Shawn On the Border Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 Dh works for the government, and was told today that he has to move to DC (for at least 3 years). We don't know what to do. We live in Albuquerque. Ds18 is set to go to the local university next month on scholarship, and ds15 is in his second year of homeschool high school. Oh, and we have one large and one giant dog. None of the options are good. One is to have dh move to DC and rent a room. We would stay here, but for financial reasons we might have to move to a smaller house. I can't image paying for a house here and even an efficiency there. We have lived apart in the past, and we would really miss each other. Another option is for the three of us to go, and ds18 to stay here (either on or off campus). I really don't want to leave him. We have no family, no support system here. Also, I know it's harder to homeschool in the DC area than NM. I'm worried about homeschooling there. Also, ds15 has a best friend in a city near here that he sees several times a year. A third option is that dh could quit. But he has a great job, and has put in 13 years with the government. In 7 more years, he will have a pretty good retirement. Also, there are no lucrative jobs here in his field. Any ideas what we should do? I feel that there are no good options. Shawn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alicia64 Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 Sending hugs -- I'm so sorry. We have a move coming up too and it's rough. One good thing about DC -- very, very animal oriented. I'd stay for a year in NM and let DH rent a room in DC. That way you can make sure your oldest is settled in. The DC housing market is very pricey and I'm betting there are plenty of fancy homes that could use a tenant. I'm just guessing. If he's paid a DC salary -- DH will get a cost of living adjustment. Which means he'll get a raise. One idea my DH had -- your DH can live "far out" in Fredericksburg and take the train into DC. Money will go further in Fredericksburg than it will in DC. He'll just have to deal with the train. I think it's called VA Rail Express. http://www.vre.org/ (Also, long term, Fredericksburg is a nice place for a family to live -- much better than DC.) On the plus side: your DH is getting recognition and a promotion. Good for him. Good luck! Alley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cera Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 I would take quitting off the table. I would personally opt to move to DC with dh and have ds 18 do his freshman year of college as planned (living on campus). Many students live far away from home for college and he would be able to come to your home in DC for breaks and summer. He could also start the process of looking for an east coast college to transfer to in case he decides that it is just too far away from family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ethel Mertz Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 It is easy to homeschool in DC. Last I checked, all one had to do is write a letter of intent. (We moved from DC almost 6 years ago.) I can put you in touch with a homeschool family on Capitol Hill if you decide to move. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Angie in VA Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 Many people who work in DC live in Maryland or Virginia and commute. Is commuting a possibility? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spryte Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 Hey there. :seeya: We moved from ABQ to the DC area many moons ago. I went to UNM, and stayed there for a bit, afterward. :) Yep, DC is going to mean a raise for COLA. And you should have moving expenses thrown in, too. We are in the area, not DC proper. We're in Northern VA. You are more than welcome to pm me to ask any questions. One thing: I would not hesitate to let your rising freshman live in the dorms at UNM. I'm guessing that's the local school? I didn't live in the dorms, always had an off campus apartment - but even doing that, I felt safe, and made a great support system for myself. I moved there for school, without knowing a soul. Personally, I'd get the kiddo settled at school, and move with your DH (or move with your DH and kids, then go back and settle freshman into the dorms). Keeping the marriage together would be a top, top, top priority for me. Not that you couldn't, or wouldn't, I just would miss my DH too much. Homeschooling in VA is easy. DC and MD are not too hard either. Good luck! ETA: bring chile!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pink and Green Mom Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 I know this isn't really the answer to your larger problem, but homeschooling in Virginia was easy. The requirements were pretty easy - you just had to have a minimum of a high school degree, and give any nationally normed standardized test and have the student score in the 25th percentile or higher. You file a yearly notice of intent to homeschool and then a copy of standardized test scores. