If you want to live in the city itself, shortest distance to McLean would be Palisades, then look in Glover Park or Georgetown. Unless you make a lot of money, though, and/or are willing to live in a tiny place, you're probably priced out of those neighborhoods. If so, definitely look at Clarendon, lots of 20 somethings there and more affordable, also very short hop to "the city." OP, are you moving here from another area? It seems like you are. If so, take it from me, city living isn't all it's cracked up to be .... speaking as a (former) city dweller of many years, freshly moved to the 'burbs. Arlington is a short cab/Metro ride away, it's close to your work and more affordable. when you live in DC, you get even more absurd rents/home prices, less space, even less parking, no voting rights and shitty services. Also, if and when you ever decide to have kids, unless you've managed to snag yourself a place in one of the abovementioned neighborhoods or can comfortably do private school, it's more than likely you'll be moving to VA or MD anyway since DC has some of the worst schools in the country.

Anonymous wrote:Young couple, no kids. Would like to live in the city for a few years, commute to Mclean. Where would you live? TIA!

Why are you here?

Anonymous wrote:My Gtown response was because it seems like a good place for mid-20 somethings, is far enough west so they can get onto 66 or GW Parkway via Chain Bridge or Key Bridge. But if they want access to bars, restaurants, etc., then Clarendon might also suit them well in Arlington and cut their commute by a few minutes.

Same reasons for my GP recommendation. My DH works in McLean, and we live just north of GP. He finds the commute easy enough, and a 20-something would have access to Georgetown and all of that scene. The downside is no Metro, of course.

When I was in my 20's - I had friends (also in 20's) that got married and moved to McLean. They did not like it. She was from a wealthy family, so they ended up moving to Gtown. HOWEVER, they did NOT work in McLean. (Now they are livin' large in SanFransisco.)

I think Clarendon is a good place to look.

Clarendon sounds perfect for them. I think they can get something for $3000/mo. there.

My Gtown response was because it seems like a good place for mid-20 somethings, is far enough west so they can get onto 66 or GW Parkway via Chain Bridge or Key Bridge. But if they want access to bars, restaurants, etc., then Clarendon might also suit them well in Arlington and cut their commute by a few minutes.

Glover Park and Gtown suggestions this is just due to westness? i.e. access to chain bridge? I live in GP. This is for my family member btw.

Rent budget is up to 3k/month, job is not permanent (2 yrs max), spouse will look for (retail style) work when they get here. Want little commute but willing to trade for lifestyle-- like access to bars etc. Don't want yard, looking for apartment or floor in rowhouse, etc. 1-2 bedrooms only.

I guess I'm trying to say, think back to your 20s where did/would you have lived? I didn't live in the area until I had kids so I never thought about it like this.

Georgetown

Glover Park.

questions for me would be:

what is your budget (#1 question)
do you want walkability to shops, etc.
do you want land and to do upkeep? how much
how much commute to you want
where does the other spouse need to commute to if at all
how permanent are your job locations
how long will you live there
are you planning to need more space/expand your family/increase expenses with daycare/quit jobs in the next 3-5 years?

Def mean DC proper. These are 26 yr old kids who still go out to bars, etc. However if the commute is god awful they will probably consider "urban" areas of Arlington. Thanks. And to pp, plenty of people choose not to live near their jobs, like those who live in McLean but work in DC.

Anonymous wrote:McLean if you could afford it. Who wouldn't live close to their job?

Someone who wants to live in the city but happens to have a job in the suburbs.

OP, when you say "the city," do you mean DC? Or do you just want someplace walkable (which would open up Arlington)?

McLean if you could afford it. Who wouldn't live close to their job?

N. Arlington or Falls Church would work too.

Arlington or McLean

Young couple, no kids. Would like to live in the city for a few years, commute to Mclean. Where would you live? TIA!