Empty Nesters moving from CA to NOVA - places to live?

[stpickrell]

Originally Posted by Nic78

@stpickrell Do you or have you ever drive from somewhere near FF City to Reston Towne Center? Its not a route I take or a destination I go to. I can't believe that it would only take 25 min during rush hour. Maybe I'm missing out. Not disagreeing, but it seems it takes 20 minutes to drive anywhere around here (non rush hour).

I think 30 minutes isn't unrealistic. I lived in Vienna and it took me 25-30 minutes to get to 28 and 267.

[SPHokie]

Originally Posted by tkal

Preferred more urban, diverse environment with restaurants, shops and cultural activities, great walking areas.
Home budget - $500 - $800K (3+ bedrooms: 1600+ sq')
Job in Fairfax City - preferred commute about 30 minutes.
Recommendations include: Alexandria, Reston, Herndon, Vienna, Falls Church and Arlington
Any suggestions?

May I suggest Maryland.

[stpickrell]

Originally Posted by SPHokie

May I suggest Maryland.

For a job in Fairfax City?

[fairlaker]

It was mentioned briefly above, but Fairfax Corner might do the trick. It's not a huge area, but four major restaurants, a movie theater, a couple dozen shops and boutiques lining a half-dozen eminently walkable and quite pleasant city-like blocks. Fountains. Band concerts. And the kicker -- it's right down the street from Wegman's!

[tkal]

At this time will take location even if it means a long (45-60 minute) commute. Considering Reston (near the town center) vs Arlington. Any feedback?

[FindingZen]

Originally Posted by tkal

At this time will take location even if it means a long (45-60 minute) commute. Considering Reston (near the town center) vs Arlington. Any feedback?

You'll get more value for your housing $ in Reston. The Town Center area may not seem as "organic" as an urban neighborhood, but it still offers a lot of walkability within it.

Mind you, that's no knock on Arlington *at all*. I just feel that a relatively short commute is something to be treasured in this region.

[Novamom06]

Reston is a really desirable area. The metro will also be coming next year which will help tremendously with access to the more urban areas.

In addition to the town center, there are other parts of Reston, some of the "older" sections, that are still within a mile or two of the town center and have a lot of character, tall trees, amenities, lakes. Something to consider!

[JfromReston]

My Reston neighborhood in the South Lakes area near the Walker Nature center is a pretty even mix of empty nesters and families with kids. We love have the nature center in the backyard!