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alessandra Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 The DC area is wonderful, lots to see and do. Since you asked, I'd say move to DC or MD or VA. The MD and VA suburbs are very close to the heart of DC and there is a clean, safe, modern subway system that connects everything. You have a great opportunity! Btw, there are lots of dog owners in the area. I have a friend who drives from MD to DC because there is a great dog walking group at a local park. Dogs are off leash (unofficially). I wanted to mention this because dog groups are an excellent way for humans to make friends, kwim. Oh, and since people are always moving in and out of the DC area, it can be relatively easy for newcomers to fit right in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shawn On the Border Posted July 23, 2014 Author Share Posted July 23, 2014 Alicia64- Thanks for the Fredericksburg idea. We will look into it. We have tried so hard to be careful with money. It would be nice to live in a cheaper area than DC. I'm glad DC is animal oriented. We have an 11 year old Golden Retriever. We've had him since he was 6 weeks old. We also have an 8 month old St. Bernard. He is such a handful, I would worry about him ending up at the pound if we gave him away. Cera- The problem with ds18 coming home on breaks is that he also has a job. It is fast food, but he loves it. Ethel Mertz- I'm not sure we could afford DC, but it is good to know that homeschooling is easy there. Shawn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farrar Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 It is easy to homeschool in DC. Last I checked, all one had to do is write a letter of intent. (We moved from DC almost 6 years ago.) I can put you in touch with a homeschool family on Capitol Hill if you decide to move. The law is different now. However, it is still extremely easy to homeschool in DC. There is a form you have to send every year. You need to show proof of high school graduation for yourself. They have some vague requirements about teaching all your subjects. They can review you up to three times a year... BUT... not a single homeschooler that I know or that anyone I know knows has ever been reviewed. Ever. It's a very small community and I'm involved in the sort of statewide group and I mod another group so my network is pretty good. No one has been reviewed. Since the law was put in place about five years ago. So, it's essentially notification only. Ignore what HSLDA says about it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Farrar Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 Oh, and we live right in the city, accessible to Metro. You're welcome to PM me if you decide to go the in the city route. The rental market is tight, but there's stuff out there. It's expensive, but if you don't come into it thinking, I need a large green yard and tons of bedrooms and so on and so forth, then you'll be able to find something. It's a city. Even the people I know who live in the burbs live in smaller spaces. You can, of course, move to West Virginia or, as dh calls it, "Here there be dragons Virginia" for less, but the traffic is a killer around here, so take that into deep consideration. It's great to homeschool here. There are TONS of opportunities, tons of great classes, tons of culture and free museums and lecture programs and great stuff. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hellen Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 I was going to tell you that your son will be fine but maybe that's not really the issue. You're probably in shock about the sudden change of plans and the death of how you imagined life would be a few months from now. Take some time to grieve what will no longer be and then start planning your new future. I second the bringing the chiles part. You can't get fresh roasted peppers in the fall. Everything else you can work around. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shawn On the Border Posted July 23, 2014 Author Share Posted July 23, 2014 Spryte- thanks for all your info. Dh will get a raise, but not nearly enough. I think ds18 will be very upset if we leave him. Our last move came after he had just gotten settled at his new high school. UNM is nice, but Albuquerque is very violent. I will worry about him. Pink and Green Mom- thanks for the homeschool info. Shawn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shawn On the Border Posted July 23, 2014 Author Share Posted July 23, 2014 Hellen- yes, the chiles are awesome. We are addicted, but we usually buy the 505 brand. I'm told they even sell them in Maine! Shawn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unsinkable Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alicia64 Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 Alicia64- Thanks for the Fredericksburg idea. We will look into it. We have tried so hard to be careful with money. It would be nice to live in a cheaper area than DC. I'm glad DC is animal oriented. We have an 11 year old Golden Retriever. We've had him since he was 6 weeks old. We also have an 8 month old St. Bernard. He is such a handful, I would worry about him ending up at the pound if we gave him away. Cera- The problem with ds18 coming home on breaks is that he also has a job. It is fast food, but he loves it. Ethel Mertz- I'm not sure we could afford DC, but it is good to know that homeschooling is easy there. Shawn I'm so glad you won't give your St. Bernard away -- that's way too dicey. Most people can barely commit to a small dog let alone a huge, very young, totally crazy dog. (I adopted a German shepherd dog -- so I have some clue what you're dealing with.) VA and DC are super animal oriented. I hope you