Moving to NOVA. Got hired by DC Fire (Alexandria, Springfield: apartment complexes, rent)

[m_genson]

Hello Everyone!

I have been reading the forums lately and they have provided a tremendous amount of helpful information. Thank you to everyone that posts.

Here is my situation. I am a 23 y/o firefighter paramedic who just finally got hired full-time by the Washington D.C. Fire Department. I currently live in Grand Blanc Michigan which is a suburb of Flint. I have a 3 year old son and my girlfriend will be moving out here as well. I have a cat and a mid size dog. I am looking to move into a two bedroom apartment in the price range of $1200 up to $1600. My girlfriend works as an EMT and is almost finished with nursing school. Between the two of us we should be making around $70,000 - $80,000 annually if not slightly more.

In my time out there I visited the Alexandria area, Falls Church area and the Vienna area. I really liked all of them and I am sure any of them are far superior to the suburbs of Flint.

Does anyone have any suggestions on a good complex to move into. I am looking for family friendly, as commute friendly as possible, low crime, pet friendly and if possible near a metro station or within riding distance. I am very active, so bike trails and nearby parks are also a huge plus.

Please help! Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[TextileWolf]

I can recommend Edlandria Apartments. I have lived there for roughly 4 years and have enjoyed it. I think they are a great value for the price. They are roughly a mile from the Van Dorn station in Alexandria. The only major complaint is there is no visitor parking, but that can be dealt with local side streets.

Edlandria Apartments (http://www.dittmarcompany.com/communities/edlandria/edlandria.html - broken link)

[The Dissenter]

I'd recommend the West End of Alexandria. You can sure find a two bed for less than $1600. A few good starts would be London Park Towers, Foxchase, ParcView, Seminary Towers, etc.

[m_genson]

Originally Posted by Alanboy395

I'd recommend the West End of Alexandria. You can sure find a two bed for less than $1600. A few good starts would be London Park Towers, Foxchase, ParcView, Seminary Towers, etc.

Foxchase seems to be the closest to what I am looking for. Vienna seems to be regarded very highly. Why is this?

Thanks for the help.

[car54]

Do these apartment complexes allow mid size dogs?

I'd recommend renting a townhouse or small SFH. Back in the 60's a developer in Springfield put up hundreds of brick, 3br, 1ba ramblers on 1/4 acre lots. I've owned a few of them over the years and most recently (2006ish) rented them for $14-1500. I bet they still rent for well under $2 grand a month. The subdivisions are North Springfield, Ravensworth, Lynbrook and Springfield. (zip 22150, 22151)

Fido needs a yard!

[SteelCityRising]

Originally Posted by car54

Fido needs a yard!

So does ScranBarre! I miss being able to pull weeds, rake leaves, edge, mow the grass, plant flowers, etc.! Methinks if I bought some Scotts Turf Builder and went out with a spreader around my complex I'd be evicted!

[normie]

Hey there--I don't have any helpful suggestions, but I wanted to say congrats on getting the job! Also, welcome to NOVA.

[statecollege]

I don't live in Vienna, but the general impression in this area is that Vienna is a well managed independent jurisdiction within the confines of Fairfax County. It's rules and regulations have promoted a small-town America feel with mostly well-kept properties and an excellent commercial core along its main street. Also, it is convenient to employment centers, such as the Dulles corridor, Tyson's Corner, CIA, and DC via Metro train. Consequently, it will be more expensive than Alexandria on average. Falls Church is a similar situation. For you, Alexandria is more convenient to downtown.