Commute from Leesburg to Frederick (Lovettsville: relocate, condos, rental)

[hrb6992]

My husband and I are looking to relocate for a career opportunity in Frederick, MD. We would like to live in Leesburg, VA but are wondering how long the rush-hour commute would be from Leesburg to Frederick. We realize this is a reverse commute so we are hoping it will not take more than 30 minutes. We would appreciate any comments or insight on this topic. Thanks for your help!

[EuroExpat]

You'll definitely be going against traffic. My only concern would be that 15 is often only two lanes and if there is a major accident you'd be stuck. But on a normal day it shouldn't take more than 30 minutes. Though I have to ask - why not live closer to the state border if you want to live in the VA side?

[hrb6992]

Thanks, for your feedback! We currently live in Boston and are not that familiar with the area. We have friends that live in Leesburg and we loved the area when we visited them. We like that it has a nice town with restaurants and some cute shops. The neighborhoods we visited seem like a place where we would feel at home. Are there any other areas closer to the state border you suggest that have the same type of character and culture that we feel Leesburg has to offer?

[karnovaran]

There really aren't any other towns closer to the border with many restaurants and shops. Perhaps Lovettsville, but I haven't been there in ages and don't know about the commute on Lovettsville Rd.

The commute from Leesburg to Frederick should be ok.. it's a disaster going the other way (lines of cars going North on 15 in the PM), so I'd worry that it would somehow slow your direction down but I'm not sure since I've never done it.

[EuroExpat]

Leesburg is a wonderful place, I'm sure you'll love it. :-) There aren't really any other "towns" on the way to Frederick from Leesburg, smaller developed areas yes but nothing major. And since you already have friends in Leesburg and you liked it then go for it! Oh, I was also going to say that the drive is beautiful and there are some fresh farm produce stands on the way and a vineyard or two.

[Tim Rankin]

Originally Posted by hrb6992

My husband and I are looking to relocate for a career opportunity in Frederick, MD. We would like to live in Leesburg, VA but are wondering how long the rush-hour commute would be from Leesburg to Frederick. We realize this is a reverse commute so we are hoping it will not take more than 30 minutes. We would appreciate any comments or insight on this topic. Thanks for your help!

I did the Frederick-Leesburg-Frederick commute for about 1 1/2 yrs, and it can definitely be bad at times. Your "reverse" commute would comparitively be a breeze. The only things to consider are: 1) There have been an increasing number of accidents & fatalities on that road. 2) Bad weather in the winter, ice, etc. 3) The cost of gas/commuting.

I can definitely understand wanting to live in Leesburg, especially if you have good friends there! I worked there for about 15 yrs, and know it well. Do check out Frederick too, though. Very cute place, great downtown/main street, and overall the city's on the upswing.

[5stones]

former Leesburgite here. As much as I love it the commute to Frederick would be a pain. you can go all the way up to Lovettesville and go over the Point of Rocks bridge (only 1 lane) or take Whites Ferry over. The ferry is good but, in bad weather it can close down...ice on river debris in river etc...) It's an hour on a good day.

My suggestion is to Look in Frederick itself. It's has a historic downtown area and they are really doing some nice urban planning (building a "river walk" type thing with condos and shops etc...) Rent there and see how you like it. It's a quick drive to see your friends in Leesburg for wine tasting etc... but not a daily grind of a drive.

[Margery]

Try Lucketts, it's north of Leesburg on route 15. Very small town, but great antique stores and they have a festival in August with home made ice cream.
It is close to Leesburg and not far from Frederick.

[5stones]

I would not suggest LUCKETTES I have 3 friends that have built out there and now wish they hadn't left Leesburg.
The traffic on rt 15 is HORRENDOUS. Esp in the evenings going from Leesburg to Luckettes. It can take up to 45 minutes to get from the light at Target/Costco to whites Ferry rd. They have NO plans to make Rt 15 4 lanes and NO plans to make the point of rocks bridge into 4 lanes.

Luckettes has nothing. (ok it has a nasty getty station, great farmers market and tons of antique stores) BUT..no Grocery stores, no banking, no resturants. YOu have to go into Leesburg for everything and like I said getting back into Luckettes in the evening (esp friday) is aweful!!

LOvettesville (by point of rocks bridge...closer to Frederick by about 20minutes)and
Purceville are better options. But agsain... the commute to Frederick could be a pain.(from Purceville)

[hrb6992]

Thank you to everyone who responded to our question regarding the commute from Leesburg to Frederick. Hearing everyone's feedback has certainly helped!

We will probably rent at first in Leesburg to get a better feel for the commute and area before buying a house. Do you know if it is common to find month-to-month rentals in Leesburg? We would hope to rent for a few months while we get acquainted with the area. However, we would like to buy a house sooner than later to take advantage of the low interest rates and "buyers market".

Once again, thanks for your help and we appreciate any further info you can provide!