don't give your dog away. And I agree w/ everyone that you have a phenomenal opportunity. The museums and history around here are absolutely unbelievable. From Fredericksburg you'll be relatively close to: DC of course, the beach, Colonial Williamsburg, Mount Vernon, Alexandria (always gets ignored and it's really fun), Monticello, and Richmond. The Outer Banks are further (4 to 5 hrs.) but worth the drive. You might really love this. Alley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 Homeschooling in MD is not hard, though yes, there are more regulations than in NM. There are co-ops galore. If you can get in on the Umbrella option, hsing is easy-peasy. There are a lot of nice things about living in MD and working in DC, though I'm not going to kid you, the commute is a force to be reckoned with. And there is that balancing act of affordability, but long commute. The dogs are a total non-issue in the suburbs. I sympathize about leaving college-bound ds behind, though. That would be hard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Susan in TN Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 ((Shawn)) + chocolate as you plan for this new adventure! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beth S Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 Another unfortunate thing to consider: If you all move out of state, then your ds' tuition may be refigured NEXT year as out-of-state. Usually the residency issue must be disclosed on the FAFSA each year. Scholarships are usually contingent on that info. Maybe there is leeway, maybe the school can raise its offer. I'm sorry for your dilemma. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amira Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 DC is very, very different from NM, but I think DC is a great place to live. We homeschooled in VA and it wasn't difficult at all. If I had a choice, I'd live right in DC, but that isn't for everyone. I prefer to live in a much smaller place and skip the commute if possible. We're moving back to DC in a year and I'm really looking forward to all the opportunities available there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
displace Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 What a big life change! I used to live in the mid Atlantic north of DC and would visit as much as possible. There's so much to see and do, not only there, but a lot of big cities are close enough to visit for the weekend, like Philly, Hershey and amish PA, beaches, mountains, etc. Even NY is close enough if you have a few days off! I would talk with older DS about the situation. If you'll be near DC for 3+ years, then I would not break up the marital home. Discuss living on campus if possible with DS, and considering changing universities if necessary if it's too much pressure. You can establish residency in the meantime in a different state. He could go to college in NM and then transfer, pull out now and go to a new univ after applying near DC, go to local comm college and transfer, take a leave to explore DC with you for a semester, etc. I had a few friends at univ who grew up where the college was but didn't have family nearby (the rest of the family moved away) and they did better than I did, a new transplant who never lived there before. DS 15 I don't have much advice. DC and the area is expensive so start thinking about downsizing stuff to fit easier in a smaller home, consider renting out your home, etc. Also I don't know about your weather supplies, but consider getting cold weather things on clearance where you live and bringing it if the job will pay for relocation. Consider nice thick lined or double lined jackets, lots of layers, hats, gloves, etc. I think the weather is nice but if you're not used to winter it may be a challenge. One thing about the areas I found is that some things were more expensive but others were less. In general if you can skip the highest rated school areas you can also skip the higher priced homes, maybe. There will be state income taxes too. IDK if NM has them? In general I really liked living there and moved away only to be closer to family. I loved and now miss all the cultural activities, diversity, weather, and proximity to lots of fun things! GL with it all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PrincessMommy Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 What a bummer about leaving your ds behind. I would be having a hard time with that too. It is very sudden, is there any way you can delay your move until closer to next semester? I live and used to hs in MD. It's not hard at all. The thing I found difficult as the years went on were finding good hsing communities. Most became associated with a specific church - that I didn't go to. There are a few good things there weren't..and it's been 4yrs since I hsed so maybe it's getting better. I think the MD traffic is slightly better than the No. VA traffic, but we don't go to VA all that often. But as Quill said - rush hour will be tough, no matter which side of the Potomac you live on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
