OT: Northern VA questions...

[anon_xdc8rmuek44eq]

NL -- another place to consider is the Great Falls/Reston area. If you are commuting to Crystal City/Pentagon, you can take the Metro (above ground train in the burbs) from the Reston/Wiehle stop right to Crystal City/Pentagon. You have to change to a different line at Rosslyn, but it is easy--you just go to a different floor to catch the line to CC/Pentagon. I live in Great Falls 10 minutes from the Reston/Wiehle stop. It is the last stop so you can always get a seat. I work downtown and it is a 40 minute train ride door to door. It would be 30ish minutes from Reston to Rosslyn.
I have lived in NOVA since 1980. Have lived in VA 15 years longer than I lived in PA. We love the area. Blue Ridge Mtns, Skyline drive and Shenandoah river valley to the west and Atlantic ocean beaches to the east (Rehoboth and Bethany are especially nice). Of course, like the rest of the area, you have to know when traffic is heaviest to avoid bad traffic, especially to the beaches.
Lots of history--Civil War battlefields--and of course the Smithsonian museums and monuments in DC.
I looked at some real estate ads when I was Great Falls Village today. You can get an older home (say 20-30 years old) with some land (1/2 to 1 acre), for decent prices. Of course, if you go out to Centreville you will get a newer home (though some of those neighborhoods are 20 plus years old also).
Reston has nice communities also. Having access to a Metro train commute each day, instead of the heavy traffic of I-66 or 495, would be worth it even if the REston/Great Falls area is more expensive. We went to a concert last Tuesday in Maryland (Strathmore theater) and had to use 495 N. It took 11/2 hours to go about 15 miles. Told myself I am so glad I don't have to put up with that kind of traffic daily.
We are in the Langley High district, one of the highest ranked public high schools in northern VA (together with Thos. Jefferson). A neighbor's son who went to Langley got into PSU-UP with a 3.2 GPA (he also played football and basketball at Langley, but is not at PSU). The PSU admissions folks love Langley High. They recruit there and have told the Langley guidance counselors that they consider a 3.2 at Langley to be better than a 3.5 from a number of PA high schools. If you want to consider the Great Falls/Reston area, let me know. would gladly provide more info (including back road ways to the Dulles Toll road and I-66). wddegran@gmail.com
sorry for the long note. hope it helps.

We will likely move to McLean or Arlington in a couple years - what are your overall impressions of schools in your pyramid? We’re looking at new construction and browse Redfin from time to time to see what kind of inventory is out there. What’s funny is on paper, the McLean High Schools are off the charts excellent when compared to say, TC Williams in Alexandria. But, when you read user comments the McLean schools seem to suffer from a lot of ‘cliquey’ behavior and get a lot of comments suggesting the social aspects are very hierarchical. Compare that to Williams, which gets almost universal praise from users who comment. Really strange dichotomy. Anyway, appreciate the feedback!

 

[PSU2UNC]

Totally disagree about nearly everything you posted. But all good - different strokes and all. I wouldn’t use your colleagues as an adequate sample size for what folks who don’t live in the District do, and not having kids puts you at a pretty big disadvantage here. DC public schools are mostly terrible so much so the current ‘scandal’ is pretty ironic.

Agreed on different strokes and all, but you disagree with me that it's expensive, the traffic sucks, public transportation breaks a lot and school quality varies? We obviously live in alternate DC universes then (ha).

I'm also not sure what you mean by "not having kids puts you at a pretty big disadvantage here". Don't you mean "advantage" (because I don't have worry about schools when factoring where to live?) Having said that I have a number of friends with kids who live in DC. Charter schools and private schools are good options.

 

[anon_xdc8rmuek44eq]

Agreed on different strokes and all, but you disagree with me that it's expensive, the traffic sucks, public transportation breaks a lot and school quality varies? We obviously live in alternate DC universes then (ha).

I'm also not sure what you mean by "not having kids puts you at a pretty big disadvantage here". Don't you mean "advantage" (because I don't have worry about schools when factoring where to live?) Having said that I have a number of friends with kids who live in DC. Charter schools and private schools are good options.

