Washington D.C. forms the center of gravity for employment in the region, whether it’s government jobs or private sector. Living close to the city has always been a desirable option for homebuyers in Northern Virginia. With gas prices soaring to over $4/gallon, the time and expense of commuting makes this consideration weigh even more heavily in the decision-making process about where to live.
The majority of my clients want to buy a home in Alexandria or Arlington. Why? Location. Location. Location. Alexandria & Arlington – the two closest-in suburbs of Washington D.C. are the optimal spots for those working in the District.
In fact, most Alexandrians and Arlingtonians consider the locations “A Commuter’s Dream.”
Thinking about purchasing a home in Northern Virginia?
Information about transportation in and around Alexandria and Arlington:
METRO (D.C. Area’s Subway System)
Alexandria and Arlington are served by the Metro’s Orange, Blue, and Yellow Lines. Click here for a map of the entire system. The Orange Line runs through North Arlington from the Ballston area to Rosslyn and into D.C. The Blue Line starts in Springfield, runs through the West End of Alexandria, hits Old Town Alexandria, and the South Arlington locations of Pentagon City and Crystal City. The Yellow Line also reaches several of these same areas among others in Alexandria.
Rather than fighting traffic to get into D.C. for business or pleasure, many area residents and commuters opt to ride the metro to various points of interest within the District, Northern Virginia, and suburban Maryland.
In fact, I’ve heard numerous radio reports within the last couple of days, that ridership is way up and the number of commuters riding on metro recently has hit some records. It’s no wonder with the price of gas.
Living near a Metro stop is a very popular choice and criteria for many home purchasers. Many people who live along the Metro (especially in Arlington) forego a car altogether, since they are able to walk to shops, restaurants, nightlife, and hop on the metro for an easy commute to work.
For more information about available condos on the Metro line, click on Orange vs. Blue: Condos on the Metro Line in Arlington & Alexandria.
BUS LINES
Metro Bus – The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) which operates the subway also operates an extensive system of buses. Major areas to catch a bus, either to the subway, or to your destination include The Pentagon, Rosslyn, Shirlington, Ballston, and all along the Columbia Pike corridor in Arlington. Metro bus routes are dispersed through Alexandria, and rarely will you find yourself more than a short walk to a metro bus stop.
Dash Bus – Alexandria also operates the local DASH Bus system. This local commuting option provides safe, reliable bus service within the City of Alexandria and connects with Metrobus, Metrorail, and the Virginia Railway Express as well as the Pentagon bus station.
ART Bus -- No it's not a sightseeing tour of art or architecture, but the local bus system servicing Arlington County. It supplements the Metro bus system with smaller, neighborhood friendly vehicles and provides access to Metro rail locations in Arlington.
MAJOR ROADS
If you live in Arlington or Alexandria and you choose to drive, you’re surrounded by all the major roads, including I-395, Route 66, Route 50, Route 495. Each of these major highways is easily accessible and since Arlington and Alexandria are so close to D.C., you’ll avoid most of the traffic that commuters in further out regions suffer through. There’s also plenty of easy-to-navigate back roads that enable you to circumvent backups and keep you on the path to D.C. without much major detour.
The Virginia Railway Express is a commuter train, mostly for those living further out in Virginia, throughout Prince William County, parts of Fairfax County, out to Manassas, and down as far south as Fredericksburg. Heading into D.C., there is a stop on the rail line in Old Town Alexandria, and one in Crystal City, Arlington.
Alexandria and Arlington are so close to D.C., that you can even ride your bike to work (provided you have a place to shower off during the summer months). I used to do that before real estate when I worked at a law firm in D.C. Some of the many bicycle trails that run through Arlington & Alexandria include: The Washington & Old Dominion Trail (W&OD), the Mount Vernon Trail, Bluemont Trail, Four Mile Run Trail. Additionally, there are several roads throughout Arlington and Alexandria that include dedicated bicycle lanes. Save on gas costs – commute to D.C. on bike. You can’t do that if you live in Loudoun County! Read more about Biking Around Northern Virginia and the D.C. Area
RONALD REAGAN NATIONAL AIRPORT
Need to be to the airport in 20 minutes? You can! Of course, in these days of heightened security, you’ll need to arrive an hour or so before your flight, but nevertheless, Ronald Reagan National Airport is located in Arlington, easily accessible by car or by the Metro. Its location off the George Washington Parkway is just minutes north of Old Town Alexandria and a quick drive from Pentagon City, Crystal City, or just about anywhere else in Arlington. Reagan National Airport is a busy airport with daily flights to locations around the country.
