Moving to the DC Area from Oceansice CA, places to live? (Alexandria: apartments, rentals)

[mcdwg11]

My wife just accepted a job in the DC area and we will be moving within the next 45 days, I was a Marine stationed at Bolling AFB about 12 years ago. I was single so I didn't care where I lived. Now married with two kids and two dogs we have to look for a place considering schools, safety, size, etc.

We're planning on renting first and hopefully within a year buy a house but where are some areas we could look into as far as renting a house or even an apartment, our budget would be about $2200 but we can go up to about $2800 if necessary. I think we would be willing to sacrifice commute if we can find something within that price range. I only remember Woodbridge, Fredericksburg, Alexandria, Fairfax, but not sure if those areas would be ok.

The job is at the Pentagon. In terms of houses, three bedroom, two bath preferably, single home, or town home. We also need a backyard for our dogs, we have two labs. I know I said apartments too but that would be very last resort. Size maybe 1500 square feet and up.

Thak you

[MedvedActual]

Look for rentals in Del Ray (just down the street from Braddock St. Metro; easy commute to the Pentagon but will be on the max side of your budget probably and yard space may be tough but a great area imo). I would especially look at militartbyowner types of sites; how we found our rental back in Alexandria. Been a couple years since we moved from the area but either way, areas south of DC would be more affordable at the cost of commuting times.

[ChristineVA]

Originally Posted by MedvedActual

Look for rentals in Del Ray (just down the street from Braddock St. Metro; easy commute to the Pentagon but will be on the max side of your budget probably and yard space may be tough but a great area imo). I would especially look at militartbyowner types of sites; how we found our rental back in Alexandria. Been a couple years since we moved from the area but either way, areas south of DC would be more affordable at the cost of commuting times.

South (Woodbridge area) is probably going to be in your price range. Commuting times will be manageable if you use public transportation. Very fast and efficient to the Pentagon in that regard. If you plan on driving yourself, it's not great at "normal" hours.

[boyd888]

You should be able to find a home in Springfield with no issues. Check out the 17 bus lines that run to the Pentagon and maybe you can find a place with a walkable bus stop. A lot of people drive to the edge of Braddock, park in the neighborhood, and walk to the bus stops too.


https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/...789048330.html
https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/...790574560.html

[NOVA_guy]

If you want something somewhat newer, you need to look in Woodbridge.

If you don’t mind something old, Springfield.

[stax]

Are both of you going to the Pentagon? Your relative distances to the jobs may be something to consider, to make sure one of you isn't stuck with a brutal commute, while the other is stone's throw away.

[mcdwg11]

Originally Posted by MedvedActual

Look for rentals in Del Ray (just down the street from Braddock St. Metro; easy commute to the Pentagon but will be on the max side of your budget probably and yard space may be tough but a great area imo). I would especially look at militartbyowner types of sites; how we found our rental back in Alexandria. Been a couple years since we moved from the area but either way, areas south of DC would be more affordable at the cost of commuting times.

Thanks we will look into it.

[mcdwg11]

Originally Posted by ChristineVA

South (Woodbridge area) is probably going to be in your price range. Commuting times will be manageable if you use public transportation. Very fast and efficient to the Pentagon in that regard. If you plan on driving yourself, it's not great at "normal" hours.

We just started looking into woodbridge and Springfield as well. Thank you

[mcdwg11]

Originally Posted by boyd888

You should be able to find a home in Springfield with no issues. Check out the 17 bus lines that run to the Pentagon and maybe you can find a place with a walkable bus stop. A lot of people drive to the edge of Braddock, park in the neighborhood, and walk to the bus stops too.


https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/...789048330.html
https://washingtondc.craigslist.org/...790574560.html

Thanks for the links, we are now looking into Woodbridge and Springfield.

[mcdwg11]

Originally Posted by NOVA_guy

If you want something somewhat newer, you need to look in Woodbridge.

If you don’t mind something old, Springfield.

Woodbridge is our major area to look at right now. Thank you