No, those things definitely exist. But, telework has made living further out more manageable, and my wife and I take great advantage of DC during the week and otherwise (often take afternoons off to see a movie at E Street or catch an exhibit or show somewhere).

As for schools, I only meant that it is a BIG consideration for most folks with young children and if you’re not going to send them to private school you better live in the Palisades to get into a decent public school in DC. And while the notion of living in a DC brownstone seems wonderful (with a walking commute) you get less for your money than the suburbs and zero yard.

 

[BBrown]

Two words: traffic hell.

LOL, +1000.

 

[PSU2UNC]

No, those things definitely exist. But, telework has made living further out more manageable, and my wife and I take great advantage of DC during the week and otherwise (often take afternoons off to see a movie at E Street or catch an exhibit or show somewhere).

As for schools, I only meant that it is a BIG consideration for most folks with young children and if you’re not going to send them to private school you better live in the Palisades to get into a decent public school in DC. And while the notion of living in a DC brownstone seems wonderful (with a walking commute) you get less for your money than the suburbs and zero yard.

Telework obviously changes the game somewhat, but not all jobs allow telework (or maybe allow it one day per week).

I'm glad you get into the city frequently, but it takes effort to do that versus living there. And not everyone makes that effort especially if they either have to schlep the kids with them or find a sitter.

"less for your money than the suburbs"
This assumes that you are prioritizing space (I have 2100 square feet for two people, a dog and a cat which is plenty) over location. I will take location over a extra 900 sq ft every day of the week and 3 times on Sunday.

"zero yard"
I would be fine with zero yard, but the dog and the GF have other ideas so I have a 1000 sq ft yard. Perfect for the dog and a garden, and takes 7 minutes to mow.

I would postulate that if you want a big yard and 3000 sq ft house, you aren't really a "city person." But again, everyone wants something different and that's OK.

 

[VaNtyLion]

hey all knowing board...any of you live in NOVA. Do you enjoy it? Any places you would recommend living...thanks in advance.

Lived in Arlington past 15 years and three years prior in Falls Church.

Off top of my head -

Positives:
- Very vibrant area and may be the biggest melting pot of the country right now in that very few people that live here are from here.

- Never run out of things to do. From county parks to National Park service/museums, etc....there's always something for entertainment.

- Somewhat related, great proximity to beaches, big cities on east coast

- I don't have kids but schools are generally very highly regarded


Negatives:
Love the area but can honestly say this isn't a place you're going to get the "best of everything". There are some sacrifices to make depending on what you're looking for and your personal situation.

- If you want location and proximity, it's going to come with headaches in the form of traffic, although this is technically only an issue depending on where you're working. I'm in the city 2-3 days/week and loathe traffic so living in Arlington ends up being worth it.

- Arlington "proper" is somewhat overrun with millennials. Make of that what you will


If you have a family, do not need to be in the city for work and desire a little more space (yard, etc), I think Loudon County may be worth looking into. Lots of very new communities popping up in that area and it's much more suburban feel.

 

[Ceasar]

Telework obviously changes the game somewhat, but not all jobs allow telework (or maybe allow it one day per week).

I'm glad you get into the city frequently, but it takes effort to do that versus living there. And not everyone makes that effort especially if they either have to schlep the kids with them or find a sitter.

"less for your money than the suburbs"
This assumes that you are prioritizing space (I have 2100 square feet for two people, a dog and a cat which is plenty) over location. I will take location over a extra 900 sq ft every day of the week and 3 times on Sunday.

"zero yard"
I would be fine with zero yard, but the dog and the GF have other ideas so I have a 1000 sq ft yard. Perfect for the dog and a garden, and takes 7 minutes to mow.

I would postulate that if you want a big yard and 3000 sq ft house, you aren't really a "city person." But again, everyone wants something different and that's OK.

PSU2UNC, if you don't mind me asking, are there some specific areas of the District you would recommend for someone looking to live in DC? School district would not be a concern. Appreciate any insights as I agree with your basic premise, if you want to be "close" to the city, why not be in the city and eliminate the commute issue.

