Relocating quickly to DC, please help

[Anonymous]

0. I assume you're checking MLS and Craigslist for rentals. About 80% of what I see on CL is 1 or 2 bedroom places though, but I see a few things you might be interested in.

1. As a rule, childcare will be easier to get the further out you go. I know a few N Arlington parents who're STILL on center waiting lists after 18 months.

2. Don't overlook Columbia Pike in Arlington. It can get rougher (by Northern VA standards) the further west you go, but it is not unsafe by any means (unless you grew up in Great Falls or McLean and compare it.) The 16 series bus line is the best in the system IMO.

3. I'd always thought FC City was either >$700k SFH or 1-2 bedroom condos. If you find a 3BR place there good luck!

4. If you're interested in owning a SFH, there's a couple of older SFH's for under $450k in the Town of Vienna and Pimit Hills (the former is pretty walkable, the latter may not be). A mortgage payment for that would be $2400-$2800 assuming 5% down. You could do a few emergency repairs to make the place liveable now and then when DH gets a job you can really make the place better. I don't know your DH's ability/willingness to do repairs or your immediate funds on hand. But don't do that unless you're prepared to stay there several years, etc.

5. If a long train ride is OK, then consider Fredericksburg or Manassas near the VRE endpoint (or the MARC endpoints.)

[Anonymous]

Welcome to DC! My husband is from Jax....

Here are some active MLS rental listings in Arlington:

http://www.2hdb.com/sonnil/cgi-bin/aa.fcgi?+NjMxMGExZjYwNDg4YjA3MjAyMjQ1OWJjZGQ0M2YyZTQSlI0jaK45u%2fJdbTxZKqD2Lp8FIpeD1xSS%2fCmcFL9S+ijkYMLTQybxVLT%2f

I think if you even go just a bit above $2500 you'll give yourself better options - there's one in Bonair, for example, for $2600 and one in Berkshire Oakwood for $2595....

Some other ones I think might be worth checking out are the one in Douglas Park, Country Club (not to be confused with Country Club Hills!!!), Windgate in Shirlington, the Windsor at Shirlington, and Alcova Heights.

I think since you're thinking rental anyway it makes sense to be closer to the city, to public transit, etc. Your kids aren't in school so you don't need to worry about school districts yet. You can rent for a year, figure out what area(s) you like, and then look for more permanent housing.

Don't discount South Arlington, especially since your kids aren't school age and you aren't committing to the house for a long time. There are some nice neighborhoods, parks, amenities throughout Arlington County. Shirlington is becoming more popular and has newer housing stock (mostly townhomes and apartments) but has easy access to Metro via bus, as does Columbia Pike. There is also good access near Pentagon City/Crystal City.

I would recommend starting to work with a good realtor who can take you around and show you the most current listings as soon as you are able. I have a great realtor if you are interested in working with her - just let me know by writing back to this forum and asking for the Jax wife.

[Anonymous]

OP, I'd even say since your kids are young, consider a 2 bedroom for a year in North Arlington. Put 'em in one, live close in with a short commute, and enjoy the area while you look for something more permanent. That's what we did until we ended up in McLean. Plenty to do there, you can walk to everything.

Welcome to NoVA!

Oh, and ignore the one hater. You're going to love how much there is to do here--can't beat all the free museums, etc!

[Anonymous]

Thanks to both of the most recent posters for all of the info provided!

Yes, child care is my number one headache right now. It's impossible to find. Going west is a good idea. I seem to be expanding my search everyday.

To Jax Wife - thanks so much for that MLS link! Super helpful. It seems my budget is low for something decent. I was trying to avoid a realtor, but that may not be possible. Please pass me the name of your realtor, as I might need her services. Time is passing so quickly.

Again, thanks so much for all the help!

[Anonymous]

Wow, everyone is playing super nice with the op.

[Anonymous]

How old exactly is your 2 year old? I know there are preschools in the Falls Church/McLean areas that have openings, but only for kids 2.5 and older.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Wow, everyone is playing super nice with the op.

Might as well. She seems like such a pleasant Southern lady who's about to lose her innocence shortly anyway... that is, unless she choose to live even deeper in VA where the rent is cheap, the Federal/military workers feel well paid, and the bullfrogs are loud.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks to both of the most recent posters for all of the info provided!

Yes, child care is my number one headache right now. It's impossible to find. Going west is a good idea. I seem to be expanding my search everyday.

To Jax Wife - thanks so much for that MLS link! Super helpful. It seems my budget is low for something decent. I was trying to avoid a realtor, but that may not be possible. Please pass me the name of your realtor, as I might need her services. Time is passing so quickly.

Again, thanks so much for all the help!

Actually if you go back to the link I sent her name/photo is on the left and if you click on it you'll get her contact info. We used her to buy our house ten years ago, she helped us look again a year ago when we were thinking of buying something larger (but ultimately decided to add-on), and we have referred her to many friends who have all been happy with her. Tell her that her friends on Galveston St. recommended her - she'll know who we are.

Good luck!

[Anonymous]

Thank you for the follow-up!