? Moving to Fairfax county (Reston, Chantilly: rental, elementary school, utilities)

[generalswife]

Currently live in Loudon county and I'd like to move to Fairfax County in June/July 2012.

I have a elementary school aged child.

Would like to live near a location that has easy freeway/metro access.

Any recommendations?

Yvette

[FindingZen]

Where will the breadwinner/s be working? That will be a major factor considering commuting traffic goes in "all directions" around Fairfax County.

The Orange Metro line closely tracks I-66. The Yellow Line is a substitute of sorts for the George Washington Parkway or Route 1. The Blue Line could be considered an alternate to I-95/495.

As you may already know, Fairfax County Public Schools as a whole have a nationally renowned reputation. Your housing budget, maximum preferred commute and acceptance of socioeconomic diversity may help focus your choices.

[generalswife]

Hubby works in Reston and I'm a stay-home mom. Housing budget is $2,500 per month not including utilities.

[hilsmom]

Why metro access if he works in Reston? Of course, next year-ish, the Metro will BE in Reston, so access will be much better.

I suggest you be as close to his work as possible. Reston, Herndon, Fairfax and Chantilly, although I'd not rule out Sterling in Loudoun (I'm thinking Lowes Island area).

If I had this budget for rental of a SFH, I'd probably focus on the Oak Hill or Fox Mill ES districts, with my personal preference for Oak Hill. You also might find a rental in the Armstrong and Aldrin ES districts.

[saganista]

If you could put up with possibly running into me at the grocery store, the Vienna/Oakton area would fit the bill. Schools are very good. There is certainly housing at $2500 per month. Plus or minus, it's about 30 minutes into Reston in rush hour. It's quite close to Metro, 66, and 495.