 

[Chickenman Testa]

Lived on Capitol Hill, in Falls Church, Arlington and Fairlington. Sold my house at the top of the market in 2005 and moved to Austin. So glad to have escaped.

Someone had it right - politics 24/7 (get ready for every baby stroller in a July 4th parade to be festooned with their parents party affiliation) and everyone judging you immediately on whether you can help them ascend the power ladder (e.g. “what do you do for a living?”).

The economy will always be good because companies found that lobbying for govt largesse trumped their ideological principles about the free market or their naive notion that good ideas will win out over influence. I remember when Microsoft naively thought they didn’t need a DC lobby presence. Hahaha

 

[PSU2UNC]

PSU2UNC, if you don't mind me asking, are there some specific areas of the District you would recommend for someone looking to live in DC? School district would not be a concern. Appreciate any insights as I agree with your basic premise, if you want to be "close" to the city, why not be in the city and eliminate the commute issue.

Happy to share my thoughts, although as with everything, others may have different opinions. The key variables are going to be what you want (house vs condo, yard vs no yard, street parking vs parking pad vs garage; quieter neighborhood vs where all the action is) versus what you can afford.

The hottest neighborhoods right now in terms of dining/nightlife are probably Logan Circle and Shaw (younger folks skew a little towards the "Atlas District" (which isn't really a thing, but they mean H St NE)). But a modest row house in these neighborhoods will be close to $1M (if not more) with zero yard and no parking.

If you want something more neighborhood-y, Brookland has some really nice houses (some may need some work) with yards and good proximity to metro (red line) and is walkable to some decent bars and restaurants. There's stuff that is somewhat more affordable (<$750K).

Anything west of Rock Creek Park is pretty nice, but very expensive and possibly not metro accessible (red line runs along Connecticut Ave, but that's the only metro line).

If you are looking for "value" (i.e. places where prices are likely to go up in the future), I'd look towards Brightwood because the new Walter Reed Hospital commercial redevelopment is going to be a big boom for that neighborhood and you can find stuff now for $500-600K (yard, maybe parking). It's not super close to downtown (near Red line, though), but is walkable to both Old Takoma Park and Silver Spring.

If I had unlimited resources, I would probably live on Capitol Hill in either near NE (near union station) or near SE (between Capitol South and Eastern market metros). Beautiful houses, some with yards, very walkable, close to metro.

Happy to answer questions about specific neighborhoods if you like.

 

[Ceasar]

Happy to share my thoughts, although as with everything, others may have different opinions. The key variables are going to be what you want (house vs condo, yard vs no yard, street parking vs parking pad vs garage; quieter neighborhood vs where all the action is) versus what you can afford.

The hottest neighborhoods right now in terms of dining/nightlife are probably Logan Circle and Shaw (younger folks skew a little towards the "Atlas District" (which isn't really a thing, but they mean H St NE)). But a modest row house in these neighborhoods will be close to $1M (if not more) with zero yard and no parking.

If you want something more neighborhood-y, Brookland has some really nice houses (some may need some work) with yards and good proximity to metro (red line) and is walkable to some decent bars and restaurants. There's stuff that is somewhat more affordable (<$750K).

Anything west of Rock Creek Park is pretty nice, but very expensive and possibly not metro accessible (red line runs along Connecticut Ave, but that's the only metro line).

If you are looking for "value" (i.e. places where prices are likely to go up in the future), I'd look towards Brightwood because the new Walter Reed Hospital commercial redevelopment is going to be a big boom for that neighborhood and you can find stuff now for $500-600K (yard, maybe parking). It's not super close to downtown (near Red line, though), but is walkable to both Old Takoma Park and Silver Spring.

If I had unlimited resources, I would probably live on Capitol Hill in either near NE (near union station) or near SE (between Capitol South and Eastern market metros). Beautiful houses, some with yards, very walkable, close to metro.

Happy to answer questions about specific neighborhoods if you like.

Thank you my friend, this is a real good start for me to do some research. I am somewhat familiar with several of the areas you referenced and, for me, quiet and safe would be more important than proximity to nightlife or even to public transportation. Thanks again,.

