Walkable Downtowns - Outer Northern Virginia (Manassas, Vienna: living in, restaurants, shops)

[Ashley Tauzier]

So I live in Gainesville and there is no set downtown. There is a newer community called Wentworth Green by Ryan Homes that has SF homes, townhouses, and condos that are being marketed as being walkable. They are connected to the VA Gateway which has shops, movie theater, restaurants (Bj's Brewhouse, Uncle Julio's, Nandos, SmashBurger, etc), and bars(Bar Louie and Trummers). I would not say it is a happening night life though, but is walkable. Warrenton has a very quaint downtown feel and seems to be more family friendly. Old town Manassas I think would give you a good vibe too, with restaurants and bars, like the others suggested. All in all, None of these areas are party central, filled with 20 somethings though.

[Middlin]

You can play with the times on google maps but during rush, I still think it would be close to an hour. Get behind a slow truck, an accident, bad weather.....There is less and less a "reverse" commute around here.

[themommy]

Originally Posted by Davis53

@middlin

What about going from Leesburg to Gainesville taking 15? Seems like it bypasses a lot of the sprawl...maybe?

Thanks.

15 is fine as long as traffic is moving, but being only two lanes, it doesn't take much to mess it all up. An accident, bad weather -- I've run late for appointments just because I wound up behind a slow-moving truck carrying roofing supplies. I think it could potentially be a very stressful commute.

[gomason]

I just don't see the benefit of living in Leesburg being worth the pain of driving an hour to work. Manassas has a downtown that is just as nice and walkable if not more so.

[michgc]

How about the Town of Occoquon?

Official Site of the Town of Occoquan and the Occoquan Arts and Crafts Show

[1969351]

I agree with the other suggestions for Old Town Manassas, sounds like it fits most of what you are looking for.

[michgc]

Originally Posted by michgc

How about the Town of Occoquon?

Official Site of the Town of Occoquan and the Occoquan Arts and Crafts Show

Whoops, I meant Town of Occoquan

[Bigfoot424]

Originally Posted by michgc

How about the Town of Occoquon?

Official Site of the Town of Occoquan and the Occoquan Arts and Crafts Show

Have you ever been to Occoquan during one of their festivals? I have, due to work, and would never attend one of these voluntarily. I imagine living there during these festivals is not pleasant. Besides, if working in Gainesville this is not the easiest drive for a commute.

[ChristineVA]

Originally Posted by Bigfoot424

Have you ever been to Occoquan during one of their festivals? I have, due to work, and would never attend one of these voluntarily. I imagine living there during these festivals is not pleasant. Besides, if working in Gainesville this is not the easiest drive for a commute.

It's not a horrible commute but would be a longer, reverse commute. Depending on the route you take it is anywhere between 30 and 34 miles each way and 35-45 minutes without traffic. I actually REALLY like Occoquan but it really is a "mini" town in my view. You have great walkability to restuarants and unique shops. You're still getting in the car to hit the grocery/convenience store though.

[tgbwc]

Originally Posted by michgc

Whoops, I meant Town of Occoquan

It doesn't seem like an arts and craft show is what the OP is looking for. When I think of Occoquan, I think of Christmas shops, afternoon tea, smelly candles and doilies.