Anybody live in the Alexandria, VA area?

dave · 08-01-2012, 10:02 AM

Some important things to consider before looking at specific units -

As most above have said, think through the commute and what is important: close to metro station? nearest metro station with parking? drive to work? hours? with or against traffic? parking situation at home - street, garage, rented space, etc? hard to overstate that the traffic situation here can take over your life -

Question assumptions and start with 'needs'. Is she alone/sig other/kids/etc. If alone (and even if not) consider some 'alternatives'. Lots of great basements/rooms/shared apts, etc that can be had much more economically than single units. When I moved out here a couple years ago I rented half the basement (south Alexandria) from a nice senior lady in a ritzy neighborhood. Was perfect for me for first year. $900 for place far bigger than a studio with bathroom and off-street parking just ten minutes from my work and no utility bills. Now I'm paying $1300 for 900SF 2BR townhouse in far lesser neighborhood and paying utilities on top of that. Landlord says will raise rent next time lease is up.

If a unit looks too good to be true - rent, amenities, etc -- then take a hard look at safety of the area

Watch Craigslist closely - at least a couple times a day -- good opportunities don't stay on there more than a day

Good luck.

68TriShield · 08-01-2012, 02:05 PM

Scott,RGD has lived there for two or three decades.
Contact Ron as I'm sure he'll have some good intel.

MajorCaptSilly · 08-01-2012, 06:15 PM

Thanks for the replies! She is finding that apartments in the city are a little out of reach. She is checking out Herndon and a couple other places today and tomorrow. I'm glad my wife is dealing with it and not me!

MCS

tsolomon · 08-02-2012, 07:58 AM

There are other options out in Maryland like downtown Silver Spring. It's metro accessible and might be in your price range. If her workplace is close to a Metro station, then you should check the wmata.com site for the commuting options by rail and bus.

08-01-2012, 10:02 AM	#1
dave Have My Own Room Join Date: May 2011 First Name: Dave Location: Northern VA Posts: 1,180 Trading: (15)	Re: Anybody live in the Alexandria, VA area? Some important things to consider before looking at specific units - As most above have said, think through the commute and what is important: close to metro station? nearest metro station with parking? drive to work? hours? with or against traffic? parking situation at home - street, garage, rented space, etc? hard to overstate that the traffic situation here can take over your life - Question assumptions and start with 'needs'. Is she alone/sig other/kids/etc. If alone (and even if not) consider some 'alternatives'. Lots of great basements/rooms/shared apts, etc that can be had much more economically than single units. When I moved out here a couple years ago I rented half the basement (south Alexandria) from a nice senior lady in a ritzy neighborhood. Was perfect for me for first year. $900 for place far bigger than a studio with bathroom and off-street parking just ten minutes from my work and no utility bills. Now I'm paying $1300 for 900SF 2BR townhouse in far lesser neighborhood and paying utilities on top of that. Landlord says will raise rent next time lease is up. If a unit looks too good to be true - rent, amenities, etc -- then take a hard look at safety of the area Watch Craigslist closely - at least a couple times a day -- good opportunities don't stay on there more than a day Good luck.

08-01-2012, 02:05 PM	#2
68TriShield Got Torque? Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Dave Location: Maryland Posts: 7,194 Trading: (40)	Re: Anybody live in the Alexandria, VA area? Scott,RGD has lived there for two or three decades. Contact Ron as I'm sure he'll have some good intel.

08-01-2012, 06:15 PM	#3
MajorCaptSilly Sklee Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Scott Location: Mishawaka, IN Posts: 2,523 Trading: (30)	Re: Anybody live in the Alexandria, VA area? Thanks for the replies! She is finding that apartments in the city are a little out of reach. She is checking out Herndon and a couple other places today and tomorrow. I'm glad my wife is dealing with it and not me! MCS __________________ Pillsbury, Minneapolis, Prince, Spoon Bridge and Cherry, coinkydink?

08-02-2012, 07:58 AM	#4
tsolomon Have My Own Room Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Tom Location: The Villages, FL Posts: 1,250 Trading: (31)	Re: Anybody live in the Alexandria, VA area? There are other options out in Maryland like downtown Silver Spring. It's metro accessible and might be in your price range. If her workplace is close to a Metro station, then you should check the wmata.com site for the commuting options by rail and bus.