Lake of the Woods question

[maggiecastagnola]

I've lived in Lake of the Woods since August 22 1986 almost 22 years. Yes it has it's issues the dam. But what a great place to raise a family. Try getting what we have here up in Northern Virginia or even Spotsy. Yes we pay extra for the pools but it's minimal one time cost for the season. Not monthly or even weekly. Great swim team!!! Ski Club also a great thing for the kids. Clubhouse with great reasonably priced food with great views.And you don't have to pay yearly or monhly dues to eat there. Unlike say Fawn Lake. We have 2 pools numerous beaches,parks campground golf course,teen center skate park. It's like being on vacation. Show me a community that doesn't have issues and show me one with our prices.

[fosbri]

<<<BUMP>>>

I wanted to bump this thread and see if there are any more up to date opinions on low (especially from those with children). My husband would be commuting to Woodbridge & NOVA traffic is not something new to either of us.
We have 2 small children and and are interested to hear about the local and surrounding school systems. I'd also like to know if other areas other than LOW are recommended. We are looking for descent priced homes and a sense of community.

Thanks for your help.

[EricD]

Commuting to Woodbridge from LOW??? You'd be looking at an hour's drive each way WITHOUT traffic. Unless you leave work before 3:30 pm (2:30 pm on Fridays in the summer), then you'd be looking at a 2 hour drive home at least...(even without an accident), some days maybe 3 or 4 hours, if there IS an accident.

If you're fine with the drive, then LOW might work for you. You can also look into the two lake communities in Caroline (Lake Caroline and Lake Land'Or), or Presidential Lakes in King George.

If you're looking for good schools though, you might want to stick to Spotsylvania County. It would also shave off 15 minutes or so from your commute each way, which would be 2.5 hours per week of extra time home, instead of in the car.

[DC Oldtimer]

I believe LOW is one of 12 communities in the midst of a war over a proposed increase in water and sewer rates. I am not sure how LOW would be affected by the proposal, but am aware that the private water company that serves these communities seeks permission to raise rates on the order of 40% for water and 70% for sewer at one of the other locations. My husband and I ruled it out Lake Monticello when we figured out that if the increase is granted our monthly water bill there would be $150 month. We pay $30 in Fairfax County.

Granted there are cost savings at a place like LOW; real estate and taxes are much lower. But do look into utility bills before you sign anything.