What do you know about living/working in the DC Area

[WDWDancer]

Hey everyone,

I just found out I got a promotion and will be working in Hendron, VA I was wondering if any of you are from or know of people who/live work there. I'm currently stationed in MI and have only been to DC once for vacation so not really to sure about anything there. I could have to move in as quick as 2 weeks or as long as 30 days. So any tips, hints, helpful information would be greatly appreciated!!!

THANKS

 

[bumbershoot]

Herndon?


My stepdad used to live in Burke, and now lives in Vienna, and I gotta tell ya, I loved living that year with them in Burke. The area is so nice. The Metro takes you right into DC. I miss it there very much!

It's lovely to think on a Friday night...let's go see the Korean memorial, get up Sat morning, take the Metro in, see it, see Lincoln again, etc etc, just on your weekend. And most of the monuments/memorials are free. Lovely!

It also makes for easy houseguest entertaining, to have those things so closeby and free.

 

[Christine]

You should find this forum: http://www.city-data.com/forum/northern-virginia/ very helpful. You can get lots of info from people who live right in Herndon.

Herndon is located not too far outside of Dulles airport. It is a more established suburb and was one of the first major suburbs that grew up out that way when all that was there WAS the airport. It has an "old" section and they have had their issues in Herndon with illegal immigrants and petty crime; however, I think they have sort of gotten past that and many residents of Herndon are very happy there. It is about a 30 minute commute outside of DC (that is as long as there is NO traffic).

The Northern VA is very nice, lots to do, and a huge mix of people. But it can also be very expensive, lots of dual income earners, and a fairly frenetic pace.

 

[lovemygoofy]

I moved to North VA almost 4 months ago. I've heard of Herndon and that's about it. Here is what I have learned about the area:

Spend the money for a GPS unit and update the maps. Very much worth it.

Master the art of the U-turn. Apparently that is the number one direction is this area is the U. I have learned it well finely.

Be prepared to be honked at alot should you pause, look like you are going to pause or even dare stop at a yellow light. It's okay it's not just you, they honk at everyone.

Yes, it's expensive but alot of the housing here is really large. Depending on how much you make, you may have to share something or be prepared for something on the smaller side.

Just because it's 10 miles away doesn't mean that it won't take you an hour to get there. Learn the art of patience or in car entertainment.

Good luck in your hunt for somewhere to live. It's rather overwhelming that's for sure.

 

[bookgirl]

Parking is a PITA. As in there is none. Whereever you stay ask about parking.

 

[Christine]

I moved to North VA almost 4 months ago. I've heard of Herndon and that's about it. Here is what I have learned about the area:

Spend the money for a GPS unit and update the maps. Very much worth it.

Master the art of the U-turn. Apparently that is the number one direction is this area is the U. I have learned it well finely.

Be prepared to be honked at alot should you pause, look like you are going to pause or even dare stop at a yellow light. It's okay it's not just you, they honk at everyone.

Yes, it's expensive but alot of the housing here is really large. Depending on how much you make, you may have to share something or be prepared for something on the smaller side.

Just because it's 10 miles away doesn't mean that it won't take you an hour to get there. Learn the art of patience or in car entertainment.

Good luck in your hunt for somewhere to live. It's rather overwhelming that's for sure.

Tina--I see you've come over to our ways quite nicely!

It's so funny to me to read these things because I have lived here most of my life and it is all I know.

 

[Pin Wizard]

I haven't been in Herndon, but I've seen signs for it on 95! Another here who likes Burke. I didn't venture far off of 123, but what we saw looked really nice. One of these days, we need to go geocaching to the parks around there.

My sister lived in Northern VA at least 30 years. She loved it! Last was in Fairfax. They just recently retired and left the area. Must be nice. LOL! Early retirement.

 

[mikehn]

One of the trendy suburbs of DC. Im sure you'll enjoy it.

 

[Christine]

One of the trendy suburbs of DC. Im sure you'll enjoy it.

Do you really think so? I don't overly view it as trendy. Maybe Reston, but not Herndon. But maybe I've missed something.

 

[nordkin]

Working in Herndon you can live in Reston, Herndon, Asburn, The Rdiings, or Sterling and have an easy commute.. McNair Farms in Herndon is nice, but I would stay away from the Alabama Ave area of Herndon. I worked in Herndon for 25 years for the electric company and know the area very well. I don't mind answering any questions you may have.

 

[WDWDancer]

Thanks everyone!!! I was looking at probably a condo/apartment I've already been overwhelmed by prices!!! LOL

I will def. be getting a TOMTOM or the likes becasue I get lost so easy.....I am from a really small farm town and only ever lived in Disney Housing on the College Program so this will be a huge change!

I'm suppose to get a chance to take a day or two to house hunt so hopefully I will find something When I learn of anything more I'm sure I'll be picking your brains more!!

 

[JEmaryland]

Not to be a downer, but I lived in MI for much of my life before I moved to the DC area and I miss MI A LOT! While there are a lot of fun things to see and do, most of the people down here are snobby, unfriendly, and terrible drivers.

