Hi there.
Lots of good advice here, but be careful about your requirement of a 30 minute commute.
I live in North Old Town and work at the Pentagon. It takes me about 12 minutes to drive to work. (It is about a 5 mile trip). When I go to capital hill, (a 7 mile trip or so), it takes me about 30 minutes.

Be sure to ask about traffic on 395/US Route 1/ Gw Parkway (the fastest way to go from VA to the district) when looking at homes.

Like others said, with a 400K price range, there are hundreds of condos/townhomes that are within your ragne. But, although they may be "next to DC", your commute time might be longer than 30 minutes...

Good luck...

Wed May 14 2008, 09:36

Sorry about the sticker shock, but it is part of the reality in this area. That being said, there are a lot of great options within 30 minutes of DC. One that comes to mind immediately is Fairlington, a community right off of 395 in Arlington. Some of my clients just closed on a 3 level, 2 bedroom townhouse there for $405K. Alexandria is definitely a great option as well. Also, there are some 2 bedroom condos with a little less space in the city proper that might work. What are you looking for beyond 2 bedxrooms and price? For example, do you need to be close to a metro? Do you require parking? Do you have (or want) a pet? Those may seem like little details, but they are big factors you'll want to consider in this area.

If I can help you in any way, let me know! Good luck with the job search and your possible move.

Carolyn

Wed May 7 2008, 06:44

Sure. That really isn't a problem at all. There are quite a few properties in Arlington, Alexandria, and the closer-in parts of Fairfax County available at $400,000 or less. I just did a search for 2+ beds, 2+ baths, under $400,000 in Arlington and came up with 64 listings. Some of them are 3 beds or more. And, if you like to gamble, some are even bank-owned or short sale single family homes.

In Alexandria (including parts of Fairfax County with an Alexandria mailing address), there are 653 listings. Too many? How about 3+ bed, 2+bath for under $350,000? There are 271 of those. How about 3+bed, 2+bath for under $275,000? There are 102 of those.

You shouldn't have any problem at all.

By the way, how is Ithaca doing? I went to school there (Ithaca College, not Cornell) quite a few years ago. I loved the fall, driving around the lake. I wasn't so crazy about the winters, though!

Hope that helps.

Fri Apr 4 2008, 09:52

Higher home prices aren't the only big change awaiting you! Having spent a fair amount of time in the Finger Lakes region myself, I can say that the DC metro area is significantly less bucolic. But, it does have its advantages and will grow on you.
In any case, yes there are plenty of 2 br options for less than $400 in and around DC, on both sides of the river. I think even the thirty minute commute is possible, as long as you realize an occasional 45 minute or more commute is likely, should there even be the slightest sniff of snow, etc. The feds are pretty good about allowing flexible schedules, which allows some to arrange their commute to minimize lost time.
I'd be happy to help you find a place in Virginia.

Fri Apr 4 2008, 08:15

David did you check Maryland? My sister in law lives in Maryland and she is right outside of the District. You should have no problem there. I know how much her home is worth and while yes they are a bit higher in relation to here in NC you can definitely find something in your price range. Get yourself a local realtor in each area to look for you and send you listing that match your criteria.

If you need a referral to a top agent in either area just drop me a line and let me know I can get someone to email or call you with just information if you like.

Larry Story
Coldwell Banker Triad

Fri Apr 4 2008, 08:01