Newlyweds - Where to live near DC if working downtown (apartment complexes, transfer to)

[jaredg777]

I'm moving to the DC area in September and would appreciate some advice on where I should live.

I'll be working in Judiciary Square and taking the Metro during peak hours, so I want to live close to a Metro stop, although it doesn't necessarily have to be on the red line. At the same time, I'd like to limit my commute to about 35 or 40 mins door to door, if possible.

I'm in my late 20's and married, but not into the bar/club scene. That said, I want to live in an area that has at least an urban feel, with entertaining things to do and plenty of conveniences (malls, Target-like stores, groceries, gas etc...).

My budget is $1500 - $1700, but the total cost with parking, utilities, and fees can't exceed about ~$1800. I do not want to live in a studio, so that really raises the price, as I'm finding.

I will be bringing a car to the city for the weekends and for my wife, so parking is important, as is safety.

Any recommendations about areas, or even specific apartment complexes, would be hugely appreciated!

If there's any more info that you need, please ask.

[claremarie]

In Maryland, I'd suggest Silver Spring. Bethesda will be too expensive. Not sure whether the commute will be under 45 minutes, but it should be close.
In Virginia, consider the Shirlington area of Arlington, which is not on the Metro, but there is extensive bus service.
Further out in Virginia, you could try Falls Church, Springfield/Burke, or Vienna, but I'm not sure you'll find something in your price range in Vienna. The latter areas are communities that appeal more to families with children than 20-something newlyweds, but you will find the malls and stores in all of these locations.

[akorosdc]

Originally Posted by claremarie

In Maryland, I'd suggest Silver Spring. Bethesda will be too expensive. Not sure whether the commute will be under 45 minutes, but it should be close.
In Virginia, consider the Shirlington area of Arlington, which is not on the Metro, but there is extensive bus service.
Further out in Virginia, you could try Falls Church, Springfield/Burke, or Vienna, but I'm not sure you'll find something in your price range in Vienna. The latter areas are communities that appeal more to families with children than 20-something newlyweds, but you will find the malls and stores in all of these locations.

I had a coworker who lived in Silver Spring (and now another in Wheaton) who said it took just under 30 minutes to get to our office by Union Station. Judiciary Square is only 1 stop further, so just add a few minutes to that estimate.

For Shirlington, you're probably looking at about 40 minutes, depending on transfer time. There are a lot of buses, so it shouldn't be too bad. Just take the bus to the Pentagon and from there take the yellow line to Chinatown and walk a few blocks to Judiciary Square (or transfer to the red line, but it'll take about the same amount of time to just walk).