Single and moving to DC area. Where to live??? (Arlington: condo, townhouse)

[Erik_to_DC]

I will soon be moving to the DC area and am looking for some advice on where to live. I will be working at the Reagan Building downtown (Federal Triangle Metro stop, Orange/Blue line) .

I am single, 32yrs. old.
Live fairly simply and don’t have debt or many financial obligations.
Will be making around $80K to start.

Looking for:

Purchase one bedroom condo close to work (possibly DC or NOVA).
Would like to find a place in the $200Ks.
Want to minimize commute as much as possible (don’t mind a decent walk, though).
Will sacrifice size for location, but would like something decent and in a decent area.

Would there be anything like this close in DC?
Would Arlington be a good option?
Any other ideas or advice?

Thanks so much for your help.

[goldenmom7500]

Hi,

I know the Orange Line (Arlington, etc.) better than the Blue Line. Some of the "metro stops/areas" are Courthouse (I lived there, typically high rises, workaholic types, I think??), Clarendon (more ethnic, vibrant), and Ballston (I guess younger, social).

The 200s might be a little low for Arlington; even further out I would aim for high 200s.

Falls Church is another possiblity.

Several years ago, I went to see an older condo/townhouse residence in Alexandria. It was built in the 60s, and instead of a highrise, had individual buildings kind of divided. It was neat and much less expensive than the new construction I was looking at ... (my Aunt thought that I was over my head spending $100K on a McLean condo versus this place which would have been in the 60s-70s - this wasn't *that* long ago!) Something like this might fit your price range today but (helpful, right) I don't know the name.

If anyone might know of this or similar places, I'll call on the Alexandria experts!