The better public transportation is around metro stations giving you easy bus as well as rail options. Pick your area based on that (and that there are feeder buses to most rail stations) -- I'd probably start with Vienna (end of Orange line), Falls Church, Arlington or Alexandria areas. You can also consider areas in Maryland around Rockville or Bethesda in Maryland. Reston would be an easy commute for you and there are some arranged areas with living & shopping right next to the other, possibly being the best of all worlds for your situation. There is decent transportation in the area for feeders to the town center and other commuting hubs.

The next decider for you is what type of area you want to live in - how suburban vs how urban, do you want to rent an apartment, townhouse or house and how much are you willing to spend. There is no lack of any of those in these areas, its just a matter of cost and availability.