Relocating

Submitted by Last-Ice3893 t3_112snbd in arlingtonva

Hey! I am a recent graduate looking to move to northern Virginia. I wanted to know if anyone here can help with connecting with some group chats to find housing and job opportunities. Im open to Facebook, LinkedIn, or any platform.

Also, how is the housing market for renters? I am looking to move my family (4 in total) From my research, renting is more expensive than purchasing a house?

Im getting familiar with the surrounding areas but I like the accessibility Arlington has to offer!

I would appreciate if residents of Arlington can share their advice and experience!

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LaMaltaKano t1_j8mxztp wrote

What field do you work in?

In Arlington proper, renting is a lot more affordable than buying — at least in my income bracket/home needs. A decent house for a family of four in the area is close to a million dollars, if not more. Townhouses on my block go for 1.5 million. The housing market is high and frustratingly stable.

We love it here. There’s a lot to love. I’ve said it on this sub before, but you do want to think long and hard about whether you want the “city” version of Arlington or the suburban experience.

City life would mean living along Wilson/Clarendon between Rosslyn and Ballston. It’s walkable, with great access to busses, metro, bike lanes, and e-scooters. Great restaurants, fast access to DC, fun parks, nice people, and overall a solid little city feel without feeling too congested or overwhelming. You’d be renting an apartment/townhouse, buying a condo, or buying a single family home in Lyon Village or Lyon Park for $2mil. You’d have a similar experience in Old Town Alexandria.

The other side of life in the area would be like a Fairfax/Falls Church - prices are still high, just not quite as high. Schools are good, and there are great restaurants, etc. But, to me, the downsides are real: congestion, tiny parking lots, crowded everything, traffic, and just kind of ugly main drags. Takes longer to get into the city, so most people I know who live out there don’t go in very often. That means they’re paying city prices and dealing with city traffic without enjoying the culture and experiences DC offers. You can go toward McLean/Great Falls where things are prettier, but many of the same suburban problems exist. You can go out further to a Reston or Sterling, but that is a true suburban life and, imho, not worth the money unless you have a good job out there.

Back to your actual question: I find Arlington Neighbors Helping Each Other (Facebook group) to be a solid resource.

Hope some of that helps - feel free to ask follow up questions!

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aurora4000 t1_j8nftsb wrote

Generally it is best to find the job - then find housing. You can always visit Arlington & nearby environs. But you will want to minimize the time you spend in traffic and the amount you spend on housing. And live near the best schools you can afford- close to your work.

I live in Arlington and love the car free living BTW. But can't imagine living without a car for a family of four.

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Last-Ice3893 OP t1_j8nz0pd wrote

Thank you all for your responses, my situation is a kinda of an emergency. I am still trying to do my due diligence In researching the area.

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[deleted] t1_j8m4yz3 wrote

[deleted]

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rlbond86 t1_j8mll49 wrote

lol okay

Arlington has like 20 elementary schools, but sure, no families here

But, OP, do NOT move here without a job lined up. Arlington is incredibly expensive, you need to be making six figures to live here

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Last-Ice3893 OP t1_j8nys6m wrote

Thank you, I definitely will need to get a job before. My situation is kinda of an emergency.

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winterorchid7 t1_j8n5kl7 wrote

Arlington is an amazing place to raise children, especially if you don't want to spend a lot of time in a car. There's a high density of public parks, playgrounds, and schools.

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