Looking for a less expensive, less snobby Nova Area (Arlington: apartment, neighborhood)

[betamanlet]

I live in Arlington, while it's close to the metro and DC, it's a bit expensive and snobby for me. Can any recommend places that are not insanely far out that are a bit cheaper, less snobby, and don't have crazy rediculous commutes (I would still want to take metro, so would need to be somewhere near a station that has a parking lot). Thanks for any ideas.... Just one a 1 bedroom apartment.

[FLgirl367]

I'm not the best person to advise, because I live farther out. From what I've read here would Burke be a good spot? You could drive to the Springfield metro.

[The Dissenter]

Originally Posted by betamanlet

I live in Arlington, while it's close to the metro and DC, it's a bit expensive and snobby for me. Can any recommend places that are not insanely far out that are a bit cheaper, less snobby, and don't have crazy rediculous commutes (I would still want to take metro, so would need to be somewhere near a station that has a parking lot). Thanks for any ideas.... Just one a 1 bedroom apartment.

Maybe the West End of Alexandria or Franconia?

[buildinginva]

Also consider Kingstowne in Alexandria.

[smokemaster]

22150.

[JD984]

In what sense do you find people in Arlington "snobby"? If you mean they seem mostly concerned with their own business and don't want to strike up conversations with people they don't know, that's going to be true anywhere in the DC area that's near a Metro station.

If you mean they seem too "young and affluent" for your tastes, others have given you good suggestions for areas where the income levels aren't quite so high, and the population will be a bit more diverse age-wise than Arlington on the Orange line. Even Dunn Loring and Vienna would be better in this respect. You might also look at Silver Spring or Wheaton in Maryland.

[betamanlet]

Originally Posted by JEB77

In what sense do you find people in Arlington "snobby"? If you mean they seem mostly concerned with their own business and don't want to strike up conversations with people they don't know, that's going to be true anywhere in the DC area that's near a Metro station.

If you mean they seem too "young and affluent" for your tastes, others have given you good suggestions for areas where the income levels aren't quite so high, and the population will be a bit more diverse age-wise than Arlington on the Orange line. Even Dunn Loring and Vienna would be better in this respect. You might also look at Silver Spring or Wheaton in Maryland.

Probably a little bit of both.

[FindingZen]

Of course, the "million-dollar" question is: what's your preferred price range?

Beyond Arlington, Alexandria and maybe the Tysons Corner area, any apartment community that isn't walkable to a Metro stop will be relatively inexpensive. Your options are pretty wide open, notwithstanding your preferred budget.

[betamanlet]

Originally Posted by Tone509

Of course, the "million-dollar" question is: what's your preferred price range?

Beyond Arlington, Alexandria and maybe the Tysons Corner area, any apartment community that isn't walkable to a Metro stop will be relatively inexpensive. Your options are pretty wide open, notwithstanding your preferred budget.

I pay about $1450 now, including utilities and within walking distance of the metro. On all my apartment.com searches, anywhere in the area, I wouldn't seemt o save much if I moved further out, given the cost of commuting and having to pay for utilities. My building is a good deal, I just hate the area.

[FindingZen]

Originally Posted by betamanlet

I pay about $1450 now, including utilities and within walking distance of the metro. On all my apartment.com searches, anywhere in the area, I wouldn't seemt o save much if I moved further out, given the cost of commuting and having to pay for utilities. My building is a good deal, I just hate the area.

So it's not housing that you're looking to save on so much as other neighborhood amenities?