Hi Mid Atlantic Owners! I've lived in Daytona since buying the S in March 2000, but alas, being the in the military, unfortunately my nomadic existence will be taking me to the DC area starting in September. Actually, Reston, VA.

I'm looking to buy a townhouse or even a plain old home but am not interested in a long commute. How far from my workplace would I have to live so that my commute isn't more than 20 minutes? Also, I have no idea how congested an area that is--is Reston a busy suburb, a quiet country hamlet, or what?

Should I be worried that I'll be carjacked and shot if I drive to work top-down daily in the S? Should I get a beater?

When in the fall does the temperature drop below 50 degrees in the mornings--the point at which I put the top up?

Anyone know of any decent condos/townhouse neighborhoods with garages in that area? Searching sites like realtor.com is frustrating.

Thanks for any advice... hope to see all of you soon!

George

 

I'll leave it to the truly DC-area folks to tell you whether or not you'll have to worry about getting mugged ...but as for where to room, seems fate might have dealt you a good card ==> here <==

Looking forward to meeting you

- Dave

 

Unless you live in DC, there is no way you can get to DC in under 20 min in the morning from 5AM-9AM or back from 4pm-7pm.

Reston is in the better side of NOVA, I wouldnt be worried about car jackers IMO...

 

Reston ehh? A nice suburban area that was actually a planned community. I'm not sure what cost of living is in Daytona, but it's pricey in most of Northern VA, including Reston. There's a really nice town center there with plenty of restaurants and things going on. The town itself is really not all that big.

Are you working right there in Reston? If so and you wanted to save a little, you could try the neighboring Herndon area(a little less expensive). Traffic is not as bad as the Tysons area, but the area is booming.

Good luck and maybe some of the Reston peeps can elaborate. See you around!

 

are you actually working in Reston? Not to scare you but there are certain roads in Reston where you can't go 5 miles in 20 minutes so is the life of a DC area commuter. Most of Virginia is pretty safe, no car jackings or burnt out cars. There are some parts of DC that are sketchy at nite, but you'll figure that out quickly.

I strongly suggest you find a realtor if you're serious about getting property. real estate moves very fast here and it's not cheap but some areas aren't too bad. But you can buy a place 10 miles away (looks good on paper) that puts you on one of the EVIL commuter routes and your commute is totally tanked! An agent can really help you with that, they'll also get early access to properties coming on the market. To give you perspective, the place I bought was the 4th place i put an offer on, all 4 sold after being on the market for less then 3 days. I bought mine after it was on the market for 1 day.

Reston is roughly divided in two sections, North Reston is where the town center and newer developments are. South Reston is a little older and the real estate prices are little lower. Herndon is also a decent alternative.

 

Although we'd love to have you in our community, the best advice is..........






DON'T DO IT!!!
Unless of course, you could arrange it so that I replace you in Florida!

 

Reston is a prime spot in NOVA. Homes are very expensive. Traffic is a nightmare!!! 20 mins will get you out of your neighborhood in most places.

 

i live 5 minutes from Reston.
Reston is one of my fav. cities in USA right next to San Fran and San Diego. It has it's nice spots (Lake Ann).
When you move down here, hit me up. I can give a tour.
Plus can hook you up with a house etc.

 

Thanks everyone for your advice! I was up in the area last week househunting (took the girlfriend's CRV) and hooked up with a great realtor... found a nice little home in Sterling, up by the mall there, and made an offer. Assuming the checks don't bounce (sheesh, homes are expensive up there, and I didn't know what "earnest money" was until I was writing the check that could have paid for a beater car), I should be settling in mid September right after I move. I'll be eating Raman and vienna sausages for a couple months until my raise kicks in, but overall I'm pleased with my home, the area, and my new job. Daytona might have a beach and year-round sun, but all the little curvy, rural back roads in the area seemed designed specifically to tear-ass through in the S2000!!!

I even got up early and drove my "work route" during rush hour one day (I'll be working on Sunrise Valley in Reston) and it took barely 20 minutes. A number of folks on the board told me traffic could be an issue. Every single person I talk to complains about the traffic up there. At least in my case, it seems to be 'much ado.'

The place I bought doesn't have a garage, and I plan on keeping the S as a daily driver. Anyone else do this up in the area? Does it suck bad in the winter??

Again, thanks for the advice, and I'll see ya'll soon!

 

welcome to the area! It's nice that you work in sunrise valley. traffic shouldnt be too bad. But if you venture out anywhere other than work, be prepared to find out what traffic really means! Prices of housing in Sterling, Herndon, Reston, Ashburn and etc used to be REALLY cheap not too long ago. When you told someone you live in sterling, it used to be like "whoa. you live all the way out in the boonies". Sterling used to be FIELDS 10 years ago, but now its home to the east coast silicon valley and the housing prices have gotten really up there.