Thoughts on moving to Arlington?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Major bubble in North Arlington

Too many other Metro accessible areas being built up. Developers have pulled their money and are investing else where. That is the Canary in the mine. Many houses over 1.25m are sitting and have no takers.

BWAHAHAHAHA... I've lived in Arlington since 2000 and people were singing this song then... and now?Haha. Real estate is largely about location. Arlington is closer to DC - like it or not - and people will pay more for less time spent in cars. Quality of life, baby.

shhh don't tell anyone, but I heard that there are other major job hubs in Virginia and many other metro-centric developments in the works.

Don't tell anyone but both real estate and VC cap investors already have changed their focus away from arlington because it's tapped out.

"Arlington County, stung by the expected loss of 17,000 jobs and concerned about the impending opening of the Silver Line in nearby Tysons Corner, will focus this year on luring high-tech start-ups, university researchers and corporations working with federal science agencies."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/arlington-seeks-more-tech-start-ups-aggressive-business-development/2014/01/01/e80d02c2-7310-11e3-9389-09ef9944065e_story.html

[Anonymous]

^^^ so says the person who doesn't live in Arlington. Where are you? Mosaic District?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ignore the school dick-waving. North Arlington, Oakton, etc., are all in the same league in terms of parental SES, SAT scores, etc. We're hardly talking moving to DC and to an 80% FARMS student body where everyone else is fleeing before the kids hit middle school.

The McLean parts of Arlington (far north Arlington, especially north of 29) really won't be much better than Oakton in terms of local amenities -- your husband's commute would be shorter of course, but there'd be as little to do there as there is in Oakton. As for the Lee Highway corridor -- let's get real, though, it really is full of strip malls.

You've got Orange Line Arlington and Blue Line Arlington that provide the urban experience you're wanting. Go from there and you may end up with a TH instead of a SFH.

Have you considered Vienna, Fairfax City, or Falls Church? Any of those three would offer you more walkability and a shorter commute than Oakton, and you can get an older SFH for well under $1MM.

If you're willing to take a gamble, you could consider Reston or Ashburn around the future Silver Line trains (*); if your husband could take a long train ride (and works along the Red Line), then consider downtown Frederick.

(*) Amenities could get built, or they could not get built. I'd say buying near future Metro stations is less of a risk than buying in some mega-community out in WV, Winchester, or Hagerstown where the builder is more likely to go bankrupt or go back on promises of swimming pools, clubhouses, etc., than actually build them.

What is it with this dude trying to get everyone to move to Loudoun or Frederick? Uh, no thanks for the millionth time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Major bubble in North Arlington

Too many other Metro accessible areas being built up. Developers have pulled their money and are investing else where. That is the Canary in the mine. Many houses over 1.25m are sitting and have no takers.

BWAHAHAHAHA... I've lived in Arlington since 2000 and people were singing this song then... and now?Haha. Real estate is largely about location. Arlington is closer to DC - like it or not - and people will pay more for less time spent in cars. Quality of life, baby.

Is there really a limitless supply of people making 300k a year?

I don't know. My DH and I don't make near that. We did buy before the market took off, however.

I liken it to other major cities - London, NYC, LA, SF - those cities continue to see an increase in their Real estate. Lots of lawyers, lobbyists, doctors, international types buying and investing[b].

You just described the people that reside in my Arlington neighborhood. We have a huge international crowd at our public elem too. 22201 SFH near Metro. 2006-present saw very high HHI move in.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Major bubble in North Arlington

Too many other Metro accessible areas being built up. Developers have pulled their money and are investing else where. That is the Canary in the mine. Many houses over 1.25m are sitting and have no takers.

BWAHAHAHAHA... I've lived in Arlington since 2000 and people were singing this song then... and now?Haha. Real estate is largely about location. Arlington is closer to DC - like it or not - and people will pay more for less time spent in cars. Quality of life, baby.

Is there really a limitless supply of people making 300k a year?

I don't know. My DH and I don't make near that. We did buy before the market took off, however.

I liken it to other major cities - London, NYC, LA, SF - those cities continue to see an increase in their Real estate. Lots of lawyers, lobbyists, doctors, international types buying and investing[b].

You just described the people that reside in my Arlington neighborhood. We have a huge international crowd at our public elem too. 22201 SFH near Metro. 2006-present saw very high HHI move in.

