A budget of 1200 to 1800: new young professional moving (Arlington, Reston: apartments, for rent)

[longtermcare]

So I read a few threads by families and young college grads who are looking to move to the Tysons/McLean area and they asked questions such as: "Where should I leave?", "Where would be an easier commute?", "What are the people like at these places?" etc. After reading these threads including the responses I have gotten a few of my own questions answered and gathered enough information to narrow down my search.

I am a 24 year old from Georgia and I am looking to move to the Northern Va. area for a new job starting this July. Being a Georgia resident I have grown accustom to certain things, for instances I like living in townhouses rather than condos or apartments. Since I am factoring the weather, the commute and the type of place of residence what area is a good possible fit to get a townhouse for one single person with not much furniture and with a rent budget between 1200 to 1800? With a rent budget of 1200 to 1800 would the living conditions be good? What search criteria can you recommend me following in finding a nice place to live?

[claremarie]

If you have a roommate, you'll have lots of choices.
If you don't, you will have to live further out from DC and the Tyson's area. Those are the basic search criteria. To be honest, $1200-1800 is what many young professionals pay for a 1 BR apartment, so to get a townhouse at that price point will require compromises on commute time, age of the housing unit, and amenities.

[FindingZen]

Originally Posted by claremarie

If you have a roommate, you'll have lots of choices.
If you don't, you will have to live further out from DC and the Tyson's area. Those are the basic search criteria. To be honest, $1200-1800 is what many young professionals pay for a 1 BR apartment, so to get a townhouse at that price point will require compromises on commute time, age of the housing unit, and amenities.

What she said!

Is it important to be in a neighborhood with other young professionals?

Assuming your answer to the second question is "yes"...there is string of neighborhoods in Arlington nicknamed The Orange Line after the Metrorail route that connects them. That area is essentially the 20something mecca of Northern Virginia. However, the commute to Tysons can be a bear. Unfortunately, no other area really comes close, although some may argue that Reston's Town Center is a distant second. But at least that would be a shorter commute. So add access to social life to the potential compromises above.

[Badger21]

OP...you'll live pretty damn well on a budget of 1800 on the Orange line, not a townhome, but you should be able to find a servicable condo with plenty of amenities. You also will have a semi reverse commute, though the Beltway is always clogged.

[Newk]

See, this is the reason I left Springfield, VA. My wife and I live in a 2,500 square foot house, and the mortgage payment is near the lower end of that scale.

[FindingZen]

Originally Posted by Newk

See, this is the reason I left Springfield, VA. My wife and I live in a 2,500 square foot house, and the mortgage payment is near the lower end of that scale.

San Antonio is indeed inexpensive; I have relatives there that I visit from time to time. However, I hope you'd admit that Northern Virginia does have its advantages, especially for young professionals like the OP who are looking for job opportunities.

[Newk]

Originally Posted by Tone509

San Antonio is indeed inexpensive; I have relatives there that I visit from time to time. However, I hope you'd admit that Northern Virginia does have its advantages, especially for young professionals like the OP who are looking for job opportunities.

Indeed it does, but there is so much competition, and people with advanced degrees that is hard to get your foot in the door. But if you can, you should be in a great situation financially.

[The Dissenter]

Originally Posted by Newk

See, this is the reason I left Springfield, VA. My wife and I live in a 2,500 square foot house, and the mortgage payment is near the lower end of that scale.

I'm checking out San Antonio (if staying in Louisville don't work job-wise) for that same reason. How are jobs down there?

[NoVa2NYC]

You might find a garden style condo or apartment for rent at that price. You won't find a decent townhouse anywhere near that.