The Army is sending us to DC, where to buy?

[ChristineVA]

I need to straighten out this confusion about "split levels." I grew up in the era of "split foyer" homes. My dad was a realtor way back in the day and there is a distinction between "split levels" and "split foyers."

My entire family owned split foyers. When you stepped into the front door, you were generally standing in a 6'x6' foyer. You had a choice to either go up the stairs to the main living level, or down the stairs into the basement that may or may not be finished.

My one aunt had a split level. You stepped into the front door and on that level was the kitchen, living room, and dining room. To your left or right, depending on the layout of the house, was a set of stairs. One set went up to the bedrooms and bathrooms, and the other set went down to a finished or unfinished basement. Hence, you had three levels but they were split and not all on top of each other. Interesting concept that I don't see anymore.

[Carlingtonian]

Originally Posted by JEB77

I'm not sure that either North Arlington or McLean would have a lot to offer the OP that doesn't fall into the old and/or split-level category.

Most of N. Arl. is prewar Capes, Colonials, bungalows, foursquares, plus a few remaining farmhouses--and '50s ramblers (though they're being torn down frequently). There are a few '60s-era split-something-or-others--but not that many.

OP, be advised that Arlington is about to start a huge project to reconfigure the intersection of Columbia Pike and Route 50, just west of the Pentagon. But honestly, you can reach it faster on southbound GWMP than from just about anywhere else.

[JD984]

Originally Posted by Carlingtonian

Most of N. Arl. is prewar Capes, Colonials, bungalows, foursquares, plus a few remaining farmhouses--and '50s ramblers (though they're being torn down frequently). There are a few '60s-era split-something-or-others--but not that many.

OP, be advised that Arlington is about to start a huge project to reconfigure the intersection of Columbia Pike and Route 50, just west of the Pentagon. But honestly, you can reach it faster on southbound GWMP than from just about anywhere else.

If they are interested in a small, older home close to the Pentagon, they will have some options in both North Arlington and McLean under $725K. But not as many as they'll have a bit further out and, particularly in McLean, those older homes are often split levels from the 1960s. The housing stock in North Arlington includes more older homes.

I'm certainly not trying to steer the OP away from our respective neighborhoods. Neither am I trying to suggest she absolutely must live there, or her spouse's commute will be a living hell. Just trying to give someone who may not be too familiar with the area a sense as to where, relatively speaking, she may find the largest number of properties initially that meet her needs. There are reasons why so many military families end up in Alexandria, Burke and Springfield - affordability and inventory.

As to the comments by other posters about McMansions, $725K is unlikely to buy a McMansion in any part of Arlington or more than a few pockets of Fairfax (some developments in, for example, Lorton or Centreville), so I don't think she'll have to worry about heating a McMansion unless she starts looking further out, which seems unlikely.

[car54]

Originally Posted by Carlingtonian

...OP, be advised that Arlington is about to start a huge project to reconfigure the intersection of Columbia Pike and Route 50, just west of the Pentagon. But honestly, you can reach it faster on southbound GWMP than from just about anywhere else.

Do you mean Washington Blvd? I can't think of anywhere that Columbia Pike intersects with Route 50...

[Carlingtonian]

Originally Posted by car54

Do you mean Washington Blvd? I can't think of anywhere that Columbia Pike intersects with Route 50...

Yeah, I guess they don't really intersect. I mean the mini-mixing bowl where 50 goes of Washington Blvd., and Columbia Pike is in there somewhere (I think also going over Wash Blvd). They're about to rejigger the whole mess--projected to last until 2015.

[khuntrevor]

i grew up in 22150, and there were lots of Pentagon workers. I had more brass on my paper route, than most bases. Their kids frequently strengthened the schools and sports programs. That being stated, with your budget, try 22152. The 60s homes are probably better than the 70s homes......
7016 Maple Tree Ln Springfield VA - Home For Sale and Real Estate Listing - MLS #FX7789668 - Realtor.com®

but I would be looking behind the Springfield Country Club.

[Army Family]

Thanks again for all the information! Will def take a closer look at Springfield. Seems to have most of what we are looking for, and the commute times are good via metro. (and as someone else mentioned close to Belvoir as well.) Still not ruling out parts of Arlington, Alexandria or Burke but a lot to chat with Realtor about.