Being relocated to Quantico-Where do I move? (Dale City, Chantilly: real estate market, rentals)

[mla2177]

I have two children, ages 4 and 8, so a decent public school is a must. Safe neighborhoods with a strong community feel is important also. Will be living on 100k a year. Where do I look?

[newvadad]

More information needed. Will you want to rent or buy? Is proximity to public transportation into DC important? How long of a commute can be tolerated? Is having a yard important? How many bedrooms do you desire?

[hilsmom]

My husband is about to take a new job (with his old company) down there. We live in Western Fairfax near Chantilly HS and Library - yeah, I wouldn't recommend that commute, but we can't move at this point (just bought last year!) On the plus side, it will be a commute against traffic.

I think if we were buying NOW, we'd probably look at Montclair area in Prince William. Or, if we needed to stay in Fairfax, maybe Springfield or Lorton areas?

[Kembek]

I would live north of Quantico so as to have a reverse commute. I commuted from Springfield to Quantico and it was a snap in the morning and the evening.

[mla2177]

Originally Posted by newvadad

More information needed. Will you want to rent or buy? Is proximity to public transportation into DC important? How long of a commute can be tolerated? Is having a yard important? How many bedrooms do you desire?

We are open to buying or renting. We do not need public transportation into Dc, he'll be working in Quantico. He is willing to commute if it means great schools and a safe neighborhood. A yard would be a plus. Looking for a three bedroom.

[mla2177]

Originally Posted by Kembek

I would live north of Quantico so as to have a reverse commute. I commuted from Springfield to Quantico and it was a snap in the morning and the evening.

How long would you say? Someone else recommended Springfield.

[ChristineVA]

Originally Posted by mla2177

How long would you say? Someone else recommended Springfield.

I would think it would be around 30 minutes. It takes me about 15 to get from Springfield to the Woodbridge area. Probably 15 minutes from Woodbridge to get down to the gate at Quantico (that's what it takes me on the weekend and I live in the more southern part of Woodbridge).

[HereinVA]

I would look in the Ashland neighborhood along rt. 234 and other surrounding areas. I've heard excellent things about Ashland elementary. They are in the process of rezoning the school districts though, so look carefully at that before committing yourself.

[CAVA1990]

It's about 30 minutes to the gate from here in Mount Vernon and you'd be in the Fairfax County school system. Not many rentals around here right now though.

[newvadad]

The further out you look, the more you get.

I live in Gainesville and make the trip to Quantico in about 40 minutes. There are a options in Stafford, south of MCBQ if you want to buy, but I'm not sure about the schools. Woodbridge has some new development too and is close to base.
My observation is that the route 1 corridor is very heavily traveled and prone to traffic tie-ups that can ruin a commute and make just average travel to the store a nightmare so take that into account. Looking in the Montclair, Dale City, Dumfries, Triangle and Aquia Harbor areas might be fruitful too. Looking west, Manassas is really not that far away and expanding your search to that section of the county might give you more options.
My advice, if you don't plan on staying in the area for more than one tour (three years I presume) I suggest renting because the real estate market, although robust will probably not provide an opportunity to break-even over such a short time. We learned that the hard way.

Good luck.