Advice on moving to North Virginia

[Black Irish]

My wife just got offered a job in Tysons Corner, VA. She's very excited, but it means we would have to move. We know a little about it, but I can use some more detailed advice. I know some cons: moving costs, higher cost of living, traffic congestion. Pros: upscale area, more public transportation options, probably more fun & interesting area than where we currently live. I realize that we likely won't live right in Tysons Corner, but I don't want to live too far outside if I can help it. We'll have to rent to start, no freaking way I can afford a house in Fairfax County. So any general moving/living advice that you all can provide is appreciated.

 

[GoldenDomer]

Don't know if you have kids but those are some of the best public schools in the country. Add that to the plus column.

 

[Domina Nostra]

Northern Virginia means traffic, traffic, traffic. Do not underestimate commuting times in any decision you make. Its not Los Angeles, but it is for real.

So when you are thinking, "I can get a little more space if I live a little farther out," remember that it will almost certainly translate to significant additional commute time.

 

[palinurus]

Sent you a couple of PMs.

 

[Sherm Sticky]

Isn't this Lax's area?

 

[RDU Irish]

Much closer to ND vs ACC. Congrats!

Sell your crap. If you can't fit in one UHaul, you have too much crap and it needs to go. Make Craigslist your new best friend and go to town, first nice weekend = yard sale. We more than paid for our move (WI to NC) just from selling stuff. If you can sell it in DE you can buy something similar in VA for the same price on CL, lots easier to move $$ than a California king bed. Plus, you really don't know how crap will fit in your new digs.

Try renting for a year before you buy (if that is even up for debate). You get to know the area and a better feel for where you want to be. This also makes it important to live small and get rid of your stuff since you are just moving it twice.

 

[IrishLax]

Welcome to the hood, homie. Lived in that general area my entire life... hit me up with questions.

 

[Grahambo]

I'm on the MD side near VA if you want help there too.

 

[Black Irish]

Thanks all for the advice so far. I've heard about how bad the traffic is. I'm looking at giving up space in exchange for being closer to work. It's a good reason to downsize, as RDU said. Even if it means going down to being a 1 car household and doing a significant amount of public transportation. I hear the local job market/economy is strong, given the proximity to D.C.

 

[IrishLax]

Thanks all for the advice so far. I've heard about how bad the traffic is. I'm looking at giving up space in exchange for being closer to work. It's a good reason to downsize, as RDU said. Even if it means going down to being a 1 car household and doing a significant amount of public transportation. I hear the local job market/economy is strong, given the proximity to D.C.

With the metro now going to Tysons, IMO you should look into living in Arlington or Falls Church. Closer to the city and fun places... also reverse commute down 66 to Tysons if she has to/wants to drive.

The proximate suburbs (McLean, Veinna, Reston, Great Falls) are absurdly expensive... as are the suburbs in Loudon down 7. You really have to go far out west to cut cost buying a house.

 

[Fbolt]

I live in Vienna-as mentioned, COL is absurd, but hit me up with any questions. I'm getting pretty crusty, but in NoVa Ballston is hip, Vienna/Reston are family areas, and Leesburg is if you want to stretch your legs. Commuting times are significant regarding standard of living. This is not an area where you can have your cake and eat it too (unless your Daddy Warbucks).

Looking fwd to having another Irish fan in the area.

 

[Bubbles]

My wife and I lived in Fairfax for a year or so 8 years ago and loved it....was pretty busy, and has gotten much more 'sprawl-y' since then. If I had to do it again, I would probably try the falls church area, or go the other way and do a more family-friendly (and less expensive) ashburn/broadlands, maybe even further.....but the commute might literally kill you....all depends on what you want.

I think renting is ideal, at least to start....get familiar with the area, talk to friends, find out what you like and don't like....after 6 months or so, you'll probably have a better idea of where you want to live on a more permanent basis.

 

[AdmiralBackhand]

I thought there was only a West Virginia. I don't keep up much with U.S. expansion though.

 

[NCDomer]

As some of the comments indicate, look into how accessible your wife's work is from public transportation. If it's reasonable to use public transportation to her work, then consider living somewhere less expensive and use the public transit. Some people are crazy and commute from Leesburg, VA and Frederick, MD to DC, both of which are horrendous commutes during rush hour.

Secondarily, think about where your job opportunities likely exist. Bethesda has a ton of bio research jobs, which may make you want to live towards the northern side of DC. Rockville is another great place if you want good school districts. Just keep in mind MD taxes are higher than VA taxes, but I think you see the "you get what you pay for" concept play out too.

Regarding the Fairfax area, I think it's a bit snobbish and judgmental for my taste. It's a bit preppy, soccer mommy to me with tons of overly scheduled kid routines. I know a few people there who act like there are no good schools where I live now or where I grew up, yet I went to equal to or better undergraduate and graduate schools than these people.

