PCS to VA

HisChamaoleGirl · February 2012

DH will be at Fort Myer and I will be at Fort Belvoir. Any recomendations on where to live? I would like something closer to his base so I can deal with a commute. Oh and a garage is a "must have" for us because of our motorcycles. TIA

bmejenn · February 2012

It depends on how much you want to spend on rent or mortgage. The area near Fort Myer can be pricey, especially if you need a garage.

I would recommend Alexandria, VA. There are sections that aren't as nice as others as Alexandria encompasses a large area. We currently live there, though closer to Ft. Belvoir and the commute isn't terrible, though my H and I tend to leave between 5 and 5:30 AM.

Irishcurls · February 2012

Unfortunately both of those bases are in some of the worst traffic areas around. 495 and 395 blow during rush hour. It's a pretty expensive area, so depending on how much you want to spend will really determine where you can live. If you live in Alexandria, his commute north will be pretty congested at all times (unless you leave at 5am like pp, a lot of people do that), though its a big area--check out Franconia/Kingstowne, or Lincolnia/Landmark. Lots of townhouses, shopping, restaurants. I'd also suggest Arlington- Annandale, West/East Falls Church, Seven Corners. But honestly, the "mixing bowl," the interchange of 495, 95 and 395 gets pretty bad.

BLT20051 · February 2012

I just wanted to jump in and say I'm jealous! I spent 3 weeks at Fort Belvoir for a class recently and it's a beautiful post! There is a ton of constructin because they're expanding so much but it really is a nice post and area. I stayed on post so I can't help with where to live but enjoy your time there!

kaynix21 · February 2012

I'm not familiar with Ft Myer -- I'm not too far from Ft Belvoir and the ladies are right, the traffic sucks.

Maybe check out the Woodbridge, Dale City area.

shesadreamr · February 2012

I would look in Alexandria, specifically Belle View area and around Mt. Vernon. Anywhere right off the George Washington Parkway would be a fairly OK commute. Belle View is right near the Beltway and off the Parkway so it would be fairly easy access for both of you.

Belle View does not have garages but you are allowed to have the pop ups for motorcycles in the parking lots.

ETA: I would try to avoid anywhere south of the mixing bowl (Springfield) because traffic is going to be horrible going both ways.

Smudges*Mom · February 2012

If you are looking to minimize commute times and have a garage, be prepared to pay a lot! We lived close in, in a little three bedroom, two bathroom, basement, no garage and paid close to $3k/month.

I would suggest Annandale and Falls Church. Since you don't need to be close to the Metro, that will help with cost.

If you need a pediatrician, we went to Dr. Porter, at Rader Clinic, at Fort Belvoir, is AWESOME!! I love him! He has a gift of making you feel like your child is the highlight of his day. He genuinely loves what he does. And, he is very straight forward, no nonsense and listens. When I took my LO in to talk about a speech delay, he said that he did not have any concerns, but he understood my concern, so he put the referral in.

Best of luck with your move. We are in the process of moving to Germany. I'm going to miss living here.

PCS to VA

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