Commute from Great Falls to DC? Any WOH Moms?

[Anonymous]

http://www.dullesmetro.com/stations/wiehle.cfm.html

Park at Weihle and ride the metro is in the near future. I hate the fact that the stations in Mclean/Tysons don't have parking.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here again. First, to the earthy crunchy people whining about environmental stuff: I get it. But families need to prioritize these days. I work full time, DH works full time. As feds (with pretty much decreasing salaries), we don't have $1 million to buy a 4 bedroom home in North Arlington on the metro.

Alexandria is not an option because the schools stink and housing costs are equally high. We like Great Falls. We like the schools. We like that there are wide open spaces and fresh air, and that our kids and pets could actually have a real backyard with a swing set and places to hike to.

So all that being said, we would all most likey carpool in together or alternatively drive to metro and then take metro in, once that becomes an option. The Silver Line will make a huge difference.

FWIW, we also looked in the W. Springfield / Burke area, but have heard equally depressing horror stories about the commute up 95 and/or VRE.

So, it really bothers me that some eco-crunchy judgemental biatch is talking about "sustainability." Don't get after me, but get after your public administrators to build more public transportation infrustructure!

I'm not eco-crunchy. And I'm not pretending every decision I make is evaluated for its environmental impact, but choosing a long commute, by car, is a big one, and when you say it's a personal decision where you live and how long your commute is, it is only fair to point out that that is not true. Your decision not only affects your own family in a negative way (even if there are other positives), which was my primary point, but it also affects the planet. I know this is not a popular thing to point out, but that doesn't make it less true. It's all about priorities, and in my opinion, more space is not a good reason to choose a long daily drive. I get that you and many others disagree, and that's fine. But don't pretend your decision only affects your family.

And I don't have $1M either. I significantly scaled back my expectations regarding the size of my home and also regarding my disposable income after paying the mortgage, and make it work. I have different priorities, and yes, I believe they are more respectful of everybody's resources. The people who think this way are still in the minority (which is why people can come here can call me and those who agreed "nuts"), but they are growing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here again. First, to the earthy crunchy people whining about environmental stuff: I get it. But families need to prioritize these days. I work full time, DH works full time. As feds (with pretty much decreasing salaries), we don't have $1 million to buy a 4 bedroom home in North Arlington on the metro.

Alexandria is not an option because the schools stink and housing costs are equally high. We like Great Falls. We like the schools. We like that there are wide open spaces and fresh air, and that our kids and pets could actually have a real backyard with a swing set and places to hike to.

So all that being said, we would all most likey carpool in together or alternatively drive to metro and then take metro in, once that becomes an option. The Silver Line will make a huge difference.

FWIW, we also looked in the W. Springfield / Burke area, but have heard equally depressing horror stories about the commute up 95 and/or VRE.

So, it really bothers me that some eco-crunchy judgemental biatch is talking about "sustainability." Don't get after me, but get after your public administrators to build more public transportation infrustructure!

I'm not eco-crunchy. And I'm not pretending every decision I make is evaluated for its environmental impact, but choosing a long commute, by car, is a big one, and when you say it's a personal decision where you live and how long your commute is, it is only fair to point out that that is not true. Your decision not only affects your own family in a negative way (even if there are other positives), which was my primary point, but it also affects the planet. I know this is not a popular thing to point out, but that doesn't make it less true. It's all about priorities, and in my opinion, more space is not a good reason to choose a long daily drive. I get that you and many others disagree, and that's fine. But don't pretend your decision only affects your family.

And I don't have $1M either. I significantly scaled back my expectations regarding the size of my home and also regarding my disposable income after paying the mortgage, and make it work. I have different priorities, and yes, I believe they are more respectful of everybody's resources. The people who think this way are still in the minority (which is why people can come here can call me and those who agreed "nuts"), but they are growing.

Well, gold star to you, PP! Let's give you a round of applause! Yowzers, your self-righeous and patronizing tone is pretty funny. If you prefer to live in a cluttered shoebox with no personal space, no yard, and lots of air pollution all the time, that's your choice. Hurray for you! (sound of applause!)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here again. First, to the earthy crunchy people whining about environmental stuff: I get it. But families need to prioritize these days. I work full time, DH works full time. As feds (with pretty much decreasing salaries), we don't have $1 million to buy a 4 bedroom home in North Arlington on the metro.

Alexandria is not an option because the schools stink and housing costs are equally high. We like Great Falls. We like the schools. We like that there are wide open spaces and fresh air, and that our kids and pets could actually have a real backyard with a swing set and places to hike to.

So all that being said, we would all most likey carpool in together or alternatively drive to metro and then take metro in, once that becomes an option. The Silver Line will make a huge difference.

FWIW, we also looked in the W. Springfield / Burke area, but have heard equally depressing horror stories about the commute up 95 and/or VRE.

So, it really bothers me that some eco-crunchy judgemental biatch is talking about "sustainability." Don't get after me, but get after your public administrators to build more public transportation infrustructure!

I'm not eco-crunchy. And I'm not pretending every decision I make is evaluated for its environmental impact, but choosing a long commute, by car, is a big one, and when you say it's a personal decision where you live and how long your commute is, it is only fair to point out that that is not true. Your decision not only affects your own family in a negative way (even if there are other positives), which was my primary point, but it also affects the planet. I know this is not a popular thing to point out, but that doesn't make it less true. It's all about priorities, and in my opinion, more space is not a good reason to choose a long daily drive. I get that you and many others disagree, and that's fine. But don't pretend your decision only affects your family.

