I got the job, Now need to Move it!

Well I got the job I interviewed for on Tuesday.  I'm so excited, but now we need to engineer a move from Charlotte to McLean VA.  I just spent hours looking at apartments online and I'm so confused.  I know nothing about the DC area, but I can see its a hellofalot more expensive than Charlotte.  Wondering about the trade off of distance and traffic vs. closer to work and more money.  My office is in Tyson's Corner which seems pretty up scale.

Anyone live near by?  Advice?  I have 3 small dogs and would like a 3 BR 2 BA place.  Was thinking I could maybe get by with a 2 BR 2 BA place, don't know yet.  Don't want to pay more than $2,000 per month on rent if I can help it.   Shudder $2,000 a month????? 

weeeelll, you got my phone number. Give me a call and let me see what we can come up with to help you.  I know some of the neighborhoods, and can tell you how the traffic moves in morning and night.  yeah, $2000 a month. Welcome to the beltway area.

Tyson's is nice. Trendy, expensive, but nice. Only you can decide how much it's worth to live close to work and avoid the traffic.  And that's IF you're a city girl.  Me?  I'd go through country life withdrawal if I had to live over there. I watched an eagle this morning sitting on my front porch stoop.  Not much more country than that.

Yea... its expensive.  I lived in Falls Church and had a "deal" with a 2 bedroom 1 bath condo for 950 a month - and it could have easily gone for $1300 a month AND it was only 800SF.. no garage, on road parking....

Tysons is a nice area... but pricey.  Perhaps try the Sterling area - down Route 7.  Or Falls Church to Annandale the other direction - but you're getting closer to DC and even pricer...

Its not uncommon for people to live 50+ miles out just to get the quality of life, but they pay with the commute (and gas now).

Good luck!  Check Craigslist - that seems to be the way to go.

 Comgrats on the new job Cheryl  !!  How exciting      

I don't know anything about the area but it sounds like you have a built in support group in that area. 

Congrats on the new job. 

Congrats on the new position, Cheryl!! Good luck with your housing search.

Meg

I don't know much about the DC area, but I have a long commute to work now.  My husband and I are seriously considering moving closer to work to cut back on gas (even though my car gets 35 mpg) and car expense.

I figure I can save $80/month on gas and at least $100/month on car wear and tear.  That goes a long way towards a higher house payment.  If gas actually makes it to $5/gallon, my savings will be even greater.  Also I could potentially get 30 - 40 minutes back in my day that I now spend in my car.  That's time I could be spending in the gym, preparing better meals, or other constructive activities.  How do you put a price in that?

Hey! Look out our way near Dulles airport. Once the Metro goes in, you might have a clean shot from Dulles to Tyson's via subway. You will definitely have a built in support group here.

--gina

I don't know anything about the area Cheryl, just wanted to congratulate you on getting the job.
Linda