Adams Morgan/Logan or Ballston/Courthouse? (Arlington, Herndon: 2013, neighborhoods, living)

[xantia10000]

Hey everyone!

In July I'm moving from Boston (actually Somerville, right outside of Boston) to the DC-area. I'm 28 years-old, single, want to be in a "fun" neighborhood, preferably close to the metro, love city-living, you know the type...

I've been doing some Craigslist sleuthing, and it seems that the areas that fit my wants are Adams Morgan, Logan Circle, Dupont (but waaay expensive), and the Courthouse - VA Square corridor along the Orange Line. From my admittedly limited search, seems like the neighborhoods in the District match my desires a little better than those in NoVA.

Here's the (way unfortunate) catch: the company I will be working for is located in suburbia: Herndon. Living near there would make for a convenient commute... but I totally don't want to live in the suburbs!

So here's my question: given the reality of a hellish commute from a more urban area, is the District-to-Herndon commute gonna kill me? Is Arlington-by-the-metro-to-Herndon a reasonable compromise? I really want my commute to be no longer than 45 minutes each way. Are there any other neighborhoods you recommend for a reasonable commute & fun city life?

Thanks!
mark

[pcity]

I'd say go VA. You can always Metro into DC to go out if the city life in Courthouse isn't up to your standards. You're better off with the shorter commute.

[Azmordean]

Hmm, you are in a tough spot. Metro doesn't go out to Herndon, or anywhere close to it. It will when (if) the Dulles extension is completed, but that won't be until 2013 at the earliest (for phase 1). Even from Arlington, you'd be looking at a commute of at least 30-40 minutes (66 to Dulles Toll Road) and that's assuming no traffic. Unfortunately, there are a lot of reverse commuters on that route so it could very likely take considerably longer (subject, obviously, to when you go in).

My honest suggestion would be to consider living close to work. I know its not fun compared to an urban area, but as far as burbs go, Herndon is pretty far out there. I'd just think it'd be better to have to drive to the Falls Church Metro when you want to go out than to have to deal with a 40 min commute every single day, twice a day. If you do want to be walking distance to Metro though, you might consider living near West Falls Church station - then you'd have a quick shot into the District and into Arlington, and also be closer to work (right near the start of the toll road).

Good luck!