London, NYC, LA, SF, Arlington. Which one of these places doesn't belong with the others?

The pretentiousness of the new Arlington residents never ceases to amaze. Yeah, Arlington is just like Mayfair, the Upper East Side, Beverly Hills and Pacific Heights. With sensible shoes and vinyl additions, of course.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Major bubble in North Arlington

Too many other Metro accessible areas being built up. Developers have pulled their money and are investing else where. That is the Canary in the mine. Many houses over 1.25m are sitting and have no takers.

BWAHAHAHAHA... I've lived in Arlington since 2000 and people were singing this song then... and now?Haha. Real estate is largely about location. Arlington is closer to DC - like it or not - and people will pay more for less time spent in cars. Quality of life, baby.

Is there really a limitless supply of people making 300k a year?

I don't know. My DH and I don't make near that. We did buy before the market took off, however.

I liken it to other major cities - London, NYC, LA, SF - those cities continue to see an increase in their Real estate. Lots of lawyers, lobbyists, doctors, international types buying and investing[b].

You just described the people that reside in my Arlington neighborhood. We have a huge international crowd at our public elem too. 22201 SFH near Metro. 2006-present saw very high HHI move in.

London, NYC, LA, SF, Arlington. Which one of these places doesn't belong with the others?

The pretentiousness of the new Arlington residents never ceases to amaze. Yeah, Arlington is just like Mayfair, the Upper East Side, Beverly Hills and Pacific Heights. With sensible shoes and vinyl additions, of course.

Dumb shit--I was talking about professions. Yes- partners in law firms , doctors, judges, lobbyist, business owners. I said nothing about how the dress. Read your own insecurity into that one.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:
shhh don't tell anyone, but I heard that there are other major job hubs in Virginia and many other metro-centric developments in the works.

Yes - because we all know that no one works downtown any more and that traffic is getting better. If anything, the diversification of employers in DC has made my property even more valuable- I live in Arlington and have a sweet reverse commute to Tysons (12 minutes). My co-workers from Ashburn take an hour plus.

Anonymous wrote:
Don't tell anyone but both real estate and VC cap investors already have changed their focus away from arlington because it's tapped out.

I am unconcerned about the flippers and slum lords. Property values are high for reason. The reasons that people like living in Arlington (proximity, schools, quality of life) are not changing.

Anonymous wrote: "Arlington County, stung by the expected loss of 17,000 jobs and concerned about the impending opening of the Silver Line in nearby Tysons Corner, will focus this year on luring high-tech start-ups, university researchers and corporations working with federal science agencies."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/arlington-seeks-more-tech-start-ups-aggressive-business-development/2014/01/01/e80d02c2-7310-11e3-9389-09ef9944065e_story.html

Did you read the article!? It discusses military-related closing near the Pentagon and does not imply, in any way, that it is undesirable for businesses to be in Arlington. Moreover, I don't understand your more general point that residential owners should be alarmed that businesses may move out of the neighborhoods. For the most part, people who live in Arlington don't work in Arlington, and even an employer changes locations, such as to Reston, this does not make residential property any less desirable. Yes, the county does want to keep a strong economic tax base, but Arlington's financial situation (fueled by high property values and associated taxes collections) is the envy of the region. Arlington schools are not facing the massive budget cuts scheduled in Fairfax.

If you are going to talk, at least make sense. Everyone knows that you can get more home for the money far out than in Arlington, but you are going to be stuck with horrible commute. Chances are that the far out home will appreciate more in the near future as well since these areas still recovering to 2008 levels. But I like my neighbors, my schools, my roads, and the I really like all the time I get to spend with my kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Major bubble in North Arlington

Too many other Metro accessible areas being built up. Developers have pulled their money and are investing else where. That is the Canary in the mine. Many houses over 1.25m are sitting and have no takers.

BWAHAHAHAHA... I've lived in Arlington since 2000 and people were singing this song then... and now?Haha. Real estate is largely about location. Arlington is closer to DC - like it or not - and people will pay more for less time spent in cars. Quality of life, baby.

Is there really a limitless supply of people making 300k a year?

I don't know. My DH and I don't make near that. We did buy before the market took off, however.

I liken it to other major cities - London, NYC, LA, SF - those cities continue to see an increase in their Real estate. Lots of lawyers, lobbyists, doctors, international types buying and investing[b].

