Moving to Virgina-Need help (Richmond, Dale City: apartment, to rent, condo)

[mpoissant]

I am 28 yr old recently single Male. I took a job in which I will cover a territory from Richmond to Fredricksburg. I don't know where I want to live. I will be doing a lot of driving due to my job so commute times don't really matter. I am looking for a place with a good vibe with plenty to do. Also, in a safe area. I am looking to rent as I do not know the area. I can afford a monthly rent up to $1200 a month but would prefer to be around $1000. I was looking at Richmond which obviously must have the best vibe and most going on, Fredricksburg and Dale City/Woodbridge area.

Thanks

[b]When are you moving? Sometime in November
Where are you coming from? Vermont
Why are you moving? New Job
Where will you be working? Will cover a territory from Richmond to Fredricksburg
Have you been here yet? No

Will you buy or rent? Rent for at least a year
If buying, are you looking for a house or a condo? How much can you spend?
If renting, are you looking for an apartment, a townhouse or loft? How much can you spend? anything $1200
Do you prefer hi-rise or walk up? Prefer walk up but open to anything

Are you married or single? Do you have children? Single, no children
Do you prefer public or private schools?
Do you have pets? no
Do you want or need a yard? no
Are you keeping a car? yes
Do you prefer bustling activity or calm and quiet? activity

[Bigfoot424]

For that amount it might be tough. Renting a basement from someone might be easier but certainly you can find an apt. The further south you go from DC generally means lower housing costs but this gap seems to be closing as the years go on. If this were me I would look in the Fredericksburg area which means you can look both north and south from there.

[Bungalove]

If you don't want to add to your drive times, eliminate the Dale City/Woodbridge area. It's basically a bedroom community for DC anyway, and more family oriented than anything. You'll probably want to look in either suburban Fredericksburg or Richmond, but you might also be able to find an apartment in historic Fredericksburg, which has a lot of walkability to local shops and restaurants, as well as easy access to major shopping as well as I95, which will be your primary travel route, I imagine. I will tell you that I95 southbound can have some horrendous traffic, moreso in the summer, but also during DC commute times. You could also compromise and live in a more suburban area like Glen Allen, VA, which is close-in to Richmond but would shorten your drive time to Fredericksburg a smidge. Prices there are probably a bit lower than either of the in-city housing stock prices.

I've lived in both cities. Richmond is a lot bigger than F'bg, but I like F'bg. better. It's not "dead Fred" anymore.

[Charlesaf3]

You should live in Richmond, which is more fun than NOVA, and your budget will be fine.

Richmond is a lot like Burlington VT in many ways