Overwhelmed, moving to NoVa and cannot decide on location (Reston: houses, neighborhoods)

[StarSean]

To say that we are overwhelmed is an understatement. We just spent the past three days with a realtor looking at neighborhoods and we are just lost. Here's the lowdown:

• Hubby's new job is in Herndon (Worldgate)
• My office is in Sterling (28/Warp Dr)
• Two kids, 10 yr old daughter and 9 month old son
• 3-4 bedroom single family home (over 2500 sq ft)
• Must have a yard
• Basement
• A+ schools
• Trees, nice looking area
• Easy access to shopping
• Friendly neighbors (this is imperative!)
• We do not want to live like bees with our neighbors right on top of us
• We HATE commuting. Anything over 30 minutes at rush hour is a deal breaker (but we will budget for tolls)
• Budget - $750k max

We have looked at Woodlea in Leesburg, Potomac Falls, Lansdowne, Ashburn Farm, Reston. Woodlea was the prettiest, Reston seemed really close to everything, Ashburn was totally '80s cookie cutter. I don't know, we were really not all that impressed with pretty much everything we saw.


What are we missing?

[hertfordshire]

Slightly over your budget, but have you seen this house?

731 Old Hunt Way, Herndon, VA 20170 - realtor.com®

[StarSean]

The elementary school is rated a 2 on Greatschools.com for that house...

[hertfordshire]

Well, I'm not a fan of using greatschools.com as basis for making decisions, but that's just me. You'll notice the most recent reviews are positive and indicate a new principal who seems to be doing a great job.

I have family at that school (on that street, as a matter of fact), and mom has nothing negative to say about the school.

[StarSean]

Well that's great that they have had a positive experience at that school. We live out of state so sources like Great Schools are about all I have aside from personal accounts.

[JfromReston]

Of the areas that you listed Reston will most likely have the best schools as long as you stay away from Dogwood elementary. Most anywhere in Reston should keep both of you under 30 minutes to work. In your price range in Reston, houses that are in good condition and priced right go very quickly. I have a neighbor who will be listing their house very soon - probably later this week - on Tanbark Drive in Reston - it will probably be listed in the high $600s (maybe low $700s). Reston is an awesome place to live. That said your housing dollars will get you bigger - nicer houses is some of the other areas that you listed (though probably not nicer lots). Please let me know if you have any Reston specific questions, I'm happy to help.

This is many of my friends favorite school.
http://www.greatschools.org/virginia...entary-School/

[hertfordshire]

Food for thought. An interesting read: Why You Should Pay Zero Attention to the GreatSchools Rating System

[spencgr]

Originally Posted by StarSean

• Friendly neighbors (this is imperative!)

Neighbors move. What you get now is not necessarily what you get 6 months from now.

[Middlin]

I have friends that live in Franklin Farms and love it. Great schools and probably 15 minute commute to Reston. The Sterling location shouldn't be more than 30. Check out 20171 in Oak Hill. Pay close attention to the school pyramid if you plan to be here long time.

[StarSean]

@Middlin what is the recommended school pyramid in that area?