City Mouse Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 I was just in ABQ today for an appointment. My DS just had to stop at the Target with the cart escalator. When I was a kid, we lived in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia and my dad commuted to DC on the train 2 hrs each way. He did that for 8 years, and there were a lot of other people that rode the same train. My grandparents lived there, but it was the only place my parents were able to find a house large enough for 5 kids that was affordable. When we lived there it was a pretty small town (had no Walmart and only 1 McDonalds) but it has grown a lot since then. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bensonduck Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 We're in close in Northern Virginia, just over the Potomac River from DC, and love it here. It is easy to homeschool here: letter of intent and evidence of progress annually for grade 1 and up (standardized test or portfolio evaluation by an evaluator of your choice). The website vahomeschoolers.org has great advice and info. Pm me if you'd like details about my area of northern va. There are tons of people moving in and out of this area from all over and it's easy to find places to rent at all different price points. It will be a big change but an amazing opportunity! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris in VA Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 IDK if it is the same on your son's college campus, but my son went to college in Richmond, and it's a high crime area. Because there's so much awareness of that, the police are really, really good about student safety, as is the school. There are all sorts of precautions taken, reporting boxes all over, student safety lectures, etc. Hopefully your son's school will be the same. I went to college very far from my family (Ohio--FL), but students at school scooped me up and it was an amazing experience. I learned to be more self-reliant, and also ask for help when I needed to! I know you'll miss him, and he'll miss you. That would happen even if you were in the same town. It's part of the experience, which I know you know. Go to the high school board around the end of August and you can see how many of us had trouble with the transition--and how many came thru it! I would move. I'd move to a townhouse in N VA. I would not move far out, because I would want a family life with my husband, and more than a 45 min commute adds up quick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kathie in VA Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 We live in northern VA and homeschooling here is easy. FYI the community colleges here are good too. Maybe they will give you a similar deal?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anne Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 Neither of my kids went to college in my state. One was on the opposite coast and the other was a 3.5 hour plane ride away (reasonably close! :lol:) They did just fine. They learned to manage their lives and take care of themselves. If he really hates it, you can look into a transfer for next year. I agree with whoever said to take a little time to grieve the plan you had - then put your Adventure hat on and Go!! :driving: Anne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TammyinTN Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 Our family lives about 35 miles from DC...that said..get as close as humanly possible to his job because the commute is long and a bear. Mornings usually take him 1 hour--he leaves around 5am. Evening commute can take up to 2 hours. It's exhausting and you can never plan on things happening at a certain time due to traffic/accidents. We have really enjoyed our time here, but will never miss the traffic. There's lots to see and do and homeschooling isn't difficult at all. Best wishes on your decision! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spryte Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 IDK if it is the same on your son's college campus, but my son went to college in Richmond, and it's a high crime area. Because there's so much awareness of that, the police are really, really good about student safety, as is the school. There are all sorts of precautions taken, reporting boxes all over, student safety lectures, etc. Hopefully your son's school will be the same. UNM is the same. The students are in a little bubble, really. Kids get wrapped up in their on-campus world. There was a lot of violence in ABQ when I was there, too, and we had safety drilled into us. OP, :grouphug: I agree that it sounds like you need to grieve about your plans for a bit, and then you can make plans once you've grieved. (As an aside, Chris in VA, I laughed when I read your post because for many years I was a traveling, self-supporting artist. The only place I was ever robbed: Richmond, VA!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
