Washington Area

I love living in D.C., and I can't really imagine living anywhere else. It can feel like a small city or a big city, depending on where I go. I am hard pressed to think of things that are unavailable to me in the city -- it has so many shops, restaurants, bars, park and culture. The neighborhoods are so different that there's something for everyone. I've lived in three different neighborhoods, each drastically different from the other. So, a move to D.C. will be great if you are not expecting New York City and if you are good at making friends.

Arlington is one of the most popular suburbs of Washington, DC, due to its vibrant nightlife and restaurant scene. Arlington isn't an incorporated city, and the name actually refers to the county, which spans about 26 square miles and has a population of more than 200,000. This suburb is popular because its diverse neighborhoods offer something for almost everybody. Some of the most popular neighborhoods in Arlington include Rosslyn, Court House, Clarendon, Ballston and Crystal City.Rosslyn is located just across the bridge from Georgetown and has a very urban feel to it, with high rise buildings and very little green space. Court House and Clarendon are a bit more laid back, with restaurants and bars lining the streets here. There are also some pockets of Court House and Clarendon that offer single family homes and plenty of parking. Ballston is a bit further out from DC, but has its own mall and Metro stop. Crystal City is very commercialized, with only a small area hosting independent resaurants. Crystal City is further south from the other Arlington neighborhoods, and is near Alexandria, Reagan National Airport and the Fashion Centre at Pentagon City, which is a very popular shopping mall. Because Arlington offers so much to do, and is in a very convenient location, rental prices here might not be much lower than they are in DC.

Reston is a community planned by founder Robert E. Simon in 1964, and is named for the combination of his initials.  It was the first modern, post-World War II community built with the goal of revolutionizing concepts of land use for residential/corporate development in American suburbia, and since then is now the most populous city in Fairfax County.  The careful planning and zoning within Reston allows for several parks, acres of wooded areas with picturesque streams, wildflower meadows, two golf courses, nearly twenty public swimming pools, bridle paths, bike paths, four lakes, tennis courts, and extensive foot pathways (55 miles).  An important part of Reston's development is its five village centers and one town center, all planned to be within a half-mile walk from the apartments and duplex homes clustered around them. Each village center carries a plentiful amount of specialty shops and many different styles of fine dining.  At the heart of the Reston Town Center lies a beautifully crafted downtown with the vitality of an Italian piazza and diversity of a French Boulevard.  The open-air plaza is a perfect centerpiece for many seasonal and year-round events, with ice-skating rinks and a multiplex theatre.One of the many metropolitan suburbs outside of DC, Reston's location is perfect for those commuting either to Baltimore (about an hour), Fairfax (20 minutes) or of course DC (about 25 minutes).  It is ten minutes from the Capital Beltway to the east, and ten minutes from Washington Dulles International Airport to the west.  The Reston Internal Bus System (RIBS) contains four different routes circulating within the community and allows for easy access to all the main town centers within Reston, as well as bus connections to the Metro for a quick train ride to DC.The 60,000 Restonians are pretty fairly distributed when it comes to age, with about 22% under 18, 7% from 18 to 24, 36% from 25 to 44, 27% from 45 to 64, and the rest percent for those age 65 and older (I think it's 8%).  Reston is also considered Virginia's best educated community, with approximately 67% of adults possessing an associates degree or higher.  Given that number, Reston is proud of its many elementary schools, (a few visited by and named after Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong) various private schools, and three local colleges.  Reston is perfect for families or single socialites who want to live in a close, friendly community with a big city feel.  It's fancy, for sure, and you'll find that the locals are proud to call it home.  CNN Money has rated it 43rd in America's top 100 places to live.  

Lorton is a small suburb less than an hour's drive from DC, and starting point of the Amtrak "auto train," which allows you to take your car aboard. Lorton is part of Fairfax County, the most populous county in Virginia and a popular place to live. Comprised mostly of single family homes, housing prices in Lorton area affordable when compared with the DC Metro area as a whole. There are five elementary schools and two high schools that service residents of Lorton. It is very much a self-sufficient suburb, meaning that you won't have to drive too far for every day conveniences. The area has several parks and golf courses, and is within close proximity to Fort Belvoir. Lorton is a great place for families or people who wish to live in a larger home than what they might be able to afford closer to DC. Commuting may take long, but it's easier since Lorton is so close to 95 and has its own Amtrak station.