And I don't have $1M either. I significantly scaled back my expectations regarding the size of my home and also regarding my disposable income after paying the mortgage, and make it work. I have different priorities, and yes, I believe they are more respectful of everybody's resources. The people who think this way are still in the minority (which is why people can come here can call me and those who agreed "nuts"), but they are growing.

Well, gold star to you, PP! Let's give you a round of applause! Yowzers, your self-righeous and patronizing tone is pretty funny. If you prefer to live in a cluttered shoebox with no personal space, no yard, and lots of air pollution all the time, that's your choice. Hurray for you! (sound of applause!)

If you think this scenario is the only alternative to living with a 2-4 hour commute, you clearly don't know the DC area very well.

[Anonymous]

OP, have you really found a place where feds can afford a home, where the schools are good, and kids have an open space to play? If so, can I hijack the thread momentarily to get more information on where this place is? I have heard of Great Falls, but only the parks. I actually thought it was in MD (where the Billy Goat trail is), but this sounds like VA. In all seriousness, can you please share some more info?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, have you really found a place where feds can afford a home, where the schools are good, and kids have an open space to play? If so, can I hijack the thread momentarily to get more information on where this place is? I have heard of Great Falls, but only the parks. I actually thought it was in MD (where the Billy Goat trail is), but this sounds like VA. In all seriousness, can you please share some more info?

Another highjacker here. I too, would like to know. I moved to the DMV from Memphis, TN where average home prices are in the low 200K range. DH works in Alexandria and I work in Rockville. We currently live in Sterling, VA and would love to move closer in to Great Falls. We searched and haven't even found a crack house for less that 500K.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here again. First, to the earthy crunchy people whining about environmental stuff: I get it. But families need to prioritize these days. I work full time, DH works full time. As feds (with pretty much decreasing salaries), we don't have $1 million to buy a 4 bedroom home in North Arlington on the metro.

Alexandria is not an option because the schools stink and housing costs are equally high. We like Great Falls. We like the schools. We like that there are wide open spaces and fresh air, and that our kids and pets could actually have a real backyard with a swing set and places to hike to.

So all that being said, we would all most likey carpool in together or alternatively drive to metro and then take metro in, once that becomes an option. The Silver Line will make a huge difference.

FWIW, we also looked in the W. Springfield / Burke area, but have heard equally depressing horror stories about the commute up 95 and/or VRE.

So, it really bothers me that some eco-crunchy judgemental biatch is talking about "sustainability." Don't get after me, but get after your public administrators to build more public transportation infrustructure!

I'm not eco-crunchy. And I'm not pretending every decision I make is evaluated for its environmental impact, but choosing a long commute, by car, is a big one, and when you say it's a personal decision where you live and how long your commute is, it is only fair to point out that that is not true. Your decision not only affects your own family in a negative way (even if there are other positives), which was my primary point, but it also affects the planet. I know this is not a popular thing to point out, but that doesn't make it less true. It's all about priorities, and in my opinion, more space is not a good reason to choose a long daily drive. I get that you and many others disagree, and that's fine. But don't pretend your decision only affects your family.

And I don't have $1M either. I significantly scaled back my expectations regarding the size of my home and also regarding my disposable income after paying the mortgage, and make it work. I have different priorities, and yes, I believe they are more respectful of everybody's resources. The people who think this way are still in the minority (which is why people can come here can call me and those who agreed "nuts"), but they are growing.

I guess you're a better person than the rest of us.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No, it's not dumb. Some folks just prefer to raise their children with more grass and peace and quiet vs. commotion and pollution. The choice is OP's. Others prefer convenience over those things.

Ha, funny. You mean the pollution in the city that is created by all the people who live in Great Falls and drive 2-4 hours to the city everyday?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No, it's not dumb. Some folks just prefer to raise their children with more grass and peace and quiet vs. commotion and pollution. The choice is OP's. Others prefer convenience over those things.

Ha, funny. You mean the pollution in the city that is created by all the people who live in Great Falls and drive 2-4 hours to the city everyday?

So true. The lack of awareness is impressive.

[Anonymous]

We know. We just don't care. I like the fresh air of Great Falls and I'm gonna pay to breathe it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, have you really found a place where feds can afford a home, where the schools are good, and kids have an open space to play? If so, can I hijack the thread momentarily to get more information on where this place is? I have heard of Great Falls, but only the parks. I actually thought it was in MD (where the Billy Goat trail is), but this sounds like VA. In all seriousness, can you please share some more info?

Another highjacker here. I too, would like to know. I moved to the DMV from Memphis, TN where average home prices are in the low 200K range. DH works in Alexandria and I work in Rockville. We currently live in Sterling, VA and would love to move closer in to Great Falls. We searched and haven't even found a crack house for less that 500K.

You won't find it in Great Falls. Only farther out. Haymarket, Warrenton, Purcellville. Maybe Herndon? But you're already out there, sort of. If you're in Rockville, try Poolesville? Not helpful for Alexandria, though.

[Anonymous]

Yeah, I just looked on Redfin and everything appears to be $1M +. Boo.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We know. We just don't care. I like the fresh air of Great Falls and I'm gonna pay to breathe it.

You mean you're gonna make everybody else pay so you can breathe it.

[Anonymous]

OP Here. We found some really nice homes with lots of space/yard in Great Falls area for under $1 million. They are not mansions by any means, but have four bedrooms, 2-3 baths, two-car garage, some even have 1/2 acre land. They do need some updating, but we don't need fancy bathrooms. Just more space and some fresh air for the kids and pets. Not much in the $500k range, but some are in the $700s.

[Anonymous]

Vienna area also has some nice options that are more affordable, and with good schools. Also, metro is available bow.