I am basically looking for a breakdown of the pros and cons of renting an apartment in the various areas. We'd like to live near a metro line so I don't have to drive to work. We don't have kids currently but will in the future. I appreciate any helpful responses. Thanks!
2006-12-12 05:45:21 · 10 answers · asked by Steve S 1 in Travel ➔ United States ➔ Washington, D.C.
Live in Virginia. It's less expensive overall, prettier, and Maryland drivers suck and they're always working on some part of their beltway which creates traffic jams 24/7.
If you can swing it, live in Vienna or Fairfax. There's a Vienna Metro stop, though you're most likely going to have to drive to it unless you live close by.
I've lived here coming on 9 years and have lived in different parts of Fairfax County and some of Loudoun County, and FWIW I must say the best place by far is Reston. They don't have a Metro line now, but there are plans for it to be built out to Dulles Airport over the next 10 years, with a couple so stops in Reston.
In sum, cost of living for a "decent place" in this area is painful here if you're not bringing in $65K+. Sacrifices will be made if you desire to have a stay at home parent and are below that!
The closer to DC you live, the more expensive it is. Location, location, location rings as true here as anywhere. But overall though, it's less expensive to live in Virginia then DC or Maryland.
Good luck!
2006-12-12 06:16:39 · answer #1 · answered by Bill's Question 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I have lived in Crystal City (which is really the south end of Arlington) and in Reston, and I like them both. Crystal City is more urbane, and more crowded, but much closer to DC. You didn't say if you're going to work in DC, or elsewhere. Prices are better in Reston because it's further away from DC. You have to take a bus to the subway, which will take far longer.
If you prefer Maryland, look in the Bethesda or Silver Spring area. Just sign a 6 or 12 month lease, so you'll have time to look around.
2006-12-13 20:45:31 · answer #2 · answered by Carlos R 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just moved to Sterling, VA last month and I love the town. Traffic can get kinda bad, but nowhere near as bad as Fairfax Co. Everything you need is close by. If you can't find it in Sterling, then Ashburn, Reston, Herndon, Centerville, Leesburg, and Tyson's Corner are all close by.
It is a bit of a drive to the closest Metro station (Vienna/Fairfax), but since I work in Sterling, that is no problem. My wife just got a job in DC though, so she will be doing the drive-and-ride thing. We will see how that goes.
I have yet to visit the MD side, so I can't advise you about that, but I have heard that there are some areas of MD (Prince George Co.) that are having a crime problem. So check around before you decide.
2006-12-13 08:32:56 · answer #3 · answered by Jay E. 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The VA side is gonna be very high cost of living. Maryland side would be cheaper, but much less stuff to do there and really REALLY boring. Also, if you live on one side and work on the other you might often end up having to choose between paying a toll/ferry fee and going the long way around.
2006-12-12 16:03:57 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Virginia - lots of apartments close to and within walking distance to metros -- mostly high-rise apts. or townhouse rentals; need to take metro to DC because of traffic. Lots of histoic sites. Can walk and bus within city. Some surburbs also.
Maryland - less congested; mostly need car to get around, -- sometimes just to get to metro; surburban; beautiful scenery; Montgomery Co. is considered the richest county in Maryland; can find housing near bus stations; metro; highrise and low rise and garden apartments; historic; nice area for children; beautiful parks; etc.
Washington DC - near metro and bus stations; in Capitol City; lots of action; bus and metro; Expensive housing in upper northwest and near downtown area; highrise; low rise; multicultural; sort of the high life - clubs; Georgetown area; museums; downtown, government offices; private entities; some areas crime, drugs -- like most cities.
It depends on what area you're thinking about moving to; crime is well crime... there are some places you don't want to live; and others where you dont' expect crime to happen and where crime never occurs; but it does.
DC, Virginia, and Maryland is such a diverse and vast area. In Maryland there is Prince George's County, Montgomery County, Calvert County, etc. It is not easy being specific about the area. But it is a great place to live -- great for children; the political scene; multicultural; free museums; parks; entertainment; clubs; historic; Capitol; Monuments; plays; sports; entrepreneurship; colleges; private and public schools; romance; etc. Take it from one who was born and raised here. My grandfather did the coblestone work in Georgetown, located in Washington, D.C.
2006-12-12 14:40:53 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I live in frederick county maryland and the scenery is beautiful! There is easy access to all the stores.. The only problem is theres a bit of traffic during the commute hours.. I love maryland and would never even think about moving anywhere else.. any more questions feel free to ask!
2006-12-12 13:53:12 · answer #6 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
virginia is less expensive and there are lots of apts near the blue and orange lines. maryland is a bit pricier but less congested (a relative term if ever one was), lots of apts on the red line. the district is most expensive but also most convenient. tons to do in the district neighborhoods, it has the best feel. virginia is also more conservative than maryland and d.c.
2006-12-13 16:39:39 · answer #7 · answered by Super G 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i live in Maryland, i used to live in FL and i HAD to move back.. and I LOVE it here. i live 5 mins from DC and 20 from VA which means i can take the train. i heard living in VA is nice. but i dont think its a great idea to live in DC. there is NEver any parking so if you have people visiting it sucks for them... there is a variaty of things to do. constantly. plays, shows, sports,outdoors, meuseams, clubs, shopping, i can keep on. its a melting pot. its a great place to raise your kids. i dont have any but i was raised here. so where ever you decide to move is fine. The houses are a bit pricey if you one day decide to purchase but its worth it.
2006-12-13 10:06:11 · answer #8 · answered by godisamor 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I prefer Virginia to Maryland. DC is nice too.
But no matter where you live...RUSH HOUR IS INSANEEEEEE!
Welcome to the greater DC metropolitan area!
2006-12-13 09:57:05 · answer #9 · answered by Mimi 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Crystal City, Arlington Virginia.
Great location.
Crime rate is low.
Good schools.
http://crystalcity.com/
2006-12-12 13:54:39 · answer #10 · answered by mmd 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