Commute from Great Falls to DC? Any WOH Moms?

[Anonymous]

We are thinking about relocating to Great Falls area for improved public schools, but are nervous about the commute. DH and I both work full time downtown DC and we have two kids: one elementary-aged child (5) and one preschool-aged child (3). Can anyone provide advice on the commute and whether it's completely heinous. How do you swing it with the kids in school/preschool? Do you have preschool/daycare in DC or closer to home? We aren't sure if we can afford what we want house-wise closer-in, but need to weigh pros and cons. What is the best commute route, and how long does it typically take door-to-door?

[Anonymous]

The commute is pretty heinous, which isn't to say plenty of people don't do it. I lived out there for several months and commuted into DC near Capitol Hill -- it took anywhere from just under an hour (good day) to 1.5 hours (busier rush hour traffic). I will say that the 1.5 hour commute wasn't infrequent -- I'd average this maybe 5-6x/week either morning, evening or both. I personally hated sitting in traffic that much, and I also hated getting up at six so I could be on the road by 7 to beat the worst of the traffic.

The biggest problem with GF is Georgetown Pike, which is always backed up and is just two lanes for miles. How bad your commute will be may depend in part on whether you can avoid Georgetown Pike or need to take it up to the Beltway or down to Route 7. There are so back ways (e.g. Old Dominion road through McLean) but even these can back up. If there's an accident, forget about it...

Having said the above, I have relatives out there who love it. Both used to make the drive into DC when their kids were young and while difficult, it was worth it to them. They always tell me what a relief it is that both now work in suburban VA closer to home and have easy commutes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The commute is pretty heinous, which isn't to say plenty of people don't do it. I lived out there for several months and commuted into DC near Capitol Hill -- it took anywhere from just under an hour (good day) to 1.5 hours (busier rush hour traffic). I will say that the 1.5 hour commute wasn't infrequent -- I'd average this maybe 5-6x/week either morning, evening or both. I personally hated sitting in traffic that much, and I also hated getting up at six so I could be on the road by 7 to beat the worst of the traffic.

The biggest problem with GF is Georgetown Pike, which is always backed up and is just two lanes for miles. How bad your commute will be may depend in part on whether you can avoid Georgetown Pike or need to take it up to the Beltway or down to Route 7. There are so back ways (e.g. Old Dominion road through McLean) but even these can back up. If there's an accident, forget about it...

Having said the above, I have relatives out there who love it. Both used to make the drive into DC when their kids were young and while difficult, it was worth it to them. They always tell me what a relief it is that both now work in suburban VA closer to home and have easy commutes.

Forgot to mention that my route was generally traveling up Georgetown Pike (house was on the southern side of GF village) to beltway, then GW Parkway to 395. Sometimes I'd take alternate routes, e.g., Route 7, but this was rarely much better in rush hour traffic, although it did cut off most of the Pike which was a help. If you live north of GF Village closer to the bletway I think you're commute would be a bit better.

[Anonymous]

Don't do it.

[Anonymous]

What a waste of time. Life is too short to spend 2-4 hours every day commuting just to afford a bigger house. Not to mention the environmental impact, or the risk that lots of driving entails. If I had to do this, I would definitely want to take the train if there is one. But then I would still be wasting too much of my lifetime. I'd rather cram into 1,300 sq.ft. (which is what we're doing) than do this.

[Anonymous]

OP Here. While I appreciate 10:24's insight, we have two kids (and a third on the way) and three dogs; therefore, our 1300 sq isn't working for us anymore.... but you can make whatever decision is right for your family! We prefer more space to keep everyone content, happy, and our marriage in good standing!

Thanks to the PPs who truly gave us a sense of what the commute would be like. The properties that we liked are actually considered "close-in" for Great Falls. One was just over the McLean line, and the other was about two blocks off Rt 7 and maybe two miles from Tysons. The thought of that commute during morning rush makes me shudder, though.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP Here. While I appreciate 10:24's insight, we have two kids (and a third on the way) and three dogs; therefore, our 1300 sq isn't working for us anymore.... but you can make whatever decision is right for your family! We prefer more space to keep everyone content, happy, and our marriage in good standing!

Thanks to the PPs who truly gave us a sense of what the commute would be like. The properties that we liked are actually considered "close-in" for Great Falls. One was just over the McLean line, and the other was about two blocks off Rt 7 and maybe two miles from Tysons. The thought of that commute during morning rush makes me shudder, though.

Me too. It's not sustainable.

[Anonymous]

DH travels that route. He does everything in his power to leave the house by 6:45 am. Then he leaves his office at 4 or after 7. So for him, "it's a breeze." You'll certainly need an awesome, well paid nanny. And then chances are you'll want to go part time.

