Moving to Crystal City, VA area, need housing help

xtravisfx
xtravisfx Posts: 44 Member
edited December 26 in Introduce Yourself
Hi,
I got a promotion at work and I'm moving to our Crystal City, VA office from a small town in Western, Pennsylvania. I'm looking for a rental that is 2 bedrooms or one with a den as my wife is an artist and works at home so we need a place for her to create. I start my new position September 10, 2012. We have two small dogs (combined weight of 30 pounds). If you know anyone who has rentals or have any suggestions as to areas or websites I could use in my search, please let me know. Also, we'll be looking for new friends as we move into the area so hit me up if you want.
Thanks!

Replies

  • danwood2
    danwood2 Posts: 291 Member
    I grew up in VA and sad to say - that I lived here all of my life. a true local! HA

    You will find when you get down here, that it is A LOT more expensive the closer you are to DC. You will have a lot of places to look at when you are doing your search. Depending on how much commuting you want to do to your office and how much you are looking to spend on rent. Way all of your options carefully as the commuting here - you will find out - REALLY SUCKS!! But there are always ways around it.

    Will you have parking? Places to look are in Alexandria (closest to Crystal City that is still affordable(ish)) and some apartments are pet friendly - but not many. I had a few friends rent that way and have liked the area... I'm not a big fan. Centreville will be a COMMUTE for you, but they have some nice apartments there and in Fairfax area. Like I said, it depends on what you want to deal with traffic wise (95 is horrible... 66 is even more horrible) Metro accessible is always good, but you have to be careful with the surrounding neighborhoods.

    I know that this isn't much help, but would be more than happy to give more pointers if you would like.
  • danwood2
    danwood2 Posts: 291 Member
    *weigh... not way* Fingers work faster than my brain sometimes
  • xtravisfx
    xtravisfx Posts: 44 Member
    Thanks!
    There are parking lots around where I'll be working on S. Bell St. I guess it's $20 a day unless you lease a space. Leasing is $150/month minimum. I've been looking at Alexandria, Crystal City, Arlington etc... Many people have recommended Springfield. If I could find a place within 10 miles or so, I can ride my bicycle to work on most days. I'm going to look at Silver Spring, MD and some points on the other side of the river in MD as well. I drive an hour each way to work currently so I'm comfortable with that timeframe anyway, whether it be walking, biking, metro riding or whatever. I'm more accustomed to avoiding deer and turkeys in my travels though :)
  • danwood2
    danwood2 Posts: 291 Member
    I'm definitely not well versed in MD at all... I know how to get to Ocean City and that is just about it with that state! :)

    Alright, if you are used to that hour drive, then definitely look into Fairfax (parts of Fairfax are good, Fairfax Co. is HUGE)... Centreville... (further west but not that far)... Springfield is where I grew up and haven't been in a LONG time... Look into Kingstown (Alexandria) and Lorton which is just south of Alexandria and that has some really nice areas as well and some not so good ones. I would kind of stay away from the Route 1 areas near Ft. Belvoir and closer to DC... kind of sketchy.

    Up here, you still have to look out for deer... not so much on the Turkeys though. Turkey Voltures are around these parts... but mainly deer!!
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