How is life in D.C./Virginia area?

I would recommend trying to find something on or near the Orange line of the subway, which goes right into DC - Falls Church and Vienna are the more outlying areas closer to Dulles, and Ballston, Clarendon, and Courthouse are closer to the district.

I'd recommend going online to craigslist and seeing if you could rent a basement apartment or mother in law suite from a homeowner. It would be cheaper than a conventional apartment, but still in a good neighborhood.

Have a great time in DC - it's a great place to live.

It depends on where u work and live. Northern Virginia is a rather wise choice over residing in DC because its relatively cheaper. The towns closest to Dulles International Airport are Herndon, Reston, Vienna, Chantilly, and Centreville. They all have some cheap areas and some very expensive areas. Overall u should be ok with finding an apartment in one of those towns. It is an overall safe area to live and alot of outdoor activities to do. But the further u live from DC, the longer and tougher the commutes will be especially with the traffic here which is the second worst in the country behind Los Angeles. Good luck!!

It is very expensive to live in the DC limits, especially if you are looking to buy. Even renting is expensive. I lived in an efficiency apartment in DC several years ago and paid $600/month, but that has probably increased since then. You are better off finding a place in VA, in the suburbs, and near the metro line so you can save on commuting in and out of DC. Reston might be a nice place. Fairfax, too.

All in all, the DC area is a great place to live. You should never be bored there, with all the sites and culture. Good luck!