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Old 01-30-2013, 04:45 PM
 
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If you look to buy a townhouse for around $250,000, which is better in terms of, generally speaking, the area, choices, safety, and commute to DC (via VRE)?
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Old 01-30-2013, 05:06 PM
 
Location: northern va
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Timing2012 View Post
If you look to buy a townhouse for around $250,000, which is better in terms of, generally speaking, the area, choices, safety, and commute to DC (via VRE)?
from that aspect, Woodbridge is going to come out ahead (atleast based off price, currently). You may even get lucky in Lake Ridge, where Manassas doesn't really offer a neighborhood that is similar in makeup/amenities.

I'd call the VRE aspect a wash as both areas have the two stations each.. posted commute time from each area into the city is close (within 10 minutes, not taking into account normal day to day circumstances)

just my .02
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Old 01-30-2013, 05:16 PM
 
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I like the Gainesville/Haymarket area, but for that price, it probably would be a townhouse style condo (or is it a condo style townhouse). The ones where you have one family on the bottom couple floors and another on the top couple floors. You'd be right at $250,000 for the cheaper options in Gainesville/Haymarket, where you could probably find something a little cheaper in Lake Ridge. You should take a look at both areas and see which one you like better.
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Old 01-30-2013, 05:28 PM
 
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Originally Posted by spleuchan View Post
I like the Gainesville/Haymarket area, but for that price, it probably would be a townhouse style condo (or is it a condo style townhouse).
The problem with Gainesville is that it is further away from VRE stations than the other two cities.
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Old 01-30-2013, 05:29 PM
 
Location: northern va
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Originally Posted by spleuchan View Post
I like the Gainesville/Haymarket area, but for that price, it probably would be a townhouse style condo (or is it a condo style townhouse). The ones where you have one family on the bottom couple floors and another on the top couple floors. You'd be right at $250,000 for the cheaper options in Gainesville/Haymarket, where you could probably find something a little cheaper in Lake Ridge. You should take a look at both areas and see which one you like better.
I'm a fan of the upper floor units myself as they tend to be quite large (due to the garage space eating up the lower units square footage).. but a lot of steps to get to the upstairs units
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Old 01-30-2013, 06:02 PM
 
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Originally Posted by Timing2012 View Post
The problem with Gainesville is that it is further away from VRE stations than the other two cities.
True. Stafford also has train stations and you could probably get a single family house for that price. Is that too long of a train ride for you?
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Old 01-30-2013, 07:43 PM
 
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Originally Posted by spleuchan View Post
True. Stafford also has train stations and you could probably get a single family house for that price. Is that too long of a train ride for you?
Stafford is too far.
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Old 01-30-2013, 09:26 PM
 
Location: DMV
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Woodbridge, specifically Lake Ridge would make more sense. The townhomes in Manassas that are in that range or lower are not in good areas and the ones that are really nice are out of that budget. Stick to Lake Ridge. It isn't extremely close to the VRE but you could get there in about 15-20 minutes depending on where you live or you can just take a commuter bus into DC.
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Old 01-31-2013, 03:29 AM
 
Location: Manassas, VA
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Is that your max budget? I live in Blooms Mill which is in Manassas off Rt. 28 and it is walking distance or free parking distance to the VRE. Townhomes (when you can find one) are running about $270 with a single car garage. I just checked and it doesn't look like there are any on the market right now but you can keep checking and might wind up lucking out.
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Old 01-31-2013, 04:46 AM
 
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Just want to add this: I would choice Woodbridge strictly for the commuting options. Let's say you end up NOT wanting to take VRE. You cannot beat Woodbridge for commuter options. There are extensive bus lines, slug lines and vanpools geared towards a DC commute. Slug lines especially. I don't think that Manassas can compare. You will at least be giving yourself more commuting options in Woodbridge.

You also don't have to stick solely with Lake Ridge. There are new construction areas that are closer to the VRE that would probably fit your budget if commute time to the VRE is a big factor.
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