Sugarland Run in Sterling (Reston, Herndon: apartments, rental, HOA fees)

[willowinivy]

I am looking at buying a house in Sugarland Run and would really appreciate any information anyone has on the single family home community. So far from my forum searches, I have not heard anything bad. My main concern is the HOA.

I had previously lived in a condo and had a terrible experience with the HOA. I vowed to never live in an HOA community again. However, looking at Sugarland Run it seems the fees go toward amenities like the pool and walking trails. I am fine with paying for these and I don't mind an annual house repair check. I looked at the documentation online and couldn't find many specific regulations besides paint colors. Am I missing something?

What I don't want is anything micro-managing. I don't want to be fined for leaving the trash can out. I don't want them to regulate how many pets I can have (I have 2 small dogs). And a rental cap is a deal breaker. I basically don't want to be fined for trivial things or told I can't rent my house.

Any other information about the community would also be appreciated. How is the commute to Herndon or Reston?

THANKS!

[BOS2IAD]

From what I've heard about the older neighborhoods that have single family homes is that street parking has become a big problem. Some of the nearby townhouse communities have problems with overcrowding and are parking their excess vehicles in the area. So, if you are considering that particular part of Sugarland Run, be sure to visit the street you're interested in at different times of the day. That way, you can get an idea as to what the parking situation is like.

I know someone who lived in a townhouse for several years in the area. She liked her home but sometimes the neighbors weren't the best... That said, she never had any major complaints about the HOA.

[jillybean720]

I lived in Sugarland Run for a few years (moved about 3 years ago). I did not have any HOA micromanaging issues. I attended the monthly HOA meetings as often as I could, and I never received any notices about anything on our property requiring attention (and we're admittedly not always the best at exterior upkeep, especially when funds get tight). The HOA fees are pretty low for the area. The walking trails are nice, and the pool is Olympic size. They also do seasonal community events throughout the year (fishing in the lake behind the Community building, Breakfast with Santa, Easter Egg Hunt, and Halloween party for kids, etc.). We only moved to be closer to family; otherwise, I really liked the interior of our house (the exterior designs are not to my personal preferences, but we spend way more time inside than out!) and the community in general.

[willowinivy]

Thank you both for your feedback!

As for the parking situation - I did notice that the road was very parked up when I was driving in. Thankfully, this house shouldn't be affected. Also, I think it says a lot when someone living in a townhouse doesn't mind the HOA since they tend to be more strict.

Originally Posted by jillybean720

I did not have any HOA micromanaging issues. I attended the monthly HOA meetings as often as I could, and I never received any notices about anything on our property requiring attention (and we're admittedly not always the best at exterior upkeep, especially when funds get tight).

Thanks. This is what I was hoping for.

Originally Posted by jillybean720

I really liked the interior of our house (the exterior designs are not to my personal preferences, but we spend way more time inside than out!)

I noticed that as well - perfect floor plan for my needs. On the exterior, the prominent feature is the chimney (weird) and it has a strange carport gap that I can't actually park my car in! I do like that the houses are not cookie-cutter. I embrace the oddity.

[User 636]

Hey there,

Sugarland Run isn't bad. The parking issue is overflow unfortunately from some of the more affordable housing apartments and smaller town homes. One of my husbands co-workers moved out there earlier this year and I'm familiar with the area. It is an older community and the HOA tries to keep it neat (such as no build up of broken down cars in driveways). The biggest current issue is parking complaints.

You can also contact the Sheriff's Office and request crime stats and general updates to community problems (such as parking).