Commuting by car from NOVA to AU? (Arlington, Alexandria: to buy, university)

[NewAUProf]

Hi,

I'm going to start working at American University this fall. I lived in DC for a time a few years back, but never had a car or a commute. This time around, I would prefer not to live in DC, and even though AU is close to Maryland, I like Virginia better. That said, what's the car commute like from NOVA to AU? Does it make more sense to look in the Rosslyn/Courthouse area? Is Alexandria okay also (or maybe too far in the wrong direction)? Is the whole idea of commuting from NOVA to AU crazy?!

My hours will be flexible, so I may be able to avoid peak traffic times, but I know traffic can be heavy for much of the day, and I really don't want to spend more than 30 minutes in the car each way. Thanks much for any info/advice!!

[nwlv]

Sounds like you got the perfect job to live in Tennleytown. Why pay more to live in Arlington? NoVa is a better place to buy, but I would consider the nicer parts of DC, since I would be working there. The 10,000 per year, you will save without the car, will pay for a lot of cabs.

[NewAUProf]

Thanks for your response. You're probably right that it makes sense to save the cost of a car. I would really like the independence of an automobile; then again, $10K would buy a lot of cabs and zip cars! Have a good weekend.

[claremarie]

When I lived in McLean, I could get to the AU area in well under 30 minutes during non-peak travel times. Even during peak commute times, it's not bad. You can take Glebe Road to the Chain Bridge, head down Canal Road, up Arizona/Loughboro to AU. Much of North Arlington is within easy reach of AU -- really, right across the river -- with lower taxes and much higher levels of government services than you will get in DC.

[Alysse157]

Originally Posted by NewAUProf

Hi,

I'm going to start working at American University this fall. I lived in DC for a time a few years back, but never had a car or a commute. This time around, I would prefer not to live in DC, and even though AU is close to Maryland, I like Virginia better. That said, what's the car commute like from NOVA to AU? Does it make more sense to look in the Rosslyn/Courthouse area? Is Alexandria okay also (or maybe too far in the wrong direction)? Is the whole idea of commuting from NOVA to AU crazy?!

My hours will be flexible, so I may be able to avoid peak traffic times, but I know traffic can be heavy for much of the day, and I really don't want to spend more than 30 minutes in the car each way. Thanks much for any info/advice!!

When I was a grad student at AU, I commuted by car from South Arlington (Pentagon City) and it wasn't a bad commute at all. If I remember correctly, I think it took roughly 15-20 minutes. I always tried scheduling my classes for 10am or later to avoid the heaviest traffic. Also, I was advised to turn left after crossing the Key Bridge instead of making a right onto M St. If you go left, you can take Canal and Foxhall up to AU, which is a much more pleasant ride with far less traffic than the alternative of M St. to Wisconsin. Keep in mind that I graduated 8 years ago so travel times and traffic could be very different. But at the time, I was happy with my decision to live in Arlington. Good luck to you!

[NewAUProf]

Thanks everyone for the very helpful hints. It's great to hear from people who have actually made that commute. I'll be down in June to check things out, and I'll definitely consider the areas you've mentioned. Much appreciated!!!