You just described the people that reside in my Arlington neighborhood. We have a huge international crowd at our public elem too. 22201 SFH near Metro. 2006-present saw very high HHI move in.

London, NYC, LA, SF, Arlington. Which one of these places doesn't belong with the others?

The pretentiousness of the new Arlington residents never ceases to amaze. Yeah, Arlington is just like Mayfair, the Upper East Side, Beverly Hills and Pacific Heights. With sensible shoes and vinyl additions, of course.

WhOkay. Arlington may not be as prettyas those places, but the cachet and spirit (international or otherwise) is there. Let's look at price per sf as we compare Arlington to cities like san fran, Seattle for example. Those cities are far more attractive but Arlington continue to attract the well educated well traveled. Why do you think that is? Since 06' a lot of money have moved into Alington, particularly in the new condos. Some of these people have the means to live anywhere, why have they chosen to spend 5, 7, 12m in Arlington instead of the other known sought after places? Do you think they know something you don't since they're the ones with the deep pockets...anyway some of us are always going to be late to the party.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Major bubble in North Arlington

Too many other Metro accessible areas being built up. Developers have pulled their money and are investing else where. That is the Canary in the mine. Many houses over 1.25m are sitting and have no takers.

BWAHAHAHAHA... I've lived in Arlington since 2000 and people were singing this song then... and now?Haha. Real estate is largely about location. Arlington is closer to DC - like it or not - and people will pay more for less time spent in cars. Quality of life, baby.

Is there really a limitless supply of people making 300k a year?

I don't know. My DH and I don't make near that. We did buy before the market took off, however.

I liken it to other major cities - London, NYC, LA, SF - those cities continue to see an increase in their Real estate. Lots of lawyers, lobbyists, doctors, international types buying and investing[b].

You just described the people that reside in my Arlington neighborhood. We have a huge international crowd at our public elem too. 22201 SFH near Metro. 2006-present saw very high HHI move in.

London, NYC, LA, SF, Arlington. Which one of these places doesn't belong with the others?

The pretentiousness of the new Arlington residents never ceases to amaze. Yeah, Arlington is just like Mayfair, the Upper East Side, Beverly Hills and Pacific Heights. With sensible shoes and vinyl additions, of course.

Dumb shit--I was talking about professions. Yes- partners in law firms , doctors, judges, lobbyist, business owners. I said nothing about how the dress. Read your own insecurity into that one.

Most of the professionals in this region live elsewhere in DC, MD and VA. They just don't feel the need to make a big deal about it like the Arlington poseurs. It's taken for granted people in their areas are accomplished.

But please do keep it up. It helps others understand what living in "new money" Arlington is like.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Major bubble in North Arlington

Too many other Metro accessible areas being built up. Developers have pulled their money and are investing else where. That is the Canary in the mine. Many houses over 1.25m are sitting and have no takers.

BWAHAHAHAHA... I've lived in Arlington since 2000 and people were singing this song then... and now?Haha. Real estate is largely about location. Arlington is closer to DC - like it or not - and people will pay more for less time spent in cars. Quality of life, baby.

Is there really a limitless supply of people making 300k a year?

I don't know. My DH and I don't make near that. We did buy before the market took off, however.

I liken it to other major cities - London, NYC, LA, SF - those cities continue to see an increase in their Real estate. Lots of lawyers, lobbyists, doctors, international types buying and investing[b].

You just described the people that reside in my Arlington neighborhood. We have a huge international crowd at our public elem too. 22201 SFH near Metro. 2006-present saw very high HHI move in.

London, NYC, LA, SF, Arlington. Which one of these places doesn't belong with the others?

The pretentiousness of the new Arlington residents never ceases to amaze. Yeah, Arlington is just like Mayfair, the Upper East Side, Beverly Hills and Pacific Heights. With sensible shoes and vinyl additions, of course.

WhOkay. Arlington may not be as prettyas those places, but the cachet and spirit (international or otherwise) is there. Let's look at price per sf as we compare Arlington to cities like san fran, Seattle for example. Those cities are far more attractive but Arlington continue to attract the well educated well traveled. Why do you think that is? Since 06' a lot of money have moved into Alington, particularly in the new condos. Some of these people have the means to live anywhere, why have they chosen to spend 5, 7, 12m in Arlington instead of the other known sought after places? Do you think they know something you don't since they're the ones with the deep pockets...anyway some of us are always going to be late to the party.

