Which train to ride to commute to Washington DC?

Question

My family is considering a move to accept a job in Washington DC. We are from Alabama and know nothing about the area other than it is expensive and congested. On a map, Queen Anne Co. looks like it would suit us. Does anyone have insight regarding the town, the commute, the cost of living, the people, what the difference is between subway, light rail, and MARC train? From Queen Anne Co. would it be crazy to drive across 301 and then catch the train to Washington DC? I would appreciate any thoughts. Thanks

Answer 1

Adam's note is right-on.

Coming from Alabama, you're used to looking at a map and deciding probable driving times based on distance, with 10 miles taking 10 or 15 minutes.  That doesn't work in the DC area.  For instance, a 10 mile stretch on certain highways could take an hour to drive during rush hour.

There's a reason that housing is very expensive in the inner suburbs--it's because those are the only houses that have a reasonable commute.

Your interest in train service is quite good.  Take a look at the Manassas and Fredericksburg areas of Virginia, which although very far out from DC, are served by the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) commuter trains.  Here's a link:

http://www.vre.org

Also, the culture shock might be a bit less going to Virginia as opposed to Maryland--just a thought...

Answer 2

Queen Anne County is not considered to be part of the DC metropolitan area. I am sure there are people who do commute from the Eastern Shore, but you would be looking at 2-hour commute each way by car (rush hour), 3 hours each way if you park at Metro and take the train in. To me, potentially spending one-fourth of my day commuting is not a viable option.

As for definitions:

Subway (we call ours "The Metro") provides rapid tranist service throughout D.C. and the immediate MD and VA suburbs. It has its own dedicated tracks and is primarily underground within the city. Website: http:///www.wmata.com

Light rail - We don't really have light rail in D.C. There are plans to install a new light rail system, which would interconnect the neighborhoods within D.C., but the projects are still in the planning stages. The main difference between light rail and subway is that a subway is typically underground and has its own dedicated tracks, whereas light rail often is above ground and may have to share a road (like a streetcar).

MARC - Heavy rail commuter line that runs from the outer suburbs and Baltimore to Metro stations as well as directly into D.C. The trains share the same tracks used by Amtrak. Website: http://www.mtamaryland.com/services/marc...

Unfortunately, Queen Anne County is not served by any of these systems.