Communting Options

Like many other metropolitan areas, the Metro DC/No. Virginia area struggles with traffic congestion.  Many times, the commute is the number one or two factor in deciding where to purchase a home.  In addition to the obvious choice of driving to work every day on the Beltway, Rt. 66, Rt. 7, Rt. 50 or Rt. 1, there are other commuter options you should consider. 

There is a MetroRail system on par with subway systems you will find in other major cities.  There is also a MetroBus system that serves the greater DC area, and some smaller local bus services like George in Falls Church City,  DASH in Alexandria, and the Fairfax Connector and the CUE Bus system which serves George Mason University and the Vienna Metro Station.

There is commuter train service through Virginia Railway Express (VRE) , and the MARC Train which connects both Maryland and West Virginia to downtown DC.

The area also has several different ridesharing programs, many of them targeted at employees of large government agencies downtown or personnel at the Pentagon.

The Amtrak Train is easily accessed through Union Station in DC, and also in Alexandria ; and there are Greyhound Bus Terminals throughout the Metro area.

The Northern Virginia region has 3 airports that offer a wide range of choice for air travel: Dulles Airport (IAD) in western Fairfax County, Reagan National Airport (DCA) in DC, and Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) in Baltimore.  There are also smaller regional airports for private aircraft in Leesburg, Stafford and Manassas.

Biking and walking are also commuter options, and more companies are allowing telecommuting as an option as well.  So consider asking your employer about that possibility.

When considering where to begin looking for your next home, consider all the commuter options that may be available to you.  If you have any questions or need guidance, I am only a phone call or email away.