We left there when I retired in 06 and moved to the ocean and never looked back. I do not miss the traffic or the commute.
We use to live in Fort Washington Md just outside of DC. Questions I would ask is where will you be working in DC, Alexandria etc and do you want to live in DC, Alexandria or the suburbs. The further out homes may be less expensive however the longer the commute. Also do you have children and will they go to public or private school.
My wife managed a Long and Foster office in Md and still has a few good friends who sell homes in the MD and DC area. I could ask her for a name or to if you would like
Good luck on your search
