What's it "really" like to live in Purcellville? (Fairfax: fit in, low crime)

[busymomto6]

We are contemplating a move to Purcellville, and wanted honest comments from those who really know. Are the demographics of Loudoun Valley High the same as Woodgrove, or do you feel they are different? Are the folks in town friendly and welcoming to newcomers, are do they shun new people? A school employee in Purcellville told me once, confidentially, that unless you have a ton of money, your kids will feel left out, since the majority of kids in Purcellville come from two income families with lots of disposable income, and the kids want for nothing, and it always makes his kids feel left out. As far as the town itself, do you feel it is in huge growth mode, and will be like Falls Church or Sterling eventually, with tons of sprawl, everything built up, gangs, overcrowding, etc.? Also, is anyone familiar with the Episcopal church in town? Is it more traditional, or has it gone radical with the guitars, tambourines, alternate-styled services, etc.? As you might have guessed, we want something very traditional, in our town, our church, etc. I realize that everyone has their own preferences and likes and dislikes, such as we do. We're just trying to find something that suits us, that's all. Do you think we would fit in Purcellville well? All helpful comments are appreciated. Thanks.

[LynchburgLover]

Purcellville is a very friendly, family-oriented town -- think Mayberry. Very low crime, tons of children, many stay-at-home moms. Obviously, Loudoun is a very wealthy county and Western Loudoun has lots of those families with money to burn. But, I don't think you can generalize that all the children are spoiled. As with any wealthy community, there are plenty of brats but there are just as many delightful, well-adjusted families.

My children went to private school so I can't tell you much about the public schools.

Regarding Episcopal Churches, I think you'll have a hard time finding a "traditional" one in Loudoun. They run the gamut from the "happy, clappy" evangalicals to the Anglo-Catholic high church but the Episcopal Church at the national level took a huge left turn and that's the theology being preached.

There is a small church on Route 15 near Oatlands that is part of Anglican Church in American that still uses the 1928 Prayer Brook.

Good luck and Merry Christmas!

[arielmina]

agreed with above post, Purcellville is a great town. I live nearby in Round Hill, but it's in the same HS school district and Purcellville is our "town" for eating out, shopping etc. It's just a wonderful, family friendly, down to earth town. It has been built up in the last 10 yrs and they have more building on the horizon in the commercial center, including a new Harris Teeter an shopping center on what is currently a beautiful old farm. The townspeople however, like all of Western Loudoun, are concerned about overdevelopment so no, I don't think it will ever be over developed or frankly like anything in Fairfax or Eastern Loudoun county. There is new zoning which restricts building to one house per 10 acres and there has been lots of backlash on development in town.

My kids are in elementary school so no idea about the difference in the schools however I know Woodgrove has the western portion of the area, so my kids in Round hill will go there. Its a beautiful facility, my kids are excited to go there...in 7 years

There are no good restaurants to speak of, well except Magnolia's which is among the most expensive in town so we only go there for special occasions or with visitors. One great thing about Purcellville is they have one of the best farmers markets in Virginia every Saturday year round. And it is always packed, that's the type of community it is. Local food, local people, very different than closer in towns.

In short, I love it in this area, it really is a wonderful community. We moved here last fall and I can say that everyone has been extremely friendly to us new folks, even being New Englanders LOL. Yes there is wealth in the area, but I know just as many folks who are really struggling and live very modestly.

PS I am not church going so can't help you there.