OP here - thanks everyone! I've been offered the position, yay! I've been looking at housing and it does seem reasonable to find something between $1800-$2000. I've seen lots of town homes and condos in that price range. Most are 2bed/2bath, so I'm good with that. Of course looking online is entirely different than being in the area and seeing the places and neighborhoods first hand. I'm pretty excited for the change!

Used to live in the Fairlington area and loved it--but I would go for the Belle View area. It is a lot closer and, if you need to run to the school for something, it will be a lot easier. I definitely would get as close as possible to work and childcare. As long as the neighborhood is safe. Also, you can ask realtors to put you in a good school district, but there are laws that make it very difficult for them to comment on neighborhoods in general. You need to do that research yourself.

I have not lived in Alexandria for many years, but I remember Belle View as being quite nice. You are close to Old Town but out of the crowds. And, so close to the beautiful path along the Potomac.

Anonymous wrote:Are there really no apartments or houses to rent around that area for less than $2500? I pay less than that on my mortgage. So many smallish single family and duplex homes around there. How expensive are these?

You're right that in many areas around the DMV it can be less expensive to buy and pay a mortgage than it can be to rent; however, buying does not make sense for all people living in this area and it certainly does not make sense at this time for OP. OP should rent for a year or two until she has a better idea of the demands of her job and a better feel for the area.

And it can be extremely difficult to find apartments or houses in good, safe areas in Alexandria / Fairfax County for less than $2500 a month. Belle View, Fairlington and Park Fairfax meet most of OP's requirements with a clear edge to Belle View for easy commute, great neighborhood and school.

Are there really no apartments or houses to rent around that area for less than $2500? I pay less than that on my mortgage. So many smallish single family and duplex homes around there. How expensive are these?

Op, my 2 cents. Live close as possible to the pto because the job is hard as hell the first year. Don't risk being let go for all this effort will be wasted. Maximize your chances at becoming the best you can be so that you can relocate anywhere in 2 years with an awesome federal job. All it takes is for your manager to question your ability and borderline production numbers for you to be shown the exit door. Good luck!

Anonymous wrote:OP again - I was only in the area on Friday, so I didn't get very far. I really just wandered around Old Town for a bit before my interview. I actually thought it was freezing, but coming from GA I guess that is to be expected.

I won't be able to really make a decision about where to live until: 1) I actually get the job, ha! and 2) I know where I can actually get care for my son. I'm hoping my son will be ready for K come August.

Is there an area that you would absolutely NOT recommend because the elementary school is just horrible?

Glad that you had a chance to walk around a bit and see the sights. It is a hoot that you thought it was freezing when we were all walking around talking about how unseasonably warm it was!

You've gotten some really good advice about where to look. I'm in the Belle View camp for you (just because I'm in that area a lot and like it) but I see reasons for Kingstown and Carlyle, too. I think you should take a look at the Great Schools site to get a better feel for the schools and their ratings.

I wish I could say differently, because we are long-time residents of the City of Alexandria, there are definitely some schools in the City of which you really want to steer clear for elementary schools. So if your search does take you in to Alexandria proper then be sure to talk to your real estate agent and to consult the Great Schools site. Most of the areas of the Alexandria section of Fairfax County that have been mentioned should be fine for elementary schools. You haven't mentioned it but there also are some great parochial schools in the area with very good tuition rates if you are a member of the parish but they can get pricey if your are not a member of the parish.

Regarding day care, I think you've also gotten some good suggestions for that but I will add in to the mix St. Anthony's Day School, which is down in the heart of Old Town. Several of our neighbors have their children there and the neighbors seem to be very pleased with the fit.

Also, if you do end up focusing on staying in the City of Alexandria, then be absolutely sure you have dedicated parking or off-street parking. You do not want to be hunting for a parking space when it is dark out and you have your little one with you.

Two other thoughts for locations that I can't remember if they've been mentioned - Fairlington and Park Fairfax. Both would be fairly easy 15-20 minute rush hour commutes to the PTO (traffic across the city is a problem no matter what) and both are nice areas with lots of families, green space, playgrounds, etc.

Good luck!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am from Savannah area as well and I think you'll like it here but it's definite culture shock. There's also not as much of a military vibe here as there is around Hunter because military doesn't make up a big chunk of the population. Everything is expensive compared to savannah: like, an oil change is $50 here vs $25 there. You'll have to have your vehicle inspected for emissions every year and pay property tax 2x a year on it plus the tag. Stuff like that. Also I hope you don't love Krystal and Zaxby's and Spanky's enough to miss them because they don't exist here. But if you drive through the hell that is I-95s to Fredericksburg you can find a Waffle House.

do you even live in Va.????

Oil change is $29.99. Just got it done last week.

Emissions testing is every OTHER year.... not every year.

Property tax on your car is ONCE a year -- due Oct. 5th every year. They will send you the bill based on your car's value. Our 2009 Rav4 was $145 and our Camry '04 was $68. Newer cars cost more. Yes, you pay for registration once a year. That is pretty much the case in all 50 states (but you can pay for 2 years at a time and get a sticker reflecting that).

