Balt/D.C. forumites, some info please?

[Christopher Wade]

My sister currently lives in Baltimore, Bolton Hill to be exact, about 2 miles north of downtown in a nice neighborhood of townhouses. She's only been there about 6 weeks.

She's considering a job-related move to Alexandria, VA, and I'm wondering about the difference in living costs. Has anyone lived in both areas?

She has a 2 bedroom, recently refurbished 3rd floor apartment that she's paying $1100 a month for. Nice place, security system, off street parking. The neighborhood is nice, but on the edge of a rougher area.

Her prospective new jopb will pay about the same (~$62K/year), and she/we are wondering if rent and general cost of living expenses will be comparable.

Also, anyone know a good, reputable realtor in Alexandria that she can contact to have them show her some places?

BTW - she's tall, blonde, thin and single. ;)

[Chiba]

I've never lived in Baltimore, but if pressed for a guess, I'd say she could definitely find someplace around here that fits her budget.

I work in Old Town (Alexandria) right on the river and 2 of my co-workers live in Baltimore. They say the commute just sucks, but it shows that it can be done, so even if she took the job soon she wouldn't necessarily have to move right away.

Sorry ... don't know any realtors either, but I have a good # of single friends if she's into rockers :D

--chiba

[george4908]

Alexandria has some of the nicest and some of the worst neighborhoods, and everything in between. Multi-million dollar restored colonials that George Washington really did sleep in are only blocks away from high crime projects. In general, though, Alexandria will likely be much pricier than an equivalent Baltimore neighborhood, especially as you get closer to Old Town Alexandria. No expert here, but I think it would be tough to find something close in at the level your sister is currently paying. Can't help you with a realtor recommendation, sorry.

[Buffalosix]

I've lived in both areas, and currently work just outside Baltimore.

Not sure where in Alexandria, but I would say that as a general rule, I agree with the last post. Greater Washington is definitely more expensive than Baltimore. Especially within Baltimore city's corporate limits.

[Tyrone Shuz]

If she has chillun, and school districts matter, I'd say move, but geez, she's making the same dough? $1100 could get something nice in Arlington (maybe), and that wouldn't be a bad commute. She could also try Vienna or Fairfax. Nice areas of Alexandria are VERY pricey.

As much as I love, say, New York or San Francisco, if you transplanted me and the missus (and JUNIOR now!) making the same dough, I'd say no way, not a chance. The job would have to be about ten times more enjoyable in order to absorb a tangible reduction in standard of living. Good luck to her.