Red Fox Forest in Annandale VA (Fairfax: houses, neighborhoods, purchasing)

[kruella]

I am looking into purchasing a house in Red Fox Forest off Braddock Road in Annandale. It's in the Woodson school district. Does anyone know anything about the community, or the construction of the homes? Are they of good construction and materials? Has anyone had any lead paint or piping problems? I noticed the homes don't have sump pumps, is this a problem? Any asbestos problems or anything of that kind? The homes were built around 1963 or 1965. thanks!

[Wynnie]

Woodson's considered to be one of the best high schools in the country according the Newsweek rankings. It's a good school and a good area to live in. This is one of those neighborhoods where you see people out walking their dogs, riding bikes, etc. Great family place.

I don't know specifically about the construction of those homes (i live nearby, but not in that specific neighborhood), but water in the basement is not a rare thing here during long periods of wet weather and personally, we've put in a sump pump that seems to do the trick.

[springfieldva]

Those are solid, well constructed homes in a great neighborhood with great schools. You can't go wrong with Red Fox or any other neighborhood in the Woodson school pyramid, IMO.

I

[rachaelb]

Aww,
your post brought back memories...I grew up in Red Fox and I have to say that I loved it sooo much and have tried to replicate that experience my whole life. I lived there back in the 70's before Longbranch was built and I have to say I still miss it!! There are so many people who have lived there forever, and everyone was really like a big family!

In terms of basement flooding, let's just say --- every year!! My parents eventually got a sump pump and did some French drain, so that did help. But I did have friends from the 'hood who had no flooding.

Good luck --- I am so jealous, I wish I could afford a house there!!

[DC Oldtimer]

We live not far from there. Am surrounded by homes built in the 60s and haven't heard a word about lead paint or asbestos problems.

I think you will be very happy with that neighborhood. It is not particularly fancy but it is homey, and to be in the Woodson school district at that price-point is a