ARLINGTON & ALEXANDRIA
A COMMUTER'S DREAM
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Brian - If I can do cartwheels to work, I'm in like sin. Good post and point. Your area in Virginia seems to be a wonderful place to live.
Awesome! I think you hit the nail on the head, hit one out of the park! Love the "it's a commuters dream"
JASON: I agree. Working and living nearby is great. My office is 3 miles from my home (when I'm not in my home office). My wife's dance studio is 3 miles from our home. Neither of us ever have to deal with rush hour traffic. Come for a visit sometime.
JO: Thanks! The video was a lot of fun to make and edit and everyone involved enjoyed seeing the finished product.
Biran, I heard the DC area was a commuters dream...rotfl. GREAT video. You are a pro at that, for sure! Good job! I'd hit the pool, but it just started to rain, go figure!
Brian, Great job on the video and a beautiful informational post! It looks very professional! I'll be moving your way soon! With the miles I put on my car I COULD commute!
Later in the rain~Deb
Great job Brian!! I love this. I was up your way for Memorial Day. I should have come to your neck of the woods... No rush hour traffic and 3 miles to work. That just sounds simply lovely!!
Brian - Great job with the video......... Wish I could have done the same :(. thanks for the support and understanding.....
I will rise above next week!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I come to the NAR meetings in May and use the metro. It's easy and inexpensive. We are getting to the size in Grand Rapids that we could use something other than the bus system.
It's a commuter's dream! Loved the video Brian...I would be doing the same thing...very ingenious....got your whole city/neighborhood involved. Now...did you know these people? :)
Brian - Your area seems like an awesome place to live ! Great video and thumbs up on this post !
Brian- Great job and chock full of info. It's a 'lifestyle' choice for sure. I would love it, my hubby would hate it. He needs that green green grass of home and besides would have a hard time manuevering his tractor around town. :)
ELIZABETH: Thanks for your comment. Glad you liked the video.
GARY: Thanks for your comments. I do enjoy creating videos.
DEB: Thanks for the compliment on the post and video.
KIMBERLY: To be honest, we do have some of the worst traffic in the country during rush hour, but I'm lucky to avoid it and there are many other options here besides driving your own car.
DESIREE: Thanks partner!
TERRY: The D.C. Metro system is efficient, fast, and inexpensive. I don't ride it that often anymore, but I used to be a daily commuter.
SALLY: Thanks for your compliments. I do know all the people in the video. They are all Northern Virginia local residents. Some jumped at the chance to be in the video, while others were a bit reluctant, though they all enjoyed the final production.
MELISSA: Thanks for your comment and encouragement.
MARTHA: I love living near the city and having an easy drive or Metro in to town. Thanks for your comment.
Brian, everything good about living in Arlington and Alexandria DOES definately boil down to the location, location, location. You are right on! This is a great video, and it really shows the diversity of the area, which is another great thing about both areas. GREAT job!
MARGARET: Thanks for your comments. The location of Arlington and Alexandria really can't be beat in the Metro area. For Maryland, I guess it would be Bethesda. Thanks for the compliments on the video -- it was fun getting all those folks involved.
Thank you for all this fabulous information. I have clients transferring down from DC and this gives me helpful info on what public transportation that they are used to.....
Brian- Congrats on the gold star and it was very deserved! I love this video, just like a real commercial! Its a commuters dream, great tagline,and you got the pain going on like a pro! The post content matches so well and is right on target. Excellent job!
With content like this on alternative transportation, it positions you as an agent who really knows the local community and is in touch with the issues that affect residents. Nice use of testimonials to support your information.
Brian, I loved your video. It was brilliant! The people were so "real" And your editing was great. Thank you for this. I can't believe we placed before you and Desiree. You are both so good at what you do. I am proud to share the platform with you.
Later in the rain~Deb
Mr Block...once again you have outdone yourself! Awesome man! Absolutely awesome!
Brian there is no doubt that you are the Real Estate expert for the Alexandria and Arlington Virginia area. I can see why consumers would choose you to be their representative!
PATTI: Thanks for reading and commenting.
KATERINA: Thanks so much for your comment. This is probably my favorite video that I've made so far. It was really fun to get everyone involved and they've all enjoyed seeing the finished piece.
JOHN: Yes, transportation is a big issue here, especially with our traffic. There's constant political back and forth about widening the roads, expanding the metro system, etc.
DEB: Thank you... Thank you. Your kind comments mean a lot.
JEREMY: Thanks my friend!
BILL: I appreciate it and hope that many homebuyers and sellers will see things the same way that you do!
Hi Brian What a great job on your post and wow ahat a way to sell a location
JUNE: Thanks for the compliment.
Brian, Great video. Good use of the medium for marketing.
HOLLY: Thanks for your compliment and for watching the video.