 

[LionJim]

Happy to share my thoughts, although as with everything, others may have different opinions. The key variables are going to be what you want (house vs condo, yard vs no yard, street parking vs parking pad vs garage; quieter neighborhood vs where all the action is) versus what you can afford.

The hottest neighborhoods right now in terms of dining/nightlife are probably Logan Circle and Shaw (younger folks skew a little towards the "Atlas District" (which isn't really a thing, but they mean H St NE)). But a modest row house in these neighborhoods will be close to $1M (if not more) with zero yard and no parking.

If you want something more neighborhood-y, Brookland has some really nice houses (some may need some work) with yards and good proximity to metro (red line) and is walkable to some decent bars and restaurants. There's stuff that is somewhat more affordable (<$750K).

Anything west of Rock Creek Park is pretty nice, but very expensive and possibly not metro accessible (red line runs along Connecticut Ave, but that's the only metro line).

If you are looking for "value" (i.e. places where prices are likely to go up in the future), I'd look towards Brightwood because the new Walter Reed Hospital commercial redevelopment is going to be a big boom for that neighborhood and you can find stuff now for $500-600K (yard, maybe parking). It's not super close to downtown (near Red line, though), but is walkable to both Old Takoma Park and Silver Spring.

If I had unlimited resources, I would probably live on Capitol Hill in either near NE (near union station) or near SE (between Capitol South and Eastern market metros). Beautiful houses, some with yards, very walkable, close to metro.

Happy to answer questions about specific neighborhoods if you like.

I drive through Brookland twice a day. It's got a real family-friendly future.

 

[anon_xdc8rmuek44eq]

Telework obviously changes the game somewhat, but not all jobs allow telework (or maybe allow it one day per week).

I'm glad you get into the city frequently, but it takes effort to do that versus living there. And not everyone makes that effort especially if they either have to schlep the kids with them or find a sitter.

"less for your money than the suburbs"
This assumes that you are prioritizing space (I have 2100 square feet for two people, a dog and a cat which is plenty) over location. I will take location over a extra 900 sq ft every day of the week and 3 times on Sunday.

"zero yard"
I would be fine with zero yard, but the dog and the GF have other ideas so I have a 1000 sq ft yard. Perfect for the dog and a garden, and takes 7 minutes to mow.

I would postulate that if you want a big yard and 3000 sq ft house, you aren't really a "city person." But again, everyone wants something different and that's OK.

I'd be happy to give up my yard since mowing grass is something I mostly dislike, but when I said 'zero yard' I was mostly being facetious. Having kids changes priorities though - I prefer they have a safe space with room to run where I can see them versus a fenced off postage stamp. And yes, with kids, space is always a priority. This is what I meant by you being at a 'disadvantage' - you're lucky enough not to have to consider these things but they're extremely important to families (most anyway - I have some friends and colleagues who live in the District with kids; just not for me). If it was just my wife and I, we'd probably buy something in NW on O St. My daughter and son have different ideas though...

 

[Chickenman Testa]

Man. It’s amazing what gentrification has wrought. When I lived in the DC area in the 90s, anywhere east of say 14th and north of M was extremely sketchy. Shaw and especially Brookland - hell no! In fact, due North of Georgetown law about 2 blocks was an urban wasteland.

I haven’t gone back since 2005. I’m wondering if I’d recognize anything east of, say, DuPont Circle

 

[PSU2UNC]

Man. It’s amazing what gentrification has wrought. When I lived in the DC area in the 90s, anywhere east of say 14th and north of M was extremely sketchy. Shaw and especially Brookland - hell no! In fact, due North of Georgetown law about 2 blocks was an urban wasteland.

I haven’t gone back since 2005. I’m wondering if I’d recognize anything east of, say, DuPont Circle

You wouldn't recognize most of NW/NE DC (east of the park). When I moved here in 2003, even U St was super sketchy (you went to the 9:30 club and that was it).

Brookland (and that part of NE DC in general) still has some pockets that are not great, but it has changed dramatically over the past 10 years.

