"Bad" Areas of Springfield? Any input?? (Alexandria, Burke: apartments, appliances)

[MovefromFla]

Hello, all. Many of you commented on the previous thread by Dingler:

WARNING: Many previously Single Family Homes in Northern VA have turned into Apartments ( 1 2)
Dingler

One of the members "Fairfax Mom", indicated that there are areas of Springfield to avoid. My husband and I are looking into the Alexandria or Springfield area to purchase a SFH.. Since our budget is $550K and under, Springfield seemed more appealing. However, other than the Springfield mall area, are there other zip codes in Springfield we should avoid? Please advise


Thanks in advance.

[Dingler]

Dingler knows NV Neighborhoods.

Stay away from Eastern Springfield. The areas west of Rolling Road are the best.

The Realestate Agent will never tell you the truth about neighborhoods. They have to be politically correct and can get in trouble legally if they say to much.

Again, the nicest areas are West of Rolling Road. Burke and Fairfax Station is nice but tough commutes. Annandale outside the Beltway is nice also.

Alexandria has some nice areas but they will cost you and the schools are not so great. Lorton is a commuters nightmare, but have some nice new areas. Do not buy a home that requires a commute on Interstate 95, it is a terrible mess.

Really it all depends on where you work. The drive to work really is the true indicator of quality of life.

[MovefromFla]

Thank you, Dingler. My question for you is what zip codes should we stay away from? We saw many beautiful, older SFH homes in the zip code 22153 such as Saratoga, Bonniemill Acres, Lakewood Hills, Spring Forest, North Springfield Park, Burgoyne Forest West, Burgoyne Forest West, Springfield - Terra Grande, Newington Woods West, Springfield - Middle Valley, Knolls At Middle Run.

I really appreciate the information. Are of any of the above areas considered West Springfield? In addition,would you expect any of the above mentioned homes to have the problems you mentioned in the thread you previously posted: WARNING: Many previously Single Family Homes in Northern VA have turned into Apartments Family Homes Turned into Apartments". Please advise

Is zip code 22153 generally safe or is it too hard to generalize? Please advise
Thanks
We are working with the realtor, but as you know, there are many questions she cannot answer..
My sisters who live in Lorton and Alexandria, respectively, have been trying to recruit us to their respective towns, however, we have been to Springfield many times and we loved it there...(also, it seems to be more affordable for a SFH)
Thanks for your help!
Thank you

[mlv311]

Originally Posted by MovefromFla

Is zip code 22153 generally safe or is it too hard to generalize? Please advise

Generally, if the HS for the area is West Springfield, then you are in one of the most desirable parts of Springfield. Also, you may want to consider homes in Burke. Good luck.

[MovefromFla]

Thanks.. That helps a lot!

[lchoro]

North Springfield should be okay unless things have changed dramatically.
It's mostly single family homes and very little industrial zoning unlike the area near Springfield Mall. It's bordered by the Beltway (495), Backlick Rd, and Braddock Rd. The type of homes are very similar to that on the other side of Braddock Rd in Annandale.

[MovefromFla]

Thanks, lchoro. By the way, is North Springfield zip code 22153? We saw many great homes in our price range in that area...

[lchoro]

22151. 22153 is much farther south. North Springfield is sometimes referred to as separate from Springfield.

You're looking closer to Fairfax County Parkway, Lorton, and Occoquan. You're probably on to some newer housing developments along Fairfax Parkway. I haven't been down that stretch of the Parkway for 2/3 yrs and noticed all the new construction.

[MovefromFla]

Thank you...So, zip code 22153..

[Dingler]

North Springfield should be okay unless things have changed dramatically.
It's mostly single family homes and very little industrial zoning unlike the area near Springfield Mall. It's bordered by the Beltway (495), Backlick Rd, and Braddock Rd. The type of homes are very similar to that on the other side of Braddock Rd in Annandale.
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50 years ago North Springfield was one of the most sought after neighborhoods in the area. People waited in line for hours just to see a model home. It had some of the largest homes and most modern appliances.--- Move ahead to year 2007 and it is mostly Asian and Hispanic immigrants living 10-20 people to a home. If that is you- it is a fairly nice area.