 

[Black Irish]

Thanks again for all the info guys. No kids so far so that's a factor we don't have to worry about. We're not huge social butterflies but it is nice to have some local attractions (especially a good Irish pub to watch ND games). I'm a restaurant manager, so I'm hoping it won't be too hard to find a job in that line. It's going to play hell with my schedule having to trek over there for interviews, but such is life. The wife and I are taking a day trip next week to scout the place out more in depth. I appreciate all the advice and support.

 

[IrishLax]

Thanks again for all the info guys. No kids so far so that's a factor we don't have to worry about. We're not huge social butterflies but it is nice to have some local attractions (especially a good Irish pub to watch ND games). I'm a restaurant manager, so I'm hoping it won't be too hard to find a job in that line. It's going to play hell with my schedule having to trek over there for interviews, but such is life. The wife and I are taking a day trip next week to scout the place out more in depth. I appreciate all the advice and support.

Definitely look into Arlington. She can metro into Tysons and you have incredibly easy access to tons of restaurants in Arlington/DC.

 

[ClausentoTate]

I currently live in Reston and work in Dulles (next to the Airport), but don't really have anything to add that wasn't already mentioned. Nova really is a great place with an absurd amount to do, you guys are going to love it here.

Let me know if you have any questions about life out in the burbs.

Edit: I forgot to mention that if you're feeling the money crunch basically everything in DC is free except the Newseum and the Spy Museum. Check it all out. And take up hiking, it's great pretty much Spring through Fall because of how hilly/historic the area is.

 

[MNIrishman]

City roads, take me home, to the place, filled with traffic! North Virginia, oh city roads...

 

[GowerND11]

I thought there was only a West Virginia. I don't keep up much with U.S. expansion though.

From It's Always Sunny...

Mac: I'm bored. Let's play a drinking game: Name all fifty states, drink while you think.
Dee: Fine... go. Maine.
Mac: New Hampshire.
Dee: Vermont.
Mac: Philly.
Dee: North Virginia.
Mac: South Virginia.
Dee: East Virginia.
Mac: South Virginia. Did I say that already?

 

[IrishRugger2013]

Definitely look into Arlington. She can metro into Tysons and you have incredibly easy access to tons of restaurants in Arlington/DC.

Yep, I live in Arlington and work in Tysons. Arlington is a good midpoint between the suburbs and downtown DC. Only problem I would say with metro from Arlington to Tysons is that it's a bit costly. One way fare during rush hour is something around $3.80 I believe.

 

[MNIrishman]

I've been reading about a gang in the area called the Army of Northern Virginia. You should watch out for them. I hear they're a rebellious sort.

 

[ND NYC]

I swear that NOVA/DC Beltway traffic is worse than any other in the entire USA.
there is NEVER a good time of day/night or a good/bad time of year-that area is always BAD (brutal) when it comes to traffic-nad its only seems to be getting worse.
this coming from a lifelong New Yorker who has done lot of work for long stretches down there.
we have it bad here too but subways/metro north/LIRR/ferries make it all bearable and tolerable.

live close to mass transit like the guys suggest or u will go mad down there!

 

[Fbolt]

As some of the comments indicate, look into how accessible your wife's work is from public transportation. If it's reasonable to use public transportation to her work, then consider living somewhere less expensive and use the public transit. Some people are crazy and commute from Leesburg, VA and Frederick, MD to DC, both of which are horrendous commutes during rush hour.

Secondarily, think about where your job opportunities likely exist. Bethesda has a ton of bio research jobs, which may make you want to live towards the northern side of DC. Rockville is another great place if you want good school districts. Just keep in mind MD taxes are higher than VA taxes, but I think you see the "you get what you pay for" concept play out too.

Regarding the Fairfax area, I think it's a bit snobbish and judgmental for my taste. It's a bit preppy, soccer mommy to me with tons of overly scheduled kid routines. I know a few people there who act like there are no good schools where I live now or where I grew up, yet I went to equal to or better undergraduate and graduate schools than these people.

My kids only are in involved in a few activities: Chinese club, Spanish Club, Dance, BBall, Indoor Soccer, Chess Club, Jr United Nations, Choir, 4H, Jr. City Planning, Computer Programming classes, Young Domers club, and oh yeah, the Anti-Democratic People's Republic of Maryland. As one who is from the DPRoM, you just wouldn't understand-schools over there just can't keep up. Fact


Expand your horizons

 

[Black Irish]

I'm resurrecting the thread for some specific information. For right now, internet service. I have Verizon FIOS right now in Delaware. When I called Verizon about moving my service to McLean, they told me that they only have High Speed and I would need a phone line for it. Since my wife and I stream Netflix and Hulu Plus, we don't want to take a step down in internet capacity. Any advice on alternative internet service providers in the area, like RCN or Cox?