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[GenericThermos]

I anticipate that many people on this forum may soon be moving to the DC area because of the recent openings for patent examiners at the PTO.  To eliminate clutter from my other thread relating to the hiring process at the PTO, I figured it would be a good idea to start another thread where people can ask about where to live in DC.

I'd like to keep this thread focused on where to live in DC.   If you have questions regarding the hiring process, please post in this thread      http://www.intelproplaw.com/ip_forum/index.php/topic,15174.0.html

[what4]

how realistic is google's estimate for the commute between Lorton and Alexandria on a typical morning? and on a typical evening going the opposite? 

[dablueman]

how realistic is google's estimate for the commute between Lorton and Alexandria on a typical morning? and on a typical evening going the opposite? 

It is completely dependent on what time you leave both ways and how many morons hit each other that morning. For instance, right not (5am) it will be empty. 8am = bring newspaper.

[Examinerguy]

how realistic is google's estimate for the commute between Lorton and Alexandria on a typical morning? and on a typical evening going the opposite? 

If you want your sanity, stay away from 95.

[patentgirl141]

What are some common places people live in near the PTO (e.g. w/in a 20-30 min. commute via Metro?). What is dangerous/not safe? How much can you expect to pay rent (~ price range) for a 1BR/1bath apt?

[physwm2501]

am still in the waiting process but have been looking for apartments, to prepare for the best case scenario.

I have found that http://www.padmapper.com/ is pretty helpful in locating apartments.  Don't know how complete their directory is but it seems to be a good resource.

[heyitsjohn2002]

When I was an Examiner, we lived in Fairfax... the commute was very manageable when I drove to PTO at 5 a.m., and returned home at 2:30 or 3:00 -- new Examiner's will get that flexibility after about 4-6 months, although it depends on SPE.

Living in DC is best thought of as metro stops, not cities.  PTO is on the yellow/blue line, I think the stop is "King st."?  in alexandria.  So if you live near a yellow/blue line metro stop, you won't have to transfer.

When I took metro, I had to drive to Vienna stop (orange line), and go from there.  That was a 90 minute commute during general rush hour and that was after I figured out shortcuts how to get to metro station.

[klaviernista]

how realistic is google's estimate for the commute between Lorton and Alexandria on a typical morning? and on a typical evening going the opposite? 

Depends on how far down route 1 you are.  If you are past 95 and commuting to telegraph road down route 1, budget 20-25 minutes with no traffic, 45 minutes with traffic.  There are a ton of lights.  A better route would be to take Route 1 to telegraph road south, and take telegraph all the way into Alexandria or the Huntington metro.

Route 1 backs up at numerous places between 95 and Alexandria, especially near 95.  This is not a big deal in the mornings, as you will be heading against traffic (if you are all the way down in Lorton), but it could be frustrating in the afternoons.

[klaviernista]

Living in DC is best thought of as metro stops, not cities.  PTO is on the yellow/blue line, I think the stop is "King st."?  in alexandria.  So if you live near a yellow/blue line metro stop, you won't have to transfer.

Yes, the PTO is nearest to the King st metor stop in Alexadria.  If you live in Virginia, the yellow line is almost pointless unless you see a cost benefit by paying for metro parking and not parking at the PTO (Huntington metro is at the end of the yellow line, and only 2 short stops from King st).  On the VA side, the blue line from Franconia Sprinfield is worthwhile (long enough trip), but you might as well drive or bike if you live near Van Dorn.

[klaviernista]

Also, if anyone has any specific questions about living near the PTO, feel free to give me a shout.  I lived <5 miles from the PTO for the better part of 28 years.  So I know the area
very well. 

[Physgeek]

Is it hard to live without a car in the DC area?

Physgeek

[bald & chained]

Is it hard to live without a car in the DC area?

Physgeek

I've lived in Adams Morgan without a car for several years while commuting to the PTO.  No problem.  But if you move out to suburbs or live somewhere far from the metro, you'll need it.

[what4]

Depends on how far down route 1 you are.  If you are past 95 and commuting to telegraph road down route 1, budget 20-25 minutes with no traffic, 45 minutes with traffic.  There are a ton of lights.  A better route would be to take Route 1 to telegraph road south, and take telegraph all the way into Alexandria or the Huntington metro.

Route 1 backs up at numerous places between 95 and Alexandria, especially near 95.  This is not a big deal in the mornings, as you will be heading against traffic (if you are all the way down in Lorton), but it could be frustrating in the afternoons.

Thanks.  What do you think about taking the VRE?  I saw that the two VRE lines in the area have stops in Alexandria that appear to be close to the Office.
  

[klaviernista]

Is it hard to live without a car in the DC area?

Physgeek

I've lived in Adams Morgan without a car for several years while commuting to the PTO.  No problem.  But if you move out to suburbs or live somewhere far from the metro, you'll need it.

If you are in DC proper, the lack of a car is not a problem.  If you are outside of DC proper, you'll need some form of transportation.

[GenericThermos]

So exactly where has everyone been looking at?

I took out a trip out to DC this weekend, and rode the orange line metro from Ballston, as far out as I realistically want to live, over to the Blue line and down to King. 

Can any of you locals recommend apartments to look at?  I'm basically looking for a two bedroom apartment, willing to pay at most $2400 a month, nearish to the orange metro line anywhere between Ballston and Roslyn. 

I wouldnt mind up to a 15 minute walk to get to the metro, but thats about it.

Suggestions?