umsami Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 DC has so many wonderful FREE resources through the Smithsonian, that I think you should consider moving. It's a great place to live. Live in NoVA, ideally near a Metro station for your DH. Traffic in DC is evil beyond believe. The Metro is fab. I actually lived in the Foggy Bottom area, but my guess is that would be way too expensive. The good thing was that it allowed me to take the metro or walk to my job. I'm assuming there will be relocation assistance, including (hopefully) a real estate agent or similar. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QueenCat Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 3+ years is a long time to live separately. I wouldn't do it. Most college kids are perfectly fine on their own, unless they have some sort of significant "special need". The DC area is a great place to live, and commutes are significantly shortened by using the train and subway systems. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bettyandbob Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 Where will you dh's office be? Some federal facilities are in DC, some in MD and some in VA? If it's in DC, where in DC? Based on location some of us could offer advice on easier commuting routes. Homeschooling really is not an issue is any of the three jurisdictions. This is just about adjustment for your family. There are lots of high school homeschool classes all over the area. I would not want to miss the opportunity to take advantage of both the free the museums and the access to many things in the geographically area. It could also be a plus for your older ds. Depending on his interests/major there are great opportunities for political internships, engineering internships, etc. I've known a few kids who interned at the many museums. How soon must dh move? Can you get ds settled and then move? Can dh rent a room while you get ds settled for the first semester and then you follow in January? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pbb119 Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 ITA, living near DC would be such a great opportunity for homeschooling! We just took a big family field trip up there last spring and it was fantastic. Anyway, I know it would be very hard to leave the one starting college. Could he attend for the first semester and then transfer? Will the scholarship transfer to another college? dh used to live in Springfield, Virginia in Fairfax County VA when his dad worked in DC. I know the commute is rough, and while one never.ever enjoys it, one gets used to it. We have lived in Atlanta for over 12 years, and traffic is just something that is a way of life. But, the mass transit system up in that area is incredible, so he could always commute via the Metro. good luck w your decision making!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KungFuPanda Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 In your shoes, I would sell and rent. Older DS would live on campus and choose to transfer or not for his sophomore year. (Or second semester freshman year if the adjustment is truly horrible.) He can work a fast food job in your new location. Both boys will keep up with old friends online and meet new ones in D.C. Get rid of things or rent storage so you can travel light and easily move once your first lease is up if the area isn't working for you. Seriously, pare down to one truckload of stuff and your life will be so much simpler and easier. It sounds like you and your older DS are very cautious about change. Coming around and embracing it will make your all happier. Think of it as perfect timing for a new adventure. DS is IN college, so he has to go through those growing pains anyway. This move will help your DHs career and it's an EXCELLENT homeschooling opportunity for your younger son and you. I've lived within commuting distance of DC for 15 years and we still haven't run out of field trips to do. I've only ever homeschooled in Maryland and I don't find it difficult. The dreaded "portfolio review" is nothing more than a 3-ring binder with some work samples and me talking about my kid for 15 minutes. The exact process varies a bit by county. If you don't want to be reviewed by the state, then you simply join an 'umbrella group' and review with them instead. For some, the 'review' is sending in a form outlining what you've covered that year. There are no required standardized tests in Maryland. Find the exact location of DHs office, then check out the metro maps and commuter train lines. How long is his commute now? This is an area notorious for long commutes, but many people find commuting by car much more stressful than reading on the train. Many employers offer flexible hours so that you can commute and work a schedule adjusted to avoid traffic. Also, there are loads of government jobs I. The "DC area" that don't actually involve a trip into DC. My DH works 'for the government' and only has to do the supercommute a few times a year. Ordinarily his commute is 15 minutes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NoPlaceLikeHome Posted July 23, 2014 Share Posted July 23, 2014 Oh, and we live right in the city, accessible to Metro. You're welcome to PM me if you decide to go the in the city route. The rental market is tight, but there's stuff out there. It's expensive, but if you don't come into it thinking, I need a large green yard and tons of bedrooms and so on and so forth, then you'll be able to find something. It's a city. Even the people I know who live in the burbs live in smaller spaces. You can, of course, move to West Virginia or, as dh calls it, "Here there be dragons Virginia" for less, but the traffic is a killer around here, so take that into deep consideration. It's great to homeschool here. There are TONS of opportunities, tons of great classes, tons of culture and free museums and lecture programs and great stuff. Honestly, I would strongly look at living in DC proper since even a suburb 15 miles away could be a 2 hour commute each way. You can check out both the city and burbs though. We are in the city and looked at both the city and the burbs when we came here. We actually got a place for half the price