 

[anon_xdc8rmuek44eq]

Man. It’s amazing what gentrification has wrought. When I lived in the DC area in the 90s, anywhere east of say 14th and north of M was extremely sketchy. Shaw and especially Brookland - hell no! In fact, due North of Georgetown law about 2 blocks was an urban wasteland.

I haven’t gone back since 2005. I’m wondering if I’d recognize anything east of, say, DuPont Circle

It's all going to be Georgetown soon....there's just too much money here for it not to be.

 

[dmallory7]

I, too, live in Leesburg and recommend you consider the area. The Metro is expanding Westward and will soon be a mode of transportation to Pentagon area. I live in the River Creek community -safe, good golfing, Potomac River recreation opportunities etc. The driving commute isn't any longer (time) than the I-66 corridor of Centerville area. If you travel to PA with any frequency (State College) or otherwise, Leesburg offers easy access.

 

[Rollin Stone]

I sent you an email Nashville.

 

[LionJim]

It's all going to be Georgetown soon....there's just too much money here for it not to be.

The H Street NE, NOMA, Union Market area is exploding. It used to be like something out of "Escape From New York."

 

[PSU2UNC]

The H Street NE, NOMA, Union Market area is exploding. It used to be like something out of "Escape From New York."

It is (and it was) although I'm not a big fan of how the development has gone. Union Market is cool, but H St itself feels like a not great version of 18th St in Adams Morgan from 15 years ago (i.e. lots of folks from MD and VA coming to bar hop for their "big night out").

Having said that, if you bought property over there 10 years ago you look like a genius today.

 

[LionJim]

It is (and it was) although I'm not a big fan of how the development has gone. Union Market is cool, but H St itself feels like a not great version of 18th St in Adams Morgan from 15 years ago (i.e. lots of folks from MD and VA coming to bar hop for their "big night out").

Having said that, if you bought property over there 10 years ago you look like a genius today.

Can't argue with that.

 

[Nashville Lion]

I sent you an email Nashville.

Thanks...have not used that email in so long....having trouble accessing it. will try got get back in. LOL

 

[heckmans]

hey all knowing board...any of you live in NOVA. Do you enjoy it? Any places you would recommend living...thanks in advance.

Everyone will have an opinion. I've lived in NOVA since graduating from PSU in '99.
I have made a personal declaration that as long as I live in NOVA, I will always live off the Dulles Toll Road vs I-66 and will always live east of Route 28. The traffic is an order of magnitude better in each case. I personally live in Reston. Metro got here about 2 years ago and will extend out to Dulles airport and Loudon county in a few years when completed. Reston is nice. Forst planned community in the country. HOA is a bit of a pain, but lots of great amenities....13 pools, 70 miles of paths through the woods, parks, etc. Happy to answer any questions if you have them. My wife commutes a couple days a week to Crystal city/north Old Towne area. It's not great, but it's generally nothing like you see coming in on 66 from centerville, manassas. Good luck!!

 

[throw2oj]

Man. It’s amazing what gentrification has wrought. When I lived in the DC area in the 90s, anywhere east of say 14th and north of M was extremely sketchy. Shaw and especially Brookland - hell no! In fact, due North of Georgetown law about 2 blocks was an urban wasteland.

I haven’t gone back since 2005. I’m wondering if I’d recognize anything east of, say, DuPont Circle

When my brother first started working on M Street in the 90's he distinctly told me to walk up 13th and not 12th from metro center cause 12th was where it started getting really bad. Hard to even imagine that now.



If anyone familiar with DC now really wants to have a mind-blowing experience watch the movie 'being there.' He leaves the house in the beginning (on M street near the new convention center) and there are empty lots, trash can fires, junk everywhere. So different now.

 

[Aardvark86]

Man. It’s amazing what gentrification has wrought. When I lived in the DC area in the 90s, anywhere east of say 14th and north of M was extremely sketchy. Shaw and especially Brookland - hell no! In fact, due North of Georgetown law about 2 blocks was an urban wasteland.

