Moving to Alexandria

[slduvall]

Originally Posted by LAPrice718

Thank you all so much for the feedback. I've decided on Alexandria as I want to live in a city like area; Reston isn't going to do that for me. Since I was born and raised in NY, I actually miss the crowd and high populated areas. I will surely take everyone's advice into consideration!

I would never equate Alexandria with NY. And the crowds are mainly tourists in Old Town. Are you maybe confusing it with Arlington, which has more of city vibe.

[Middlin]

Unless you are residing within Old Town, you aren't going to get a city feel. Alexandria is mainly suburbia just like Reston. I wouldn't trade off a shorter commute for a long commute if you like to visit Old Town or want to go into DC on weekends. Traffic here is HORRENDOUS. You can play with the times on Google maps, but in the am, depending on exactly where, you would be looking at 1+ hr

[Ffxdata]

Yeah. I mean at least do Tysons if you want “city vibe”. It’s half as far and still cheaper than Old Town and with better schools.

But I’d do Reston TC hands down. Having zero commute in this region is priceless.

[Analyst in Arlington]

If you are able to telework from Alexandria a couple times a week, then you may be okay. But if telework is not an option, then you will likely spend two hours everyday for the Alexandria to Reston commute.

[brooklynborndad]

I have to disagree with those who say that urban qualities in Alexandria are only found in Old Town, and that the people walking in Old Town are only tourists.

People who patronize Old Town include tourists, but also suburbanites in for an evening, people from other parts of Alexandria, and yes, Old Town residents themselves.

The Carlyle area near Old Town is pretty urban (though with a less vibrant street life) . Del Ray though often said to have a small town feel, has a pretty nice street life. Some parts of Arlandria might remind OP of parts of Brooklyn, and for fans of Reston Town Center style "faux" urbanism, the new Potomac Yards South area is a pretty good example (despite the remaining empty lots and limited retail).

Of course the problem for OP is that Carlyle, PY, and Del Ray are all out of her budget - and the properties she could afford in Arlandria I don't think she would like.

[tysonsengineer]

Originally Posted by brooklynborndad

I have to disagree with those who say that urban qualities in Alexandria are only found in Old Town, and that the people walking in Old Town are only tourists.

People who patronize Old Town include tourists, but also suburbanites in for an evening, people from other parts of Alexandria, and yes, Old Town residents themselves.

The Carlyle area near Old Town is pretty urban (though with a less vibrant street life) . Del Ray though often said to have a small town feel, has a pretty nice street life. Some parts of Arlandria might remind OP of parts of Brooklyn, and for fans of Reston Town Center style "faux" urbanism, the new Potomac Yards South area is a pretty good example (despite the remaining empty lots and limited retail).

Of course the problem for OP is that Carlyle, PY, and Del Ray are all out of her budget - and the properties she could afford in Arlandria I don't think she would like.

Braddock metro area is more walkable than the northern parts of King St in my opinion. Nice bike trail too, straight to old town and has metro unlike the other areas mentioned.

[Badger21]

I heard a condo opened up today. The former owner had some nice Cyprian rugs.

lol. I'm guessing those assets will be forfeited to Uncle Sam which is a shame.

[Flamingo13]

Posting under another name?

Originally Posted by tysonsengineer

I heard a condo opened up today. The former owner had some nice Cyprian rugs.

[spencgr]

Originally Posted by brooklynborndad

I have to disagree with those who say that urban qualities in Alexandria are only found in Old Town, and that the people walking in Old Town are only tourists.

People who patronize Old Town include tourists, but also suburbanites in for an evening, people from other parts of Alexandria, and yes, Old Town residents themselves.

The Carlyle area near Old Town is pretty urban (though with a less vibrant street life) . Del Ray though often said to have a small town feel, has a pretty nice street life. Some parts of Arlandria might remind OP of parts of Brooklyn, and for fans of Reston Town Center style "faux" urbanism, the new Potomac Yards South area is a pretty good example (despite the remaining empty lots and limited retail).

Of course the problem for OP is that Carlyle, PY, and Del Ray are all out of her budget - and the properties she could afford in Arlandria I don't think she would like.

Wow - long time, no post. Welcome back.

[manitopiaaa]

You can get 2 bedrooms in Alexandria for $1,700 if you look in the part of the city that was never a part of DC (the Western half). There's a ton of places in the Landmark area in that range. Also look into Huntington in Fairfax County just across from the Alexandria borders.