What would you do? (Falls Church: to rent, health insurance, condo)

[abel23]

I just received a job offer, $61,000, for a government position. I am relocating from Indiana, and have been given just 2 weeks notice before they would like for me to start. I have a family that will not be able to move with me right away (husband and a 5 & 3 yr. old), so I would have to move by myself until they move with me. The position is located in Falls Church, and I would like to rent a condo, and might be interested in sharing the costs with someone temporarily. I hate the idea of leaving my family initially, the move would be tough, but this is a job I would love. How much take home pay (after taxes, etc.) should I expect and what areas should I consider living temporarily that would give me 30-40 commute? Thanks for any info you can provide!!

[ajzjmsmom]

Originally Posted by abel23

I just received a job offer, $61,000, for a government position. I am relocating from Indiana, and have been given just 2 weeks notice before they would like for me to start. I have a family that will not be able to move with me right away (husband and a 5 & 3 yr. old), so I would have to move by myself until they move with me. The position is located in Falls Church, and I would like to rent a condo, and might be interested in sharing the costs with someone temporarily. I hate the idea of leaving my family initially, the move would be tough, but this is a job I would love. How much take home pay (after taxes, etc.) should I expect and what areas should I consider living temporarily that would give me 30-40 commute? Thanks for any info you can provide!!

Here is a link for a paycheck calculator that is pretty good. As for the rest I am not sure other than to say if you want a 30-40 minute commute the rent could possibly be expensive. Maybe check on Craigslist for roommates wanted. Paycheck Calculator

[abel23]

So what areas would I consider for a commute into Falls Church?

[normie]

Try to stay within a 7-mile commute if you can. The closer you can be to work, the better. Since this is just a temporary stay, you really can't go wrong with any of the suburbs near your new job. Falls Church is a nice town, I'd try to rent there.

Welcome to Virginia! FWIW, I once had to move to a town without my family. I was there for about six weeks before they could make the move. It was rough, but in a lot of ways it makes it easier. And you'll know your way around to help them adjust when they finally move here.

[Mike From NIU]

Originally Posted by abel23

I just received a job offer, $61,000, for a government position. I am relocating from Indiana, and have been given just 2 weeks notice before they would like for me to start. I have a family that will not be able to move with me right away (husband and a 5 & 3 yr. old), so I would have to move by myself until they move with me. The position is located in Falls Church, and I would like to rent a condo, and might be interested in sharing the costs with someone temporarily. I hate the idea of leaving my family initially, the move would be tough, but this is a job I would love. How much take home pay (after taxes, etc.) should I expect and what areas should I consider living temporarily that would give me 30-40 commute? Thanks for any info you can provide!!

Take home will also depend substantially on how much or little you participate in the Federal Benefits. If you get family health insurance, that will cost you a lot more than individual coverage. Similarly, how much will you allocate toward to Thrift Savings Plan? Will you participate in a flex spending account? Or the life insurance (generally not a good deal if you are in good health and under 40- can find better term insurance for cheaper outside Uncle Sam)? Your answers to these questions could affect your take home pay by $2-10k/year.

Good luck with your decision and moving. I don't envy the thought of leaving kids behind, even if it's just temporary.