Thanks for the laugh. A couple of high-end condo buildings doesn't put Arlington in the same league as real cities or nicer suburbs.

[Anonymous]

Ballston mall, shittiest mall ever

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Major bubble in North Arlington

Too many other Metro accessible areas being built up. Developers have pulled their money and are investing else where. That is the Canary in the mine. Many houses over 1.25m are sitting and have no takers.

BWAHAHAHAHA... I've lived in Arlington since 2000 and people were singing this song then... and now?Haha. Real estate is largely about location. Arlington is closer to DC - like it or not - and people will pay more for less time spent in cars. Quality of life, baby.

Is there really a limitless supply of people making 300k a year?

I don't know. My DH and I don't make near that. We did buy before the market took off, however.

I liken it to other major cities - London, NYC, LA, SF - those cities continue to see an increase in their Real estate. Lots of lawyers, lobbyists, doctors, international types buying and investing[b].

You just described the people that reside in my Arlington neighborhood. We have a huge international crowd at our public elem too. 22201 SFH near Metro. 2006-present saw very high HHI move in.

London, NYC, LA, SF, Arlington. Which one of these places doesn't belong with the others?

The pretentiousness of the new Arlington residents never ceases to amaze. Yeah, Arlington is just like Mayfair, the Upper East Side, Beverly Hills and Pacific Heights. With sensible shoes and vinyl additions, of course.

WhOkay. Arlington may not be as prettyas those places, but the cachet and spirit (international or otherwise) is there. Let's look at price per sf as we compare Arlington to cities like san fran, Seattle for example. Those cities are far more attractive but Arlington continue to attract the well educated well traveled. Why do you think that is? Since 06' a lot of money have moved into Alington, particularly in the new condos. Some of these people have the means to live anywhere, why have they chosen to spend 5, 7, 12m in Arlington instead of the other known sought after places? Do you think they know something you don't since they're the ones with the deep pockets...anyway some of us are always going to be late to the party.

Thanks for the laugh. A couple of high-end condo buildings doesn't put Arlington in the same league as real cities or nicer suburbs.

You're hater, that we know, but you still haven't explain why all of sudden all these deep pocket individuals are now spending 1k plus /sf to live in those condos? Are tthey stupid?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ignore the school dick-waving. North Arlington, Oakton, etc., are all in the same league in terms of parental SES, SAT scores, etc. We're hardly talking moving to DC and to an 80% FARMS student body where everyone else is fleeing before the kids hit middle school.

The McLean parts of Arlington (far north Arlington, especially north of 29) really won't be much better than Oakton in terms of local amenities -- your husband's commute would be shorter of course, but there'd be as little to do there as there is in Oakton. As for the Lee Highway corridor -- let's get real, though, it really is full of strip malls.

You've got Orange Line Arlington and Blue Line Arlington that provide the urban experience you're wanting. Go from there and you may end up with a TH instead of a SFH.

Have you considered Vienna, Fairfax City, or Falls Church? Any of those three would offer you more walkability and a shorter commute than Oakton, and you can get an older SFH for well under $1MM.

If you're willing to take a gamble, you could consider Reston or Ashburn around the future Silver Line trains (*); if your husband could take a long train ride (and works along the Red Line), then consider downtown Frederick.

(*) Amenities could get built, or they could not get built. I'd say buying near future Metro stations is less of a risk than buying in some mega-community out in WV, Winchester, or Hagerstown where the builder is more likely to go bankrupt or go back on promises of swimming pools, clubhouses, etc., than actually build them.

What is it with this dude trying to get everyone to move to Loudoun or Frederick? Uh, no thanks for the millionth time.

Which part of "The McLean parts of Arlington (far north Arlington, especially north of 29) really won't be much better than Oakton in terms of local amenities -- your husband's commute would be shorter of course, but there'd be as little to do there as there is in Oakton. As for the Lee Highway corridor -- let's get real, though, it really is full of strip malls" is inaccurate?

Come on ... I'm waiting ...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The Arlington choices for a million are sad. Look at the thread regarding the dump next to a 711 day laborer pickup area.

Rather ignorant stereotyping/anecdotal claptrap.

In Lee Heights there have been several very decent under $1M for sale and sold in the past 6 mos., none next to a 7-11, etc.

Plenty at $1M+, but also choices below.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Ballston mall, shittiest mall ever

You don't get around much if you really think that, toots.