Does any real estate agency rent houses in the area for $1200 or less?

[normie]

Originally Posted by ChristineVA

Please don't come here for $39,000K. Most people who take that kind of salary here are single and get several roommates. The ony exception would be if your wife is also going to work and get at least the same sort of income.

You will probably be very miserable.

Agreed. I love Nova but it isn't for everyone. You would not be happy here on that salary.

[robbobobbo]

Originally Posted by Teebyrd86

Sadly there is a family of four (wife,husband, baby and 7-8 yr old) currently living in a one bedroom condo (one of the smallest models) on the first floor of my building, and this is not the first time I have seen that around here.

But that's not what I was recommending, nor was it the case with me.

The OP doesn't have any kids and may have a baby in the future, which means 9-plus months away. I don't see the point in renting a large place with insufficient income, if that means either a really long commute (and the gas costs that go with it) or living in a marginally-safe or unsafe area.

[chariega]

39k would be pretty difficult for 2 people. Unless your wife could find a job, I would not move here. You could probably find a bigger place in PG county, but safety may be hit or miss. If you can go for a 2 bdr apt or even 1 bdr, your options could be better for NoVA (notably Alexandria or Annandale).

It's expensive here, and though the grass may look greener than where you are, NoVA would be hard for your family on a 39k salary. I'd definitely recommend your wife to find a job (anything--retail, clerical) before you made a decision to move this way.

Good luck!

[stpickrell]

OP, if you are renting and *might* have a baby, why not rent a studio or 1BR place now? (Why would you need a 3BR with a baby, why not a 2BR?)

Will your wife be able to find work, even if it's 15-20k a year in retail/food service?

You'll need the money later on. I'm going to assume you are starting in your field and will be able to get raises/job-hop early on so you won't be making 39k forever.

For 1200 a month I'd be looking at Frederick or Loudoun Counties.

[nimo734]

Originally Posted by ChristineVA

Please don't come here for $39,000K. Most people who take that kind of salary here are single and get several roommates. The ony exception would be if your wife is also going to work and get at least the same sort of income.

You will probably be very miserable.

my wife is a nurse she will probably make more.

[ChristineVA]

Originally Posted by nimo734

my wife is a nurse she will probably make more.

Well, that's a different story then!

It is still very difficult to find a house for $1200 per month with your requirements unless you move way out. If you can figure out her salary and work from there, you will have many more options.

[stpickrell]

Also if you are double income no kids why not rent out some guy's basement?

[dkf747]

There are income restricted apartments throughout the DC area (including NoVa) that you could possibly qualify for. I don't know about houses though.