braddock High Schools. If I put Burke VA in google maps right now at 5pm on a Friday it says 45 minutes for commute time. Not sure how accurate that is. 395 looks solid red for traffic south of the Pentagon down to VA-236.

Thats pretty accurate -- it shouldnt ever take you more than an hour. Its 20-25 minutes between Springfield and the Pentagon on 395 -- add another 10 minutes to get on the highway and another 10 minutes getting to Rosslyn from 395 = about 45-50 minutes total. If you're willing to pay $2, you can take the express entrance ramp in Springfield and save probably 5 minutes.

West Springfield and Lake Braddock are some of the best schools in NOVA so youre looking in the right place.

[Ffxdata]

Originally Posted by phillynewbie

Thank you very much, Gomason. I didn't realize I-66 was HOV-2 during prime commute hours. Do you think the commute from Springfield, Burke or Lorton would be quicker? I was looking at areas that feed into West Springfield or Lake Braddock High Schools. If I put Burke VA in google maps right now at 5pm on a Friday it says 45 minutes for commute time. Not sure how accurate that is. 395 looks solid red for traffic south of the Pentagon down to VA-236.

Some of Herndon is zoned to Oakton High School.

West Springfield and Burke are good for everything except I don't know of any areas built within the last 20 years. Most are 80s or older.

[Carlingtonian]

Originally Posted by spencgr

While that house is certainly charming; I would never call a 3 bedroom 1,274 SF home SPACIOUS.

Doesn't that depend on how many people live in it? Three bedrooms should be big enough for two adults and at least two kids.

The wife and I once lived in a house with 830 SF (finished), and it was just big enough.

[spencgr]

Originally Posted by Carlingtonian

Doesn't that depend on how many people live in it? Three bedrooms should be big enough for two adults and at least two kids.

The wife and I once lived in a house with 830 SF (finished), and it was just big enough.

It is shocking to me the amount of stuff and space children need. Certainly 3 bedrooms is enough for a family of four; and I am sure families have lived in smaller spaces (I watch those Tiny House shows). But again, I don't think anyone will call 1200SF spacious for a family of four.