What is an affordable area to live outside D.C.?

I am thinking of taking a job in D.C. However, I know I do not want to live in the city. What are some affordable (understanding that cost of living is extremely high) and "safe" suburbs to live in around D.C.? I am willing to commute up to about an hour each way but unfortunately I know very little about the area to even get me started. Help!

What is an affordable area to live outside D.C.?
Think about living in Baltimore and taking the train in to D.C. every day. It sounds crazy but a lot of people do it. The MARC train goes right into Union Station and you can transfer to the metro. Otherwise, your choices are either Virginia or Maryland -- you can choose on the basis of your politics, as Maryland is more liberal and Virginia as a state more conservative (although Northern Virginia is liberal). You might find the safety and affordability you crave in Loudoun or Prince William Counties, but with the high-tech corridor so close, it's gotten a lot less affordable. If you're driving, I like Indian Head Maryland. Also, if you're young, think about getting into a group house and living closer, perhaps in Clarendon or Falls Church, somewhere on the Metro. Then you can save costs and meet people, too.
Reply:I live in Crofton, MD about 26 miles from DC. A townhouse goes for over 300k and the commute is an hour and a half. Living in Northwest DC is somewhat safe and would make life easier for you. Good luck,
Reply:HaHaHa, nothing is cheap. And, good luck cruising the Beltway. I left the radio on one night and when I woke up at 3:00 am they were giving the Traffic Report. That was the last straw (for me, anyway). The next day I applied for a job 2000 miles away.
Reply:I live in Springfield, VA which is only 30 mins outside of DC. But don't live here in my area because there's toooooo many legal aliens. They are basically taking over DC and VA. My brothers lived in Vienna, VA and they were paying $300 each month for their townhouse.