Best neighborhoods for less than $300,000 (Burke, Lake Ridge: 2013, renting, condo)

[gadler]

Hello-

I am a federal employee working in DC, who has about $300,000 to spend on a home within about an hour commute (whether by car or by public transportation). I am a single mother, but my daughters are college-aged so schools are not really a concern (other than for resale value down the road!). I am wondering what people would suggest in this price range-- I realize I will have to go pretty far out, but am not sure what those far-out neighborhoods are really like. In the past I have rented in Falls Church and Oakton, where I clearly cannot afford to buy! This will be my first time purchasing a home, so I am very open to any and all suggestions and advice.

Thank you so much!!

[fcyolo]

i would check out burke

[spencgr]

What type of home? Condo? Townhome? SFH?

[johnsonkk]

Certainly having an accurate perspective of the entire area is challenging. I can only speak to south 95 corridor.

As asked already on size/type, what are you looking for in a living space? If it's just you, would you consider renting in either Ballston/Rosslyn or Crystal city?

If you want to own, you can find lots of small SFA's in Lake ridge or nice townhouse. Commute options include commuter bus or carpool (slugging).

[gadler]

Thanks for those who have already replied! I am hoping for a SFH-- although my daughters are older, two are still living with me (one commutes to George Mason) and one returns during the summer. I primarily am looking for a safe, friendly neighborhood, that has some kind of public transport possibilities into DC (I'm at the Ronald Reagan Building on Pennsylvania Avenue).

[HokieFan]

Originally Posted by johnsonkk

Certainly having an accurate perspective of the entire area is challenging. I can only speak to south 95 corridor.

As asked already on size/type, what are you looking for in a living space? If it's just you, would you consider renting in either Ballston/Rosslyn or Crystal city?

If you want to own, you can find lots of small SFA's in Lake ridge or nice townhouse. Commute options include commuter bus or carpool (slugging).

A single family under $300k in Lake Ridge will be a rare find. She could probably get a decent townhouse toward the upper end of her budget.

[fcyolo]

300k for a SFH requires a time machine, I would look at townhomes in Burke, VA

[VRE332]

There's still hope, but the only SFH in Fairfax county under 300k

https://www.redfin.com/VA/Fairfax/46...0/home/9612515

[VRE332]

Here's a good one in Loudoun County

https://www.redfin.com/VA/Purcellvil.../home/12022930

[VRE332]

Maybe farming is something you'd like with this beauty

https://www.redfin.com/VA/Lovettsvil.../home/12017600