Washington DC area Alumni

[gjreda]

Anyone from the DC / NoVA area willing to offer me a little insight in life out there?  I've been living in the midwest my entire life (MU '08) and just got offered a job in NoVA.  I have no family out there, and have only been out there for the job interviews.  Any insight into places to live, how much to expect in rent, traffic comparisons (I'm used to Chicago traffic), etc. would be extremely helpful.  I've been looking at places in the Arlington, Alexandria area just to get a price range as I've heard that's really the place for young professionals out there.  I would be based in McLean, VA, but it's a consulting job.

[MU_Grad02]

Traffic in McLean is going to be a nightmare most likely.  All the roads that lead to 66 and the Beltway so traffic gets backed up there pretty easily.  But depending on the hours you work, you can get around some of it.
Arlington is a great place for young people.  The nightlife is great and there are a lot of fun bars and restaurants. Rent is going to be pricey, but if you are working in McLean, you dont really need to live by the metro so you can find cheaper places in Arlington when you start looking away from the metro.