Definitely want to stay away from Northern VA - Arlington, Fairfax, Loudon, and Prince William. You can still find "reasonably" affordable housing in Fredericksburg / Spotsylvania, however you are still looking at 200 plus for a modest home. Thousands of people make the trek to Northern VA on a daily basis for work from this area. Of course all this depends on how far you are willing to commute for your job, so there is a trade off. PM if you want more info.