Originally a Levitt Town, Bowie (pronounced buoy), is equidistant from DC and Annapolis, giving those that do not (or can't afford to) want to live in either town but work there a place to live. Bowie is all about conformity--there are 7 styles of houses, about 90% of the restaurants, bars, and stores are chains, and there are rules regarding everything from what color to paint  your house to what kinds of cars are allowed to park on what streets. If you want to know exactly what you are getting, Bowie is your place. If you want uniqueness and originality, you should probably look elsewhere.

Chevy Chase is an extremely affluent town located right outside of Washington, D.C.'s neighborhood of the same name. The town, located off Connecticut Avenue, is marked by its large mansions and well-groomed lawns. Chevy Chase consists of many families and older residents who have lived in the area for a long time. There aren't many apartment buildings in this area, since it is mostly single family houses. This is a great place to look for a home if you can afford the high costs of this area. Since Chevy Chase is located near Connecticut Avenue, a main throughway of the DC area, it would be an ideal place for those commuting into the city. It is also only a few miles to 495 (the Capital Beltway) for those commuting elsewhere in the area. The area is very quiet, and aside from a few churches and a country club, there is not much going on in Chevy Chase. It is strictly a residential area.

Hyattsville gets a bad rap -- mostly due to "the way things used to be." During the past 20 years, the area has been experiencing upgrades and renovations that have improved the quality of life here. As with most urban areas near DC, crime is something to consider, though there are arguably much more dangerous places to live than Hyattsville. People thinking about living here are mostly drawn to the fact that you can get larger homes for a fraction of what they would cost in DC. Hyattsville is still convenient for residents, however, since it has its own Metro stop on the Green line, which is only a short ride to the center of DC. It is also close to the University of Maryland, making it a choice for many students on a budget. The Arts District of Hyattsville is certainly up and coming, and offers a number of restaurants and some shopping. However, Hyattsville is not considered a mecca for culture, shopping and food. Families thinking about moving to this area may also wish to consider that the public schools are not highly rated.

I travel a lot so living close to Dulles Airport serves me well. Very suburban around here with lots of green space. I hear the school system is great. Crime is low. Lots of walking/bike paths.

Manassas is a medium-sized city that is considered to be its own entity rather than a suburb of Washington, DC. It is about an hour's drive from DC, depending on traffic, and is close to I-66, which leads directly to the city. Manassas is part of Prince William County and has a population of a little more than 35,000. Manassas has its own Amtrak and VRE stations, making commuting a little easier for those who do work in DC or the areas closer to it. Even though Manassas is home to many families, and is overall a quiet place to live, incidents of crime and gangs have been growing there. Some areas of Manassas have been declining in appearance, according to local residents, so it is recommended that you visit each site before making a decision. The area has been affected by the suburban sprawl caused by the high housing prices of the DC Metro area, but you can still find deals in Manassas. The ratings for public schools in the area are pretty much hit or miss. Since it is about an hour from Washington, DC, Manassas may not be the ideal choice for people looking to live near a vibrant nightlife scene, though there are a few options in the area for entertainment.

Wheaton is one of the more affordable communities within Montgomery County, and it's also convenient to DC since it has its own Metro stop. Just North of Silver Spring, most of Wheaton has an urban, diverse vibe to it. Yet Wheaton also has parks and green space, including the Wheaton Regional Park, which has riding stables, a picnic area and a nature center. Wheaton also has a botanical garden. This is a good place to live if you want live in a walkable community with easy access to DC. Family homes are less expensive than Bethesda, but there is such a wide range of what is available, you should really visit the area before making a commitment. The heavy traffic in this area is one thing that may be a deterrent to some people. Yet many people living in Wheaton rely solely on public transportation. Since this area's population is so diverse, there are many cuisines represented in its restaurants and shopping areas.