If OP has base privileges, she can shop at the commissary.

Ah, no. I get 2 tax bills a year in my VA county. It varies from county to county it's not a statewide thing. Emissions is every year here as well. This is Loudoun.

If you don't have a mortgage, then Yes, you pay your property tax on your house twice a year. The way you wrote your original email (discussing car emission testing and property tax ON THE CAR) you indicated that it is a twice a year payment. Not correct. Your home property tax is paid twice a year (due in July and then in Dec. -- if your tax is not paid through escrow as part of your mortgage). Your car property tax is only paid Oct. 5 -- ONE time per year.

No dear. You pay taxes on cars twice a year in Loudoun.

yes, DEAR, I already noted that -- but OP isn't looking in Loudoun. The two areas she is looking in (Alex. City and FFx Cnty) only pay once a year.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am from Savannah area as well and I think you'll like it here but it's definite culture shock. There's also not as much of a military vibe here as there is around Hunter because military doesn't make up a big chunk of the population. Everything is expensive compared to savannah: like, an oil change is $50 here vs $25 there. You'll have to have your vehicle inspected for emissions every year and pay property tax 2x a year on it plus the tag. Stuff like that. Also I hope you don't love Krystal and Zaxby's and Spanky's enough to miss them because they don't exist here. But if you drive through the hell that is I-95s to Fredericksburg you can find a Waffle House.

do you even live in Va.????

Oil change is $29.99. Just got it done last week.

Emissions testing is every OTHER year.... not every year.

Property tax on your car is ONCE a year -- due Oct. 5th every year. They will send you the bill based on your car's value. Our 2009 Rav4 was $145 and our Camry '04 was $68. Newer cars cost more. Yes, you pay for registration once a year. That is pretty much the case in all 50 states (but you can pay for 2 years at a time and get a sticker reflecting that).

If OP has base privileges, she can shop at the commissary.

Ah, no. I get 2 tax bills a year in my VA county. It varies from county to county it's not a statewide thing. Emissions is every year here as well. This is Loudoun.

If you don't have a mortgage, then Yes, you pay your property tax on your house twice a year. The way you wrote your original email (discussing car emission testing and property tax ON THE CAR) you indicated that it is a twice a year payment. Not correct. Your home property tax is paid twice a year (due in July and then in Dec. -- if your tax is not paid through escrow as part of your mortgage). Your car property tax is only paid Oct. 5 -- ONE time per year.

No dear. You pay taxes on cars twice a year in Loudoun.

OP again - I was only in the area on Friday, so I didn't get very far. I really just wandered around Old Town for a bit before my interview. I actually thought it was freezing, but coming from GA I guess that is to be expected.

I won't be able to really make a decision about where to live until: 1) I actually get the job, ha! and 2) I know where I can actually get care for my son. I'm hoping my son will be ready for K come August.

Is there an area that you would absolutely NOT recommend because the elementary school is just horrible?

Anonymous wrote:Op here - you are all amazing and I'm so grateful for the amount of input I've received. I feel like all inout is valuable because it will definitely be a shock. The more you tell me the more I know so I can't complain once I get up here. You all have permission to say "I told you so" if I do.

It just so happens I was up here today for my second interview. I have to say that I love it already. your honest assessments are helping me figure out how to make it work.

oh you should feel free to complain anyway! I do.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am from Savannah area as well and I think you'll like it here but it's definite culture shock. There's also not as much of a military vibe here as there is around Hunter because military doesn't make up a big chunk of the population. Everything is expensive compared to savannah: like, an oil change is $50 here vs $25 there. You'll have to have your vehicle inspected for emissions every year and pay property tax 2x a year on it plus the tag. Stuff like that. Also I hope you don't love Krystal and Zaxby's and Spanky's enough to miss them because they don't exist here. But if you drive through the hell that is I-95s to Fredericksburg you can find a Waffle House.

do you even live in Va.????

Oil change is $29.99. Just got it done last week.

Emissions testing is every OTHER year.... not every year.

Property tax on your car is ONCE a year -- due Oct. 5th every year. They will send you the bill based on your car's value. Our 2009 Rav4 was $145 and our Camry '04 was $68. Newer cars cost more. Yes, you pay for registration once a year. That is pretty much the case in all 50 states (but you can pay for 2 years at a time and get a sticker reflecting that).

If OP has base privileges, she can shop at the commissary.

Ah, no. I get 2 tax bills a year in my VA county. It varies from county to county it's not a statewide thing. Emissions is every year here as well. This is Loudoun.

If you don't have a mortgage, then Yes, you pay your property tax on your house twice a year. The way you wrote your original email (discussing car emission testing and property tax ON THE CAR) you indicated that it is a twice a year payment. Not correct. Your home property tax is paid twice a year (due in July and then in Dec. -- if your tax is not paid through escrow as part of your mortgage). Your car property tax is only paid Oct. 5 -- ONE time per year.

