Is Reston a good location for us?

[Anonymous]

We are looking for a bigger home for a better value comparing to the condo we have in Arlington. I work at a stable job in DC near Metro Center while my DH work in Tysons area (in IT) but likely to switch jobs in the future. We are considering Reston especially near the metro station as we will be able to get more for our money than places close-in. The main concerns is the commute — Will it be too soul-crushing commuting (during the normal time) from Reston to Metro center 4 times a week? Also I don’t think that here is no SFH walkable to the Metro? There seems to be some new TH development within walking distance though?

[Anonymous]

Our budget is around 1M but maybe able to do a bit more

[Anonymous]

I commuted for 2 years from Reston to near Dupont Circle. It took about 1-1.25 hours a day each day (usually closer to 1.25) with the once a month or so 1.5-2 hour doozy (usually because of Metro issues). I had a 10 minute drive + 5 minute parking, walk to station, etc. component there plus another 15 minute walk on the DC side (from Foggy Bottom Metro to near the Dupont Metro).

Lots of people do this and I suppose if I could work from home 2-3 days a week it would be doable now but in the end we moved back to DC where the commute ranges from 30 minutes walking + Metro to 15-20 minutes when driving.

All times door to door.

[Anonymous]

There are some, but not many, SFHs walking distance to the metro. Those aren't really million dollar homes though.

There are some townhomes somewhat close as well. Pretty crowded together and nothing I would want to live in though.

I work in DC by McPherson and live in North Reston. But I work flexible hours, so I'm at my desk at 7:30 and leave at 3:30. And I drive, so it's only about 45 minutes on most days.

I tested it out and if I drove to the metro, parked, walked, took the train, then walked to my office, the VERY BEST I could do was 75 minutes. Simply no faster way for me. Train alone is 45 minutes from Wiehle to McPherson. But it is pretty consistent, whereas driving can throw you some curveballs sometimes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There are some, but not many, SFHs walking distance to the metro. Those aren't really million dollar homes though.

There are some townhomes somewhat close as well. Pretty crowded together and nothing I would want to live in though.

I work in DC by McPherson and live in North Reston. But I work flexible hours, so I'm at my desk at 7:30 and leave at 3:30. And I drive, so it's only about 45 minutes on most days.

I tested it out and if I drove to the metro, parked, walked, took the train, then walked to my office, the VERY BEST I could do was 75 minutes. Simply no faster way for me. Train alone is 45 minutes from Wiehle to McPherson. But it is pretty consistent, whereas driving can throw you some curveballs sometimes.

Won’t the toll be quite a lot? As you are paying both for the toll road and I-66?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are some, but not many, SFHs walking distance to the metro. Those aren't really million dollar homes though.

There are some townhomes somewhat close as well. Pretty crowded together and nothing I would want to live in though.

I work in DC by McPherson and live in North Reston. But I work flexible hours, so I'm at my desk at 7:30 and leave at 3:30. And I drive, so it's only about 45 minutes on most days.

I tested it out and if I drove to the metro, parked, walked, took the train, then walked to my office, the VERY BEST I could do was 75 minutes. Simply no faster way for me. Train alone is 45 minutes from Wiehle to McPherson. But it is pretty consistent, whereas driving can throw you some curveballs sometimes.

Won’t the toll be quite a lot? As you are paying both for the toll road and I-66?

I don't take 66. I pay the Toll Rd toll and then take 123 to GW Parkway.

My parking in my building is free, so it's just gas and tolls (and wear and tear).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are some, but not many, SFHs walking distance to the metro. Those aren't really million dollar homes though.

There are some townhomes somewhat close as well. Pretty crowded together and nothing I would want to live in though.

I work in DC by McPherson and live in North Reston. But I work flexible hours, so I'm at my desk at 7:30 and leave at 3:30. And I drive, so it's only about 45 minutes on most days.

I tested it out and if I drove to the metro, parked, walked, took the train, then walked to my office, the VERY BEST I could do was 75 minutes. Simply no faster way for me. Train alone is 45 minutes from Wiehle to McPherson. But it is pretty consistent, whereas driving can throw you some curveballs sometimes.

Won’t the toll be quite a lot? As you are paying both for the toll road and I-66?

I don't take 66. I pay the Toll Rd toll and then take 123 to GW Parkway.

My parking in my building is free, so it's just gas and tolls (and wear and tear).

Thanks! Have you tried commuting during normal time like leaving at 8 or 8:30 am or coming back at 6 pm. How long will it take?