Leesburg is a rural-ish area about an hour's drive from Washington, DC. Located in Loudoun County, Leesburg is very scenic, as it is within close proximity to the Potomac River and the Catoctin Mountain. There has been some growth in the area due to suburban sprawl, but overall life in Leesburg is very quiet. Most of the restaurants in the area are independintly owned, giving it a very local feel and flavor. It was named a "best place" by US News & World Report for its low crime and cost of living. The closest major highway is 267, which is the Dulles Greenway and leads to 495 (the Capital Beltway). Leesburg is a great place for families and people who enjoy golf, as there area several courses in the area. There are also several wineries in this area, which have become more popular in the past few years.

One of the largest and fastest growing counties, Prince George's County, is home to the city of Greenbelt, a suburb of Washington DC. In 1937, Greenbelt was settled as a public cooperative community to ease the housing shortage near the nation's capital and provide affordable housing for the federal government workers. Today, a Greenbelt Washington DC townhouse offers its residents the best of both worlds; affordable living with the benefits of ownership and the benefits of renting. With half of Greenbelts 23,276 residents renting, there are an abundance of townhomes to pick from. Greenbelters are characterized by their strong sense of community spirit and enjoy frequenting the Greenbelt Roosevelt Center for shopping and socializing.   The Greenbelt Farmers Market which provides nutritious foods grown and produced in the region and the Greenbelt Arts Center. A Greenbelt townhouse will keep you close to one of four elementary schools, Greenbelt Middle School and Eleanor Roosevelt High School, a highly rated magnet school. With easy access to I-95, the Baltimore-Washington Parkway, the Capital Beltway and the Greenbelt Metro Station commuting and day trips won't be a problem from your new Greenbelt Washington DC townhouse. The Goddard Space Center of NASA, the Department of Agriculture Research Center and the University of Maryland are all just outside the city limits. Outdoors lovers, be sure to visit Greenbelt's extensive recreational facilities. Enjoy a picnic, hiking and camping at Greenbelt Lake and Greenbelt National Park.

Sterling is a rural-like suburb about a 40 minute drive to Washington, DC. The area is very quiet, with lots of green space and single family homes. It's part of Loudoun County, which has one of the fastest growing populations in the United States. More people are being pushed out to Sterling and its surrounding areas due to the high cost of living in Washington, DC. Many of the residents in this area are middle to upper middle class, and crime rates are considerably low. It's convenient for travel, since many of the major highways run near Sterling, and it is close to Dulles Airport. The retail in and around Sterling is convenient, and includes a branch of Wegman's, a very large, popular grocery chain. Locals also tout this area as having some of the best Asian cuisine, such as pho. Nightlife is somewhat lacking, but there area a few neighborhood sports bar-type places. For people with children, the public schools in this area are well rated.

Annandale is a somewhat diverse, medium-sized suburb less than 20 miles from Washington, DC. The closest Metro stop is Dunn-Loring, which is in Vienna, about a 10 minute drive from most places in Annandale. Annandale is also very close to 495, 395, and 66, which are among the busiest highways in the area.  Schools in Annandale are pretty good, and include Annandale High School, which has an award-winning newspaper. The area has a bit of local flavor, with several very popular independently owned restaurants, including Lighthouse Tofu (many DC folk make the trip to Annandale to eat here). It's also known for having the best Korean food in the DC Metro area. Housing prices in Annandale are somewhat affordable, compared to the DC Metro area, and you may be able to find a two bedroom apartment for around $1,500/month.

Centreville is an unincorporated community in Fairfax County, Virginia. The area is also known as a Census Designated Place, and is also considered to be a suburb of Washington D.C. The town was established in the 1760s. However, most growth occurred in the late '90s and early 2000s due the influx of technology companies. Now, Centreville is quite a typical American suburb, composed of luxury townhomes, strip malls, a movie theater, and large housing developments.