I will throw you a bone PP.... in Loudoun you do pay personal property tax twice a year -- very strange. But, OP is not looking in Loudoun anyway. The areas she is considering are Fairfax County or City of Alexandria. Either way, the car tax is due ONCE -- on Oct. 5th.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am from Savannah area as well and I think you'll like it here but it's definite culture shock. There's also not as much of a military vibe here as there is around Hunter because military doesn't make up a big chunk of the population. Everything is expensive compared to savannah: like, an oil change is $50 here vs $25 there. You'll have to have your vehicle inspected for emissions every year and pay property tax 2x a year on it plus the tag. Stuff like that. Also I hope you don't love Krystal and Zaxby's and Spanky's enough to miss them because they don't exist here. But if you drive through the hell that is I-95s to Fredericksburg you can find a Waffle House.

do you even live in Va.????

Oil change is $29.99. Just got it done last week.

Emissions testing is every OTHER year.... not every year.

Property tax on your car is ONCE a year -- due Oct. 5th every year. They will send you the bill based on your car's value. Our 2009 Rav4 was $145 and our Camry '04 was $68. Newer cars cost more. Yes, you pay for registration once a year. That is pretty much the case in all 50 states (but you can pay for 2 years at a time and get a sticker reflecting that).

If OP has base privileges, she can shop at the commissary.

Ah, no. I get 2 tax bills a year in my VA county. It varies from county to county it's not a statewide thing. Emissions is every year here as well. This is Loudoun.

... Ah no... Lord give me patience for this person....

You do not get emission testing done every year. Get with the program. You get a safety inspection EVERY year, and an emission test every other year.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am from Savannah area as well and I think you'll like it here but it's definite culture shock. There's also not as much of a military vibe here as there is around Hunter because military doesn't make up a big chunk of the population. Everything is expensive compared to savannah: like, an oil change is $50 here vs $25 there. You'll have to have your vehicle inspected for emissions every year and pay property tax 2x a year on it plus the tag. Stuff like that. Also I hope you don't love Krystal and Zaxby's and Spanky's enough to miss them because they don't exist here. But if you drive through the hell that is I-95s to Fredericksburg you can find a Waffle House.

do you even live in Va.????

Oil change is $29.99. Just got it done last week.

Emissions testing is every OTHER year.... not every year.

Property tax on your car is ONCE a year -- due Oct. 5th every year. They will send you the bill based on your car's value. Our 2009 Rav4 was $145 and our Camry '04 was $68. Newer cars cost more. Yes, you pay for registration once a year. That is pretty much the case in all 50 states (but you can pay for 2 years at a time and get a sticker reflecting that).

If OP has base privileges, she can shop at the commissary.

Ah, no. I get 2 tax bills a year in my VA county. It varies from county to county it's not a statewide thing. Emissions is every year here as well. This is Loudoun.

If you don't have a mortgage, then Yes, you pay your property tax on your house twice a year. The way you wrote your original email (discussing car emission testing and property tax ON THE CAR) you indicated that it is a twice a year payment. Not correct. Your home property tax is paid twice a year (due in July and then in Dec. -- if your tax is not paid through escrow as part of your mortgage). Your car property tax is only paid Oct. 5 -- ONE time per year.

Anonymous wrote:Op here - you are all amazing and I'm so grateful for the amount of input I've received. I feel like all inout is valuable because it will definitely be a shock. The more you tell me the more I know so I can't complain once I get up here. You all have permission to say "I told you so" if I do.

It just so happens I was up here today for my second interview. I have to say that I love it already. your honest assessments are helping me figure out how to make it work.

Do keep in mind we had freakishly warm weather this weekend. It's been amazing. Normally it's 50s-60s and windy this time of year and actually was a couple days ago. Not trying to change your mind! But this isn't typical late October weather.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am from Savannah area as well and I think you'll like it here but it's definite culture shock. There's also not as much of a military vibe here as there is around Hunter because military doesn't make up a big chunk of the population. Everything is expensive compared to savannah: like, an oil change is $50 here vs $25 there. You'll have to have your vehicle inspected for emissions every year and pay property tax 2x a year on it plus the tag. Stuff like that. Also I hope you don't love Krystal and Zaxby's and Spanky's enough to miss them because they don't exist here. But if you drive through the hell that is I-95s to Fredericksburg you can find a Waffle House.

do you even live in Va.????

Oil change is $29.99. Just got it done last week.

Emissions testing is every OTHER year.... not every year.

Property tax on your car is ONCE a year -- due Oct. 5th every year. They will send you the bill based on your car's value. Our 2009 Rav4 was $145 and our Camry '04 was $68. Newer cars cost more. Yes, you pay for registration once a year. That is pretty much the case in all 50 states (but you can pay for 2 years at a time and get a sticker reflecting that).

If OP has base privileges, she can shop at the commissary.

Ah, no. I get 2 tax bills a year in my VA county. It varies from county to county it's not a statewide thing. Emissions is every year here as well. This is Loudoun.