Overview
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Annandale is a somewhat diverse, medium-sized suburb less than 20 miles from Washington, DC. The closest Metro stop is Dunn-Loring, which is in Vienna, about a 10 minute drive from most places in Annandale. Annandale is also very close to 495, 395, and 66, which are among the busiest highways in the area. Schools in Annandale are pretty good, and include Annandale High School, which has an award-winning newspaper. The area has a bit of local flavor, with several very popular independently owned restaurants, including Lighthouse Tofu (many DC folk make the trip to Annandale to eat here). It's also known for having the best Korean food in the DC Metro area. Housing prices in Annandale are somewhat affordable, compared to the DC Metro area, and you may be able to find a two bedroom apartment for around $1,500/month.
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Annandale has a lot of single family homes, apartments for young professionals and families, and townhomes. It has a large Korean and Hispanic population, too.
Mostly the social scene is outside of Annandale because it's close to several bigger towns.
The value is good here. A spacious one-bedroom apartment next to the main road (Little River Turnpike) is around $1,200 a month--walking distance to a grocery store, CVS pharmacy, and several different bus routes.
Plenty of parking. Over night guests at the apartment complexes have to have a special pass, but those are free for residents to get for guests. No metered parking! It's also a significant hub for several bus routes--three of which go to at least one Metro station a piece. You can be in DC in less than an hour if you take the public transportation. You can drive, too, if you don't mind Northern VA/DC traffic.
Move in mid-month for a prorated first month, and move in October-February for discounts.
If your apartment complex allows pets, you'll have to pay a fee, but there are parks and walking areas closeby, so it's good for pets.
DC is less than an hour away using public transportation, 20-45 minutes driving (depending on traffic). Old Town Alexandria is about 15 minutes driving, 40 using public transportation--this is a cool area just to walk around and try some different foods. Rosslyn is a 50-minute bus ride, and you can get to Georgetown and DC from there easily. There are also parks, playgrounds, and walking trails closeby for fun, too.
Stick around Little River Turnpike, Ravensworth Rd, and Annandale Rd, and Backlick Rd, since these are the main roads. The buses frequent these roads every 30 minutes to an hour (more often during rush times), so getting around is pretty easy.
Most apartment complexes have their own fitness centers, but there is also a regular gym nearby, too. There are at least three major chain grocery stores within walking distance, and other specialty grocery stores, too. There are a couple of CVSs for your phameceutical needs as well.
There are a couple of elementary and high schools closeby here, as Annandale is largely residential. The families are mostly young families with two or three kids.
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