I haven’t gone back since 2005. I’m wondering if I’d recognize anything east of, say, DuPont Circle

Yep. All than was Indian country. Construction of mci/Verizon/Capone was genius as everything back filled from Chinatown. Same thing going on at waterfront with mats park.

 

[Aardvark86]

When my brother first started working on M Street in the 90's he distinctly told me to walk up 13th and not 12th from metro center cause 12th was where it started getting really bad. Hard to even imagine that now.



If anyone familiar with DC now really wants to have a mind-blowing experience watch the movie 'being there.' He leaves the house in the beginning (on M street near the new convention center) and there are empty lots, trash can fires, junk everywhere. So different now.

At 13 and k there were signs in 1995 that said no right turn 9 pm -5 am. I thought wtf?! First night I worked late I discovered I was smack in the middle of redlight district with cars making endless loops around the block.

 

[Chickenman Testa]

At 13 and k there were signs in 1995 that said no right turn 9 pm -5 am. I thought wtf?! First night I worked late I discovered I was smack in the middle of redlight district with cars making endless loops around the block.

Hah! I got a ticket in that area for “standing” after 9:00 pm. I had gone to a happy hour and zealously checked the parking signs. I thought I was good as I filled the meter (I think). Came out to a $75 fine.

Went to fight it because I thought it was totally out of the blue. DC traffic court was an experience

 

[BoChops]

We will likely move to McLean or Arlington in a couple years - what are your overall impressions of schools in your pyramid? We’re looking at new construction and browse Redfin from time to time to see what kind of inventory is out there. What’s funny is on paper, the McLean High Schools are off the charts excellent when compared to say, TC Williams in Alexandria. But, when you read user comments the McLean schools seem to suffer from a lot of ‘cliquey’ behavior and get a lot of comments suggesting the social aspects are very hierarchical. Compare that to Williams, which gets almost universal praise from users who comment. Really strange dichotomy. Anyway, appreciate the feedback!

If you are looking in north Arlington, check out the neighborhoods east of Military Drive and north of Spout Run. Before we left Old Town (in the TC Williams pyramid) for the suburbs off of Mt Vernon Parkway, we were looking at a lot in Arlington as many of our friends moved there when they had kids. This was around 2010. Mainly the areas where little pre-war houses on big lots were being torn down and rebuilt. While most of Arlington felt congested and a little stressful to me, these neighborhoods were different. Being real close to Spout Run to the GW Parkway is a plus. No denying that Arlington and McClean have good schools, the Yorktown pyramid seems to be a favorite with folks we know. But there are a lot of people in Arlington and if you want to go shopping on weekends, you know the routine - better get out early in the morning. Nearby Falls Church was very high on our list - a small town feel within the sea of humanity. McLean was nice, of course, but beyond our price range. Ultimately, we chose the slower pace that we found south of the beltway.

 

[Jack Hammer]

Trust me when I say this Nashville’s traffic is the minor leagues when compared to Nova.

My wife and daughter went on a trip that took them through Nova. Google Maps said the entire trip should have taken 3 hrs...it took them 8 hrs. This is not an exaggeration.

If you have to be there a certain time, you'll usually arrive early because of allowing for traffic. One pothole being repaired on the BW Parkway cost me half an hour last week. I've lived in DC area for over 30 years and rue the hours of my life wasted due to traffic. Good restaurants and things to do on weekends don't compensate.

 

[Madsol]

Just wanted to say that threads like this are why I love this board. I live in central PA with no thought of moving anywhere let alone to NOVA yet I've read every post in this thread. It's just really interesting to get a small glimpse into so many other people's lives. Keep it up BWI!

 

[LionJim]

Just wanted to say that threads like this are why I love this board. I live in central PA with no thought of moving anywhere let alone to NOVA yet I've read every post in this thread. It's just really interesting to get a small glimpse into so many other people's lives. Keep it up BWI!

Yeah. My office is in Washington and I've been enjoying the discussion. PSUNC's description of the H Street corridor was spot on.

 

[anon_xdc8rmuek44eq]

Yeah. My office is in Washington and I've been enjoying the discussion. PSUNC's description of the H Street corridor was spot on.

