Possibly moving to Manassas VA did some research but need a bit more info (Centreville: 2015, apartment complexes)

[benmark]

Hi Everyone

So I concluded a second interview about two weeks ago for a position in Manassas VA. I have a feeling I got the job and they want to talk salary. So I’ve been doing some research on the Manassas area, where to live, etc. It seems like a lot of people say Haymarket, Gainesville, Centreville, and Bristow. Out of all of them Gainesville seems to be the most economical. However apartments in Manassas are the cheapest about 925-950/month. However, I wouldn’t mind paying a 100 more a month to live in a better area. It will just be me, no pets, fiancés, family or anything and I’m fine with a single bedroom.

I was looking through forums to find more details on what these places were like, but couldn’t find anything deeper than “it’s a nice place” or “it’s new”

I was wondering if I could get more details if anyone has more information about the lifestyle, activities, night life, and cost of living.

Another question I have is now the job conversation is leaning to salary talks. The position is posted as being from 46K – 72K. I highly doubt I’ll get into the higher range and have a feeling it might be high 40s to low 50s. Maybe 50K to 52K if I’m lucky. Would this be a good salary for the area? I certainly have no problems living within my means, but I want to make enough to live comfortable, having the occasional night out, and the ability to put away some savings.

Thanks in advance for all the advice and happy Father’s day to all the fathers out there!

[Bigfoot424]

Although not high you can certainly afford to live on that salary in this area if you are somewhat frugal. On that salary I'd want to stay as close as possible to keep fuel expenses down. Can you say where in Manassas this job is located? I'll be glad to tell what areas are safer and more livable but it would help to know where you'll be working.

[benmark]

Hi Bigfoot. thanks for the reply. I think its close to the Prince William Hospital.

[Bigfoot424]

I would avoid anything with Westgate or Coverstone in it. Ravens Crest was pretty safe and near shopping and I66. Rosemary Ridge. Masons Keepe. The Point at Bull Run. Chatsworth Park Apts. These are all complexes near the hospital and all were relatively safe and as quiet as you can expect for living in an apt. I'm not sure you can get one of these apartments for your budget though. Tanglewood Apts may be a little cheaper but it was a little busier area as well with calls for service with the PD. But certainly not a dump or high crime area.

[benmark]

Thanks! The point at Bull run seems affordable and perhaps with a tighter budget it could work. I'm not too worried about fuel costs since my car gets great mileage 35-40 MPGs. Found Sunnygate Village on 10120 Woodbury Drive Manassas, VA 20109 for $925/month. Is the area around the hospital good?

[Bigfoot424]

Originally Posted by benmark

Thanks! The point at Bull run seems affordable and perhaps with a tighter budget it could work. I'm too worried about fuel costs since my car gets great mileage 35-40 MPGs. Have you ever been to Gainesville? I was looking at Somerset Pointe I and II at 14701 Demming Drive Gainesville, VA 20155. It would be $1000/month. Also found Sunnygate Village on 10120 Woodbury Drive Manassas, VA 20109 for $925/month.

LoL. I know this county like the back of my hand. Was a PWC officer for 30 years. Gainesville is a good area but if you travel in rush hour times you'll see some pretty good traffic along Rt 29 or 66. You can go the back roads as well but they will still be heavy. Sunnygate Village is within walking distance of PWH. Not a bad area. A few more calls for service there but when it comes to apartment complexes they all have police type calls there more often VS a SFH area. It's to be expected.

[benmark]

Thanks for you help. I really appreciate it! Hopefully salary negotiations will go well and will be more than expected. Sometimes it helps to be a little pessimistic. Plan for the worst and anything more is bonus

[NYmama2dallas]

Gainesville is nice and you could get to work by the hospital pretty easily on back roads.

[KnownUnknown]

I don't see how you can't afford to live on a salary in the high 40's. Sometimes people here talk about how tough it is on their salary and I'm just amazed.

[oneasterisk]

Originally Posted by KnownUnknown

I don't see how you can't afford to live on a salary in the high 40's. Sometimes people here talk about how tough it is on their salary and I'm just amazed.

That's because a lot of people carry debt and much of their salary is to service that debt. School loans, car payment, credit card bills takes a big chunk of their paychecks.