Help requested w/ possible relocation to Northern VA/D.C. Metro area?

My DH got a job offer in Chantilly, VA, and we'll possibly be relocating if he decides to accept it. It's pretty much the offer of a life time for him, career-wise, although the salary offered is not only a paycut from what he currently makes, it's tremendously insufficient for the higher cost of living there.

(We live in an area where the cost of living is much less, and he makes significantly more.)

I hear that some parts of MD are cheaper, but apparently none of them are really within a decent commuting distance of Chantilly. Can anyone recommend good neighborhoods with decent prices? It'll be me, hubby, and the boys so we don't need a huge space, just somewhere safe and clean.

I'll pm you or you can IM me (it's in my profile).

Hi!

I just moved to Texas a year ago from the washington DC area.

The cost of living is TREMENDOUS out there.

If he is working in Chantilly, I would stay out that way. Houses and rentals are much cheaper that far outside the beltway.

Moving to a southern part of MD, would make his commute unbearable. (Traffic is horrendous in DC)

Don't move into the district. The tax is out of this world. Arlington and Falls Church are nice. But they are closer in, and INSIDE the beltway, and thus, more expencive. I rented a SMALL two bedroom one bath, in a 50 Year old complex in Arlington. Our rent was VERY cheap for the Arlington/Lee Highway area. It was $1,200 a month. (the second bedroom was the size of some large walk, in closets. It was pitiful)

If I were you, I would look at housing out in Ashburn, Fairfax, Centreville, Vienna, maybe even Leesburg.

Those are all up and coming areas, that if you bought property, would see a dramatic increase in value in years to come. They are also well outside the beltway and would be a much easier commute.

The rule of thumb is, the further you get away from The District (DC) the cheaper things are going to be. Stay in VA though. Don't mess with MD. IMHO

Good luck!