My office is too - always great to take an afternoon stroll around the White House with a hot, toasty Compass Coffee .

 

[LionJim]

My office is too - always great to take an afternoon stroll around the White House with a hot, toasty Compass Coffee .

Union Market is across the street from me .

 

[osu68]

hey all knowing board...any of you live in NOVA. Do you enjoy it? Any places you would recommend living...thanks in advance.

IF you can afford the costs of housing, the City of Falls Church offers the best location, best schools and 'small town feel' of a two square mile political jurisdiction (think small city now) in all of Metro DC. I lived there for more than 35 years. Change is inevitable and FC has 'changed' like all locations. TRAFFIC is the key issue in all of NoVa -- PERIOD. That is why FCh wins -- access to Interstates. two METRO stations and decent local commuter routes to DC and other parts of NoVa. A VERY highly educated adult population. If politics is a concern, FC is very Left-leaning. Great access to local shopping/dining - daily and weekends. Reagan/Washington National and Dulles airports close by.

 

[OaktonDave]

Well, I go there often for work so familiar with the area...and so I am contemplating just move to that area...because I like idea of in state tuition in coming years for kids....the public schools for college are the best in VA. I would think the pluses would outweigh as well. So much to do up there...with sports, history, events, much closer to PSU, close to beaches like Outer Banks.
I am kind of looking in area between Burke and Centreville. Thoughts? With that said, i am open to other suggestions. I want good schools, safe area and no more than say an hour commute each way.

I've been in the NOVA area since '87 and generally like it. Like any city that's not in decline, the traffic is miserable, and hosting costs are nasty. The flip side is great schools and a wide selection of restaurants and entertainment options. (Perspective: I'm a 55 year-old married dad of one. My nightlife desires are consistent with that reality...) I'm a history, sports, and music fan, and there's plenty of all to be had. George Mason University has been a pleasant surprise for music and sports. My wife worked at the Pentagon her last assignment before she retired, and slugging worked well for her.

I live in Fairfax just west of Burke. My son will go to WT Woodson High School, which has an excellent reputation, but there isn't a bad high school in the area. The Burke area has Lake Braddock and Robinson, which are very large, and Centerville has schools like Westfield and Centreville - all are excellent. Some are less enthusiastic about Chantilly HS, but it's fine. The area you are looking at is low crime; you can probably find a couple of sketchy neighborhoods along route 50, but that's far from the norm. As it goes, the Sully Police District, which covers the area is pretty quiet. Single family homes can be found from the $550K range up. My sister lived in Clifton near Centreville HS and her house sold for around $620K a few years back. You can certainly pay a whole lot more if you want, and you can go lower if you're willing to live in a townhouse.

You may want to check out the area near South County HS. It's a little further south from where you are looking, but the housing tends to run a little cheaper. Just about everything I said about the Burke to Centreville area is true of that area, and you'll have plenty of company slugging to Pentagon/Crystal City area.

BTW: It's about a 4 hour drive to UPark; a little more on football weekends with the back-ups starting about 15 miles out.​

 

[Nashville Lion]

I've been in the NOVA area since '87 and generally like it. Like any city that's not in decline, the traffic is miserable, and hosting costs are nasty. The flip side is great schools and a wide selection of restaurants and entertainment options. (Perspective: I'm a 55 year-old married dad of one. My nightlife desires are consistent with that reality...) I'm a history, sports, and music fan, and there's plenty of all to be had. George Mason University has been a pleasant surprise for music and sports. My wife worked at the Pentagon her last assignment before she retired, and slugging worked well for her.

I live in Fairfax just west of Burke. My son will go to WT Woodson High School, which has an excellent reputation, but there isn't a bad high school in the area. The Burke area has Lake Braddock and Robinson, which are very large, and Centerville has schools like Westfield and Centreville - all are excellent. Some are less enthusiastic about Chantilly HS, but it's fine. The area you are looking at is low crime; you can probably find a couple of sketchy neighborhoods along route 50, but that's far from the norm. As it goes, the Sully Police District, which covers the area is pretty quiet. Single family homes can be found from the $550K range up. My sister lived in Clifton near Centreville HS and her house sold for around $620K a few years back. You can certainly pay a whole lot more if you want, and you can go lower if you're willing to live in a townhouse.