 

[clutter]

Thanks everyone!!! I was looking at probably a condo/apartment I've already been overwhelmed by prices!!! LOL

I will def. be getting a TOMTOM or the likes becasue I get lost so easy.....I am from a really small farm town and only ever lived in Disney Housing on the College Program so this will be a huge change!

I'm suppose to get a chance to take a day or two to house hunt so hopefully I will find something When I learn of anything more I'm sure I'll be picking your brains more!!

You're right up the street from me. Fairfax County Parkway, that is. It sounds like you're single. Just this week, there was some survey that said that Herndon had one of the largest single populations in the area.

Someone mentioned McNair Farms. Nice area, but the elementary school is an issue if you have kids. It is an easy commute to anything in Herndon, that's for sure. Traffic isn't quite as awful as people make it out to be, but it can be a bear. Realize that it is now summer, and it is greatly reduced. By the time fall comes around, you will see a difference, so don't make a commuting decision based on today's traffic.

There are nicer parts of Herndon and not-so-nice parts of Herndon. You'll learn. But the 'Herndon' area is actually pretty large, it stretches for a number of miles. But you may still prefer living in Reston, Sterling or Ashburn. It's really a great area, WELCOME!

(Tina, you do have NoVa nailed down pretty quickly. Welcome, too!)

 

[Tina]

Not to be a downer, but I lived in MI for much of my life before I moved to the DC area and I miss MI A LOT! While there are a lot of fun things to see and do, most of the people down here are snobby, unfriendly, and terrible drivers.

I'm also a native Michigander living in Virginia (12+ years now). I do miss Michigan, but mostly just certain Michigan things --- like Coney dogs, Big Boy, and the water (St. Clair river). I don't find the people here to be unfriendly at all. Yes, there are lots of bad drivers, but I find that most of them have Maryland tags. (hey you, the turn signal is that stick on the right side of your steering wheel!! )

The Reston/Herndon area is very nice. I think you'll find lots of things to like here.

 

[Quiksilvr]

I live in downtown DC, which is a completely different experience from living in NoVA. There are weeks when our car doesn't move an inch. I don't think one can usually say that living in Virginia. That said, the region is a cool place to live. I would recommend living as close to your workplace as you feel comfortable with... I hate a long commute. If you live far from your office, you will likely spend much more time in your car than you're used to.

 

[Tina]

There are weeks when our car doesn't move an inch. I don't think one can usually say that living in Virginia.

Except those of us sitting on I-66. Or at least it feels like weeks!

 

[MomNeedsVacay]

I moved to North VA almost 4 months ago. I've heard of Herndon and that's about it. Here is what I have learned about the area:

Spend the money for a GPS unit and update the maps. Very much worth it.

Master the art of the U-turn. Apparently that is the number one direction is this area is the U. I have learned it well finely.

Be prepared to be honked at alot should you pause, look like you are going to pause or even dare stop at a yellow light. It's okay it's not just you, they honk at everyone.

Yes, it's expensive but alot of the housing here is really large. Depending on how much you make, you may have to share something or be prepared for something on the smaller side.

Just because it's 10 miles away doesn't mean that it won't take you an hour to get there. Learn the art of patience or in car entertainment.

Good luck in your hunt for somewhere to live. It's rather overwhelming that's for sure.

I didn't know that you live here now?! Where do you live?

 

[MomNeedsVacay]

One of the trendy suburbs of DC. Im sure you'll enjoy it.

Herdon a trendy suburb? I wouldn't say that.. I've lived in Alexandria, VA for 10 years and my DH has lived here his whole life. REalty is more pricey here in Alexandria City, but it also retains its value a lot more. Its a great town and I'd also recommend Arlington, VA as a place to live...lots of nightlife...quick and easy access to DC . We have a few friends that commute from Alexandria to Herndon. Good Luck!!
BTW--its totally true that everyone around here is rush, rush,rush, but the bad drivers are the Marylanders.....

 

[Christine]

To the OP:

I don't know your age but the popular and desirable place to live for recent college grads with jobs and wanting a social life is Clarendon. It is the happening place to be with the 20-something crowds. Many live there and commute out.

My best friend's daughter has a good job with a defense contractor located in Stafford, but she is still aiming to rent up in Clarendon and do the reverse commute. Clarendon is just that fun apparently.

 

[MomNeedsVacay]

To the OP:

I don't know your age but the popular and desirable place to live for recent college grads with jobs and wanting a social life is Clarendon. It is the happening place to be with the 20-something crowds. Many live there and commute out.

My best friend's daughter has a good job with a defense contractor located in Stafford, but she is still aiming to rent up in Clarendon and do the reverse commute. Clarendon is just that fun apparently.

I agree with this statement..Clarendon is totally a fun place..I met my hubbie in a bar there (Whitlow's BTW- to OP Clarendon is part of Arlington County. And Arlington is just across the bridge from Georgetown, which is a fun, young hipster place to hang too....