[Anonymous]

I also live in north Reston and commute to McPherson Square on the metro. For me, it's an hour and 10 minutes flat to work/home. I didn't mind the metro -- I read books, listened to podcasts. But I did it for over 15 years. I took the bus to the metro previously. My husband and I staggered schedules to make childcare easier. My office is moving to mostly telework, so I'm happy about that.

When I lived in Glover Park, my average commute was 45 minutes and it could go up to 90 minutes. The bus was so unreliable.

There aren't a lot of houses near the metro. I can't think of the townhouses either that would be walkable to the metro. I really like Reston. It's a great place for kids. Tons of trails and playgrounds. I love walking around and bumping into friends and neighbors.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are some, but not many, SFHs walking distance to the metro. Those aren't really million dollar homes though.

There are some townhomes somewhat close as well. Pretty crowded together and nothing I would want to live in though.

I work in DC by McPherson and live in North Reston. But I work flexible hours, so I'm at my desk at 7:30 and leave at 3:30. And I drive, so it's only about 45 minutes on most days.

I tested it out and if I drove to the metro, parked, walked, took the train, then walked to my office, the VERY BEST I could do was 75 minutes. Simply no faster way for me. Train alone is 45 minutes from Wiehle to McPherson. But it is pretty consistent, whereas driving can throw you some curveballs sometimes.

Won’t the toll be quite a lot? As you are paying both for the toll road and I-66?

I don't take 66. I pay the Toll Rd toll and then take 123 to GW Parkway.

My parking in my building is free, so it's just gas and tolls (and wear and tear).

Thanks! Have you tried commuting during normal time like leaving at 8 or 8:30 am or coming back at 6 pm. How long will it take?

I'm the other former Reston commuter. When I drove in leaving at 8am or so, it would take me about 75-90 minutes to get to my office in Dupont. Door to door. The 66 tolls would be as high as $37 at that time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are some, but not many, SFHs walking distance to the metro. Those aren't really million dollar homes though.

There are some townhomes somewhat close as well. Pretty crowded together and nothing I would want to live in though.

I work in DC by McPherson and live in North Reston. But I work flexible hours, so I'm at my desk at 7:30 and leave at 3:30. And I drive, so it's only about 45 minutes on most days.

I tested it out and if I drove to the metro, parked, walked, took the train, then walked to my office, the VERY BEST I could do was 75 minutes. Simply no faster way for me. Train alone is 45 minutes from Wiehle to McPherson. But it is pretty consistent, whereas driving can throw you some curveballs sometimes.

Won’t the toll be quite a lot? As you are paying both for the toll road and I-66?

I don't take 66. I pay the Toll Rd toll and then take 123 to GW Parkway.

My parking in my building is free, so it's just gas and tolls (and wear and tear).

Thanks! Have you tried commuting during normal time like leaving at 8 or 8:30 am or coming back at 6 pm. How long will it take?

I have done it on the very, very rare occasion. And I don't recommend it. If I knew in advance I had to work later, then I would metro. Or just do dinner with friends and stay until like 8 or so. But no, no way was I going to drive at peak rush hour.

[Anonymous]

Rule of thumb: if you find yourself saying, we are considering Reston .... take a deep breath, pull back, and think further about things.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Rule of thumb: if you find yourself saying, we are considering Reston .... take a deep breath, pull back, and think further about things.

What's wrong with Reston? A lot of people here seem to like it a lot.

[Anonymous]

You could also look in parts of Fairfax within a few miles of Vienna or Dunn Loring metro. There are nice neighborhoods where you can get a decent house and yard for similar money as Reston and don't have to deal with the toll road.

Like this one in Annandale - this is contingent, but it's a good example of what is out there. You could come up Woodburn to Dunn Loring metro or continue on to Tysons via Cedar Lane. Very good schools. There are other homes available in 22003.
https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/3903-Cherry-Hill-Way_Annandale_VA_22003_M58241-04622?view=qv

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You could also look in parts of Fairfax within a few miles of Vienna or Dunn Loring metro. There are nice neighborhoods where you can get a decent house and yard for similar money as Reston and don't have to deal with the toll road.

Like this one in Annandale - this is contingent, but it's a good example of what is out there. You could come up Woodburn to Dunn Loring metro or continue on to Tysons via Cedar Lane. Very good schools. There are other homes available in 22003.
https://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/3903-Cherry-Hill-Way_Annandale_VA_22003_M58241-04622?view=qv

That area seems nice! What about commuting to DC? (Metro center) -- probably have to drive on Rt 50? Probably an hour?

[Anonymous]

Vienna to Metro Center is a better commute.

https://www.redfin.com/VA/Vienna/9698-Meadow-Ln-SW-22180/unit-2/home/171152759