in DC than it would have been outside the city. My husband and I did not want him commuting for 3 to 4 hours a day either. He now walks to work and loves it. I love having easy access to the amenities and cultural attractions in the city as well. Now we did downsize from 4000 square feet to 750 square feet which was an adjustment but worth it. Downsizing also helped to make our lives simpler. We did have to find a good home for our beloved dog since our apartment building does not allow dogs but again even though it was sad for us an affordable place was worth it. Homeschooling is easy here. We did it for one year here and then found a great school which we could not refuse. I would definitely not give up the government job especially if your dh is in his 40's or 50's since age discrimination is huge nowadays. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shawn On the Border Posted July 24, 2014 Author Share Posted July 24, 2014 Thanks for all the replies! Dh's office is near the L'Enfant station, but he would prefer to drive. He doesn't like the metro. They wanted him there in 30 days, but he negotiated 120 if he goes there (paid trip) for 30 days. He has to be there in early August. I will, hopefully, fly down for a week. Ds18 will stay here at the university, and come home on breaks (hopefully). We will probably rent either a townhouse or small house (because of the dogs). Dh does not want to give away our St. Bernard. It would not work out having him at a high rise apartment. We were thinking maybe the Woodbridge area, or maybe Manassas? Reston seems nice, but pretty expensive. Alexandria is a possibility, but expensive. Are some areas better for homeschooling teens? It might be nice for dh not to live in DC, because they might call him in after hours more often. NoPlaceLikeHome- the downsizing doesn't bother me too much. Dh and I have been wanting to do this for a while. I'm not so sure that ds15 will appreciate it, though! Shawn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bettyandbob Posted July 24, 2014 Share Posted July 24, 2014 Will your dh have access to free parking? For me the cost of parking will make a difference in using mass transit. Some Federal agencies give free parking to car pools only. Some words specific to Reston. A metro stop is opening in Reston this weekend. LEfant Plaza is right on the same line, so there would be no changing trains or need for bus. I don't know if it's still true but some Federal agencies used to provide a subsidy for metro fares. Reston is very dog friendly. My dd now attends public high school, but there are many groups nearby that are specific to high school homeschoolers. It has significant investment in outdoor recreation, with a miles of bike trails (nice for long walks with dog friends), close to 20 pools and tennis facilities (3 + courts each). There's a pool and tennis facility within walking distance of just about every home in Reston. A large dog narrows rental options (I think that's true anywhere). There are a couple of older non high rise apartments that would rent around 1500. You may find a small townhouse (2 level, 3 bedroom) in that price range as well. More rentals are at least $2000. I think you need to consider the cost of transit in conjuction with the cost of rentals. Rentals further out will be cheaper. But if the cost of parking and fuel is significantly more than subsidized metro fare it may not be cheaper. Other people hopefully will jump in and explain commuting from Manassas and Woodbridge. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pink and Green Mom Posted July 24, 2014 Share Posted July 24, 2014 Do you know what kind of hours your DH will be keeping? I know many federal workers (at all levels) who work strict 8 hour schedules with no varying in the start or end time no matter what, and many federal workers (at all levels) who work varied, unpredictable hours. That may make a difference in where you live. I know you said your DH doesn't like metro. How would he feel about using a commuter bus? Many of the "far out" (I mean farther than Arlington and Fairfax) counties run commuter buses into the city in the AM and PM for rush hour. We lived in Loudoun County and they had a bus like that. These are nice, new charter buses with real seats, not uncomfortable school buses, LOL. It may be something to look into. I haven't worked in DC since 2002, but way back then parking at my office was near $300/month. We don't live in the area any more, but when we did I subscribed to a rather large homeschool eloop/list that listed homeschool opportunities in Northern VA. It always seemed like there were a lot of things going on in the Burke/Annandale area. But it has been a while so that may not be accurate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shawn On the Border Posted July 25, 2014 Author Share Posted July 25, 2014 Betty- I think Reston might be ideal for us, but may be too expensive. Dh and I love to be outdoors, and I even drag ds15 outside for walks during the school year. Pink and Green Mom- dh will have unpredictable, long hours. Those buses sound great, but I don't know if the hours would work out. Dh is fortunate that he will have a parking spot at work. Are there any school districts in VA that are less homeschool friendly (or hostile to homeschooling)? Shawn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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