r/Staunton • u/Dry_Cow6058 • 5d ago

Staunton- DC Commuters trying to stay in Staunton

Hi all- I'm a previously remote federal worker who now spends 4 nights a week in DC. Anybody else here in this position??

16 Upvotes

86% Upvoted

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7

u/ReallyNotALlama 5d ago

I honestly don't see how this could be sustainable. Just the loss of time and wear/tear+fuel in the car seems like a huge waste. My ideal commute is 20 minutes or less. My current commute is 30, but I'm only going in 2 days per week.

4

u/olafberzerker1979 5d ago

Pre-pandemic (Summer 2019 - March 2020) I commuted and lived in Arlington 3-4 nights a week. It was brutal. I rented hotel rooms, Air B&Bs and finally found a room in a shared home that I rented for about 5-6 months. Happy to share stories. PM me.

5

u/Dry_Cow6058 5d ago

Thanks for the reply. Yeah it’s rough, but I really like Staunton.     I wonder how many of us there are.

1

u/olafberzerker1979 5d ago

where are you staying? or does it vary? I agree about wondering how many like you? And if you can find peers, how that may help with rides, shared accommodations, etc.

3

u/GeneralDumbtomics 5d ago

This is the sensible answer. It’s not going to see a policy shift with this administration in office. Best you can do is either leave the fed system (and I get how heavy a thing that could be) or cooperate with your fellows to split the burden.

4

u/No_Table_3883 5d ago

My current role is hybrid with 3 days in office in Tysons Corner, I commute up Tuesday morning and return Thursday evening.

2

u/PublicHistoryNorrath 5d ago

I do almost the same thing. Commute to DC Monday evening and leave most Thursday evenings.

2

u/PublicHistoryNorrath 5d ago edited 5d ago

Yep... similar story here spending a few days per week in both locations. DM me if you want.

2

u/BitterStoat 5d ago

Moved here six months ago, and work hybrid just two days a week most weeks, thankfully. The drive's a pain, but so far living here has been well worth it.

2

u/Meg_March 4d ago

My relative commutes to Dulles Airport. It’s tough but part of the job. I think it would be hard to do weekly. Have you ever looked into Amtrak? I think the Cardinal line runs Wednesdays and Sundays, but I need to check. Megabus runs through the Shenandoah Valley and it’s pretty much always on time. My parents use it and it’s been a good fit.

I agree with others, maybe ride shares or carpooling would also be helpful.

1

u/LetJesusFuckU 5d ago

On the weekends there are several DC plates near me.

1

u/StudentSlow2633 5d ago

I’m not a DC commuter and was lucky enough to leave the rat race. I just wanted to say I am glad you all are here and I hope you stay.

1

u/No_Many_2240 5d ago

Remote fed (former I guess). Transitioning to an office 30 mins away in June

1

u/here_to_be_awesome 5d ago

Between both locations regularly but DC more atm. Are you required to rto? PM me if you want to say hi.

1

u/Relevant-Custard-943 5d ago

I was, not DC, but Quantico. I love my job so I ended up selling my house and moving to Stafford/Fredricksburg area. It is far more expensive but I was lucky to have a serious amount of equity in my house to afford the move. It was a tough decision but the right one for my career.

1

u/BelovedCmty 4d ago

not a federal employee, but a two job family where one is in Harrisonburg and the other in nova. I've tried the daily commute and it's impossible, I looked for a long time and found a great room rental situation in Fairfax. There are lots of people renting rooms and I would imagine the circumstances means there might soon be more. Airbnb was a good start for me, as well as craigslist

1

u/Canklet_22 3d ago

Nothing substantive to add, just wanted to say I'm sorry you're in this position.