You may want to check out the area near South County HS. It's a little further south from where you are looking, but the housing tends to run a little cheaper. Just about everything I said about the Burke to Centreville area is true of that area, and you'll have plenty of company slugging to Pentagon/Crystal City area.

BTW: It's about a 4 hour drive to UPark; a little more on football weekends with the back-ups starting about 15 miles out.​

Thanks Oakton Dave...very helpful.

 

[psurog1]

I live in Vienna and it’s a great place to live. It has a smaller town feel and is convenient to most places in the area from a commute perspective. I left my house at 720 this morning and made it to Crystal City in 31 minutes. That’s about average for that trip. I moved to Vienna from Manassas 3 years ago after getting worn down from commuting in on 66...the schools in Vienna are great and lots of great restaurants.

 

[Virginia Lion]

We will likely move to McLean or Arlington in a couple years - what are your overall impressions of schools in your pyramid? We’re looking at new construction and browse Redfin from time to time to see what kind of inventory is out there. What’s funny is on paper, the McLean High Schools are off the charts excellent when compared to say, TC Williams in Alexandria. But, when you read user comments the McLean schools seem to suffer from a lot of ‘cliquey’ behavior and get a lot of comments suggesting the social aspects are very hierarchical. Compare that to Williams, which gets almost universal praise from users who comment. Really strange dichotomy. Anyway, appreciate the feedback!

Midnighter, we have lived in Arlington (3 years), Falls Church City (6 years) and Great Falls (29 years). Based on input from our friends and neighbors and folks at work, For NoVa high schools, I would rank Langley High and the Thos. Jefferson magnet school at the top in terms of academics and college acceptance. McLean High and Patrick Henry in Arlington are also good. TC Williams has improved but not in same category as the others. People at work in the TC school district have either moved to a better high school district or sent their kids to private school. As mentioned in my previous post, our neighbor’s son who went to Langley got into PSU-UP with a 3.2 GPA. ( played football and basketball there but nit at PSU). A Langley guidance counselor visits the PSU admissions office each Sept. to talk about Langley students interested in PSU. Don’t know about the clique part—the Langley kids in our neighborhood are on the football, lacrosse, soccer and swim teams. So maybe they are the popular kids and in the cliques. When I was in high school in PA, it was extremely cliquey— I think a lot are. When I went back for my 35th high school reunion, a number of the real cliquey people turned out to be very nice to talk with, but others were still jerks. So you never know.

 

[anon_xdc8rmuek44eq]

Midnighter, we have lived in Arlington (3 years), Falls Church City (6 years) and Great Falls (29 years). Based on input from our friends and neighbors and folks at work, For NoVa high schools, I would rank Langley High and the Thos. Jefferson magnet school at the top in terms of academics and college acceptance. McLean High and Patrick Henry in Arlington are also good. TC Williams has improved but not in same category as the others. People at work in the TC school district have either moved to a better high school district or sent their kids to private school. As mentioned in my previous post, our neighbor’s son who went to Langley got into PSU-UP with a 3.2 GPA. ( played football and basketball there but nit at PSU). A Langley guidance counselor visits the PSU admissions office each Sept. to talk about Langley students interested in PSU. Don’t know about the clique part—the Langley kids in our neighborhood are on the football, lacrosse, soccer and swim teams. So maybe they are the popular kids and in the cliques. When I was in high school in PA, it was extremely cliquey— I think a lot are. When I went back for my 35th high school reunion, a number of the real cliquey people turned out to be very nice to talk with, but others were still jerks. So you never know.

Good stuff - thank you!!

 

[Aardvark86]

Lots of solid info on here. One other item. If you have any inclination toward private high schools check out Gonzaga. Don’t know that they take many transfers but a special place.

 

[LionJim]

Lots of solid info on here. One other item. If you have any inclination toward private high schools check out Gonzaga. Don’t know that they take many transfers but a special place.

Gonzaga is a special, special place.