strange NOVA location question (Arlington, Reston: rental, how much, buying a home) - Northern Virginia - Virginia - City-Data Forum

JenniferTN · 01-22-2009, 06:35 PM

OK, I know my question might be a little complicated. My husband and I are planning to relocate to NOVA in late summer. He is working overseas and will not be back until late September, but we would like for me to go ahead and, provided I get a teaching job, move so that I can start the school year on time. Our problem is that he will likely not know before my move exactly where he will be working. Likely it will be Mclean, Reston, or Crystal City. We're thinking of living somewhere in Fairfax Co and I'm applying to the school system. My first inclination is to rent something that is convenient to my school for 6 months, and then buy somewhere we know is a reasonable commute for both of us once we know where he will be working. However, if we do need to buy, is there any place that would be somewhat central to all three places? We know the commute woes, so he's expecting at least an hour each way. Obviously we have a lot of variables here, but I'm just curious where we should be looking. Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks!

VEIK · 01-22-2009, 07:02 PM

hm...

Mclean is about the same distance from Reston as it is from Crystal City, traffic is what will make a difference.

Fairfax County is big. Personally I would rent first, get to know the area and commute for both of you a bit, and then buy.

You dont want to buy in a hurry.

Where would your husband be working?

If he is going to be working say in DC, and you could get a job with Arlington County Schools, then I would stick to Mclean/Arlington area.
Plenty of rental options in those areas as well, to get to know the area.

mlv311 · 01-22-2009, 07:02 PM

To be honest, I would suggest you rent first (even if it's for 6 months) before buying, particularly if you haven't lived here before. We once made the mistake of buying a home during a house-hunting trip by relying on our family's advice (since they had been long-time residents in the area). While the home was very nice, it wouldn't have been our choice given our commute. At the time, I couldn't imagine moving twice with toddler and dogs. Never again. Get to know the area and then pick your place to live permanently. Good luck.

mpascal · 01-23-2009, 06:53 AM

Arlington Public Schools is having a job fair on Sat. March 28 at Wakefield HS...

FindingZen · 01-23-2009, 07:03 AM

I agree that McLean is centrally located between the three potential towns. It's also one of the most affluent areas in an already expensive county. So, without knowing how much your household income may be, there may be other choices to consider. Places like Vienna, Oakton and Falls Church would provide a comfortable community while being fairly convenient to the aforementioned towns.

As an FYI, my ladyfriend who teaches in FCPS says that Special Ed opportunities are one of the few not subject to budget cuts or hiring freezes.

Good luck!

Quote:

Originally Posted by JenniferTN

OK, I know my question might be a little complicated. My husband and I are planning to relocate to NOVA in late summer. He is working overseas and will not be back until late September, but we would like for me to go ahead and, provided I get a teaching job, move so that I can start the school year on time. Our problem is that he will likely not know before my move exactly where he will be working. Likely it will be Mclean, Reston, or Crystal City. We're thinking of living somewhere in Fairfax Co and I'm applying to the school system. My first inclination is to rent something that is convenient to my school for 6 months, and then buy somewhere we know is a reasonable commute for both of us once we know where he will be working. However, if we do need to buy, is there any place that would be somewhat central to all three places? We know the commute woes, so he's expecting at least an hour each way. Obviously we have a lot of variables here, but I'm just curious where we should be looking. Any advice would be appreciated! Thanks!

Denton56 · 01-23-2009, 09:33 PM

Vienna, close to the Metro. The commute to McLean would be only 15 or 20 minutes. Reston, the same time, in the opposite direction. Crystal City, take the metro. Vienna is very central, a nice family town, and very convenient.

JenniferTN · 01-25-2009, 03:52 PM

Thanks for the great suggestions everyone! Fingers crossed that we'll know well ahead of time where he'll be working and it won't be an issue, but it's nice to know we have options!