[Anonymous]

I live in North Old Town and used to attend an ongoing Wednesday evening function in Great Falls after work - it took about an hour to get there and 45 minutes to get back without traffic but the road was windy, narrow, and long. I felt nervous driving it myself at night and definitely would have felt nervous driving it early in the morning on days I didn't get a full night's rest.

Have you looked at the Huntington area? Affordable larger homes out there and the schools seem good.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP Here. While I appreciate 10:24's insight, we have two kids (and a third on the way) and three dogs; therefore, our 1300 sq isn't working for us anymore.... but you can make whatever decision is right for your family! We prefer more space to keep everyone content, happy, and our marriage in good standing!

Thanks to the PPs who truly gave us a sense of what the commute would be like. The properties that we liked are actually considered "close-in" for Great Falls. One was just over the McLean line, and the other was about two blocks off Rt 7 and maybe two miles from Tysons. The thought of that commute during morning rush makes me shudder, though.

But the point is if you are in traffic for 2-3 hours per day, everyone will not be content and happy, even with a great big house. You'll be tired and cranky. Aren't there any other options where you can get a larger house but be closer to DC?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP Here. While I appreciate 10:24's insight, we have two kids (and a third on the way) and three dogs; therefore, our 1300 sq isn't working for us anymore.... but you can make whatever decision is right for your family! We prefer more space to keep everyone content, happy, and our marriage in good standing!

Thanks to the PPs who truly gave us a sense of what the commute would be like. The properties that we liked are actually considered "close-in" for Great Falls. One was just over the McLean line, and the other was about two blocks off Rt 7 and maybe two miles from Tysons. The thought of that commute during morning rush makes me shudder, though.

With these locations (close to the McLean border, and 2 blocks off Rt 7/two miles from Tysons), I think you will be ok. It's not like you will be having to go all the way to the center of Great Falls, etc etc etc. I think you will be fine, OP. Are you both going to continue driving? Do you commute together so you can take 66? What would your childcare arrangements be?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP Here. While I appreciate 10:24's insight, we have two kids (and a third on the way) and three dogs; therefore, our 1300 sq isn't working for us anymore.... but you can make whatever decision is right for your family! We prefer more space to keep everyone content, happy, and our marriage in good standing!

Thanks to the PPs who truly gave us a sense of what the commute would be like. The properties that we liked are actually considered "close-in" for Great Falls. One was just over the McLean line, and the other was about two blocks off Rt 7 and maybe two miles from Tysons. The thought of that commute during morning rush makes me shudder, though.

It's not a completely personal matter. I know I won't convince you because you evidently have your priorities, but someone needs to point it out: you are wasting everybody's environmental resources when you choose to drive for 2-4 hours EVERY SINGLE WORK DAY. It is irresponsible. I know tons of people do it, but that doesn't make it right. It is indeed unsustainable for all of us.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP Here. While I appreciate 10:24's insight, we have two kids (and a third on the way) and three dogs; therefore, our 1300 sq isn't working for us anymore.... but you can make whatever decision is right for your family! We prefer more space to keep everyone content, happy, and our marriage in good standing!

Thanks to the PPs who truly gave us a sense of what the commute would be like. The properties that we liked are actually considered "close-in" for Great Falls. One was just over the McLean line, and the other was about two blocks off Rt 7 and maybe two miles from Tysons. The thought of that commute during morning rush makes me shudder, though.

It's not a completely personal matter. I know I won't convince you because you evidently have your priorities, but someone needs to point it out: you are wasting everybody's environmental resources when you choose to drive for 2-4 hours EVERY SINGLE WORK DAY. It is irresponsible. I know tons of people do it, but that doesn't make it right. It is indeed unsustainable for all of us.

I am the PP who said I think you would be ok. . .but, this is a very good point (see underlined above).

[Anonymous]

We live in Sterling (where we moved because we needed a family member to watch our son after three big day care fails in Old Town) so I occasionally drive (usually take public transit) from that area to DC. I'm not sure about Georgetown Pike but I feel strongly that the GW parkway portion of the commute has gotten much worse over the last two years. It's ridiculous. That said, there are public transit options that work, Reston has quick buses to WFC. Once we moved we were able to find a preschool that I adore so it was totally worth it for us. Although others think you are "Wasting Everybody's Environmental Resources," you have to do what works for your family on a day-to-day basis. I hate the time I lose commuting but I'm much happier with my kids schools. And I do enjoy some quiet reading time during my normal commute. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

Oh, brother. OP, it's all a tradeoff and prioritizing. I posted earlier about DH driving this route. His commute is just under 30 minutes on the morning and usually 45 minutes at night (going in very early). You'll figure out what's best for you. You'll love the neighborhood and schools.