baa75 0 #26 April 16, 2004 I'm not much help on places to live since I lived on base the whole time I was in DC. (That was nice though ) I do agree with skydiver30960, he pretty much has it all covered. The traffic is insane but they have the Metro and its really nice. I was quite surprised (coming from Philly its no comparison!) All the business people are on the subway instead of sitting in traffic. Its such an expensive area that the military makes you sign a waver because they won't match the higher standard of living if you are stationed there. Otherwise, its a great area. Love the tourist stuff, monuments, etc. Great nightlife, always something going on. If you're making some serious $$$$ then go for it. I know if we didn't have the on base stores we couldn't have afforded to live there. Good luck! Oh and of you do come out here then you have to head up to Cross Keys. Only about 3 hours up I95 and guaranteed worth the trip! BettyAnn Getting married? Check out my website! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tunaplanet 0 #27 April 16, 2004 Parts of Alexandria is absolutely beautiful. I went there many times when I was stationed in VA. It's on my list of places to live when I retire. Forty-two Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
AggieDave 6 #28 April 16, 2004 Quote Where is there to live around Alexandria, VA? Well, they have houses, apartments, duplexes, condos, studio lofts, card board boxes, trailers, highway overpasses...I'm sure I'm leaving something out, but I'm sure you'll find something in your budget.--"When I die, may I be surrounded by scattered chrome and burning gasoline." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wzettler 0 #29 April 16, 2004 I have to agree with most of what everyone has said. There is no time that there isn't traffic during the day. I think that if you are going to live south or west of Alexandria it is imperative that you find a carpool or something so that you can use the HOV lanes. Thats the only thing that keeps me sane. Either way, commutes are LONG relative to most places. DC=lots of people. More people = more moronic drivers. nuf said. Living in Alexandria is going to be tough unless you want to live in the ghetto or are making real good money to afford the crazy prices there. DC, Arlington, and Old Town do have some cool places for night life, and you can always find a cool place to go for a good time no matter where you live. I think all the places to live that have been suggested (Springfield/Lorton/Sterling/Centreville/Burke/etc) are all good. From Centreville, it takes me about an hour to Orange though......but it also takes me an hour each day to go to work (DC)... Thats my 0.02... I think when Jesus said "love your enemy" he probably meant don't kill them. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Kennedy 0 #30 April 16, 2004 I lived there for five years, had the pleasure of living in MD and working in VA. Don't ever do it, man. It's not worth it. The pay looks high, but it doesn't go up as much as costs do. Every available square inch is being turned into housing. Shitty Townhouses that are 20 miles out cost $350,000 and the commute is over an hour quite often. The roads are a nightmare. It's not rare for the entire beltway to just come to a halt. Rush Hour lasts from 6:30 or 7:00 am through at least 10:00. Afternoon is from around 3:00 through 7:30pm. And that's just when things are grinding to a halt and exits are backed up on the highway, etc. There is ALWAYS traffic. There is never a time without cars on the road. One selling point is Murphy's in Old Towne. Great bar, plus there seems to be a constant stream of Army just waiting to start a fight and get beat down. (I said start, not win) Overall though, it would suck sweaty ass to live and work there.witty subliminal message Guard your honor, let your reputation fall where it will, and outlast the bastards. 1* Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #31 April 16, 2004 Quote Are you thinking of taking a new job or just moving to a new location? Totally new job. Thanks for all the info everyone. The money would be about the same as I make now so I'd actually be losing in that respect because of the SHARP rise in cost of living. The big draw for me is the job itself. Which....funny enough.....I only have a vague idea of what it entails. Just another possibility out there at this moment. Kind of a "Maybe" on the horizon. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Aviatrr 0 #32 April 16, 2004 QuoteThe money would be about the same as I make now so I'd actually be losing in that respect because of the SHARP rise in cost of living. If you have to live in/near Alexandria, and make about the same....I'd say forget it...it'll be like taking a HUGE pay cut. Plus, you should be able to transfer out of Cleveland within a couple years, right? There have got to be some decent bases out there.. Mike Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
freeflir29 0 #33 April 16, 2004 QuotePlus, you should be able to transfer out of Cleveland within a couple years, right? That's the communist propaganda they spew. Reality is.......they have no transfer policy and no real plans to get one. QuoteThere have got to be some decent bases out there.. I used to live about a 20-30 minute drive (No traffic day/time) from the Atlanta airport. I had to move to this SHIT HOLE to take the job. Yeah......I'd be a happy little camper if they would send me back to Atlanta. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
