Your Thoughts on This Part of Falls Church (Virginia Beach, Arlington: best neighborhoods, houses)

[savoiadilucania]

Originally Posted by nytimes703

I'm looking to relocate to falls church for a shorter drive into the district for a new job. Is anyone familiar with the area south of 29 and north of 50 between graham and annandale rd? what are your general opinions? based on the appearance of these four major roads, i would guess it's not the prettiest of areas. i see mostly older homes with a few rebuilds. The schools aren't considered the best according to greatschools.org but my kids are 1 and 3....still have a few yrs before elementary. Wondering if their overall ratings can go up by then.

You are beholden to an area that sits between two highways that are very, very busy. As a result some blocks are more quiet than others. The housing stock is very mixed, some well-maintained capes combined with rundown ramblers. As others have stated, it is very diverse as you edge toward the commercial centers and nearby apartments. I don't know if there is much cohesiveness in the neighborhood.

I suspect the Mosaic District (I despite the moniker) will help catalyze some aspect of revitalization.That said, I have often felt lack of practical Metro access has and will continue to hinder overall development. So if you are eyeing investment, you are looking at probably a 10-year return on investment.

I know nothing about schools there.

[JD984]

Originally Posted by savoiadilucania

You are beholden to an area that sits between two highways that are very, very busy. As a result some blocks are more quiet than others. The housing stock is very mixed, some well-maintained capes combined with rundown ramblers. As others have stated, it is very diverse as you edge toward the commercial centers and nearby apartments. I don't know if there is much cohesiveness in the neighborhood.

I suspect the Mosaic District (I despite the moniker) will help catalyze some aspect of revitalization.That said, I have often felt lack of practical Metro access has and will continue to hinder overall development. So if you are eyeing investment, you are looking at probably a 10-year return on investment.

I know nothing about schools there.

There are bus routes along both Lee Highway and Arlington Highway to Metro stations, and the Dunn Loring station has a decent-size parking lot. Being within walking distance of a Metro station has not prevented appreciation in other areas, although it certainly may have spurred it in some areas.

[midlifeman]

It's a good area. Definitely a mix of rambler's and capes, but at least you can have a yard. There is a good preschool there called Building Blocks. I would classify it as the perfect starter home area, before those thoughts of middle and high school ratings start filling the parents heads with anxiety. There is also a public pool nearby called lee-graham that's well run. The proximity to 496/66/29/50 are hard to beat as well. Ask a neighbor who lives there and you will get a better feel. Good Luck.

P.S. Best restaurant in that area is called "Present" (Vietnamese Cuisine)

[lovnova]

I lived on Brook Drive 22042 in Hillwood for 15 years in the 1980s 90s. And in the area of Falls Church a long time. Suggest you stay away from that neighborhood. We used to see the police helicopter flying over that place all the time. I also don't think it would be a good investment.

[JD984]

Originally Posted by lovnova

I lived on Brook Drive 22042 in Hillwood for 15 years in the 1980s 90s. And in the area of Falls Church a long time. Suggest you stay away from that neighborhood. We used to see the police helicopter flying over that place all the time. I also don't think it would be a good investment.

The Washingtonian reported 35% appreciation in 22042 from 2009-12 (during which I understand from your prior posts you were living in a different area, from which it would be difficult to determine whether helicopters were flying over Greenway Downs).

Golden Zip Codes 2013 | Real Estate | Washingtonian

Another site shows the price per square foot for recent sales in 22042 gradually increasing from $305/SF in September 2012 to $339/SF in September 2014.

[lovnova]

Originally Posted by JEB77

The Washingtonian reported 35% appreciation in 22042 from 2009-12 (during which I understand from your prior posts you were living in a different area, from which it would be difficult to determine whether helicopters were flying over Greenway Downs).

Golden Zip Codes 2013 | Real Estate | Washingtonian

Another site shows the price per square foot for recent sales in 22042 gradually increasing from $305/SF in September 2012 to $339/SF in September 2014.

Have a nice day.

[r small]

I used to visit friends there years ago. Back then it was a solid working/middle class neighborhood. Decent place to live and convenient location.

[nytimes703]

thanks all for sharing your insight. i've decided to pass on this area because the assigned elementary school's ratings are quite low. i'm wondering if this is the reason the family in the house i took a look at has decided to sell. i'd rather purchase elsewhere even if the commute is moderately longer

[kieplangdu]

Originally Posted by lovnova

I lived on Brook Drive 22042 in Hillwood for 15 years in the 1980s 90s. And in the area of Falls Church a long time. Suggest you stay away from that neighborhood. We used to see the police helicopter flying over that place all the time. I also don't think it would be a good investment.

80s, and 90s? Say, do you advice people avoid DC because of the 60s riot?

[lovnova]

Originally Posted by kieplangdu

80s, and 90s? Say, do you advice people avoid DC because of the 60s riot?

Have a nice day.