McLean (pronounced mick-LANE) is known for its wealthy inhabitants, and is about a 20 minute drive from DC, depending on traffic. This is a quiet community, mainly comprised of families and spacious homes. Many Congressmen and notable people from the DC area choose to live in McLean -- even Jackie Kennedy once lived here. The area is not very urban at all, except for the area near Tysons Corner Mall, which consistently sees heavy traffic flow. McLean belongs to the Fairfax County public school system, and the area includes Thomas Jefferson High School, which was ranked #1 in the country by U.S. News & World Report. With all those things considered, McLean may be more well suited to a family than a young professional seeking a vibrant nightlife.

Looking for a community to escape the busy streets of our Washington, D.C.? Well, you are in luck! A Brentwood apartment home is definitely waiting on you to make it your next home!Nuzzled in Prince George's County is the quaint tiny town of Brentwood, Maryland. Brentwood apartment dwellers are only 1 mile from D.C. located on outside district lines. Only a pinch away from Mount Rainier, Cottage City and North Brentwood, Brentwood apartment occupants are located in a prime location. Brentwood apartment renters are close to all that is happening without living therein!Brentwood apartment occupants reside in a city originally incorporated in 1922 but the roots of the town reach back to the end of the 19th century. Wallace A. Bartlett, a Civil War veteran, purchased 206 acres of land from Benjamin Holliday in 1887 and started to develop the town we now esteem as Brentwood.Brentwood apartment dwellers are privy to all the bells and whistles afforded by their neighboring metro areas while being able to reside in a community located on the outside of the pandemonium. Landing a Brentwood apartment home will be one of the best moves you will ever make!

Chantilly is a medium-sized suburb about 45 minutes from Washington, DC. It is a popular place for families, since it is safe, the schools are great and there is a lot of green space. One thing the residents complain about most is the traffic in the area -- but this is pretty common for Northern Virginia and people commuting on I-66. Chantilly is a very self-sufficient suburb, meaning that all your daily ameneties are within a short drive. It also has a considerable amount of local flavor, such as independent restaurants and shopping. It is also very close to Dulles Airport, which makes traveling convenient. Many large businesses are headquartered in this general area, so you may not need to go all the way to DC to find good work. Chantilly is also a bit ritzy in and of itself, and there are several golf courses and country clubs located nearby. It may not be the ideal place for young people who are in search of a vibrant nightlife, but it is certainly a great place to raise a family.

Vienna is a town in Fairfax County, Virginia. The town was originally called Ayr Hill, but that changed in the 1850s, when a doctor named William Hendrick offered to move there if the town would rename itself after his hometown, Vienna, New York.In July 2005, CNN/Money and Money magazine ranked Vienna fourth on its list of the 100 best places to live in the United States. In addition to a variety of acclaimed public schools, its assets include a downtown with many small businesses, a Washington Metrorail station with large parking garages just south of the town, and a portion of the Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park hiker/biker trail cutting through the center of the town. Tysons Corner is nearby, as is Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, making it a town with plenty to do for everyone.

The community of Lanham, also known as Lanham-Seabrook, is an unincorporated area located in the Washington DC metroplex. Lanham-Seabrook was established in the early 1870s, with a rail station, schoolhouse and a few homes and businesses. Most of the residential development occured during the 1950s, with many homes being built to accomodate the employees of the then-newly built Goddard Space Flight Center, located immediately to the north. Today, Lanham-Seabrook is home to apartments and other multi-family homes, however, the area is mostly made up of single family homes. Area residents enjoy its own MARC commuter rail station, numerous businesses including a post office, restaurants, banks and legal services, which are located around the rail station.

Just minutes from Washington, DC, Wheaton has all its diverse and eclectic residents need. Whether looking for a neighborhood diner for comfort food, a kid friendly spot or a five star restaurant, downtown Wheaton is where you'll be able to find what you're looking for and more. This friendly city boasts a world-class botanical garden, a music center and one of the largest shopping centers in the area. There are many options when looking for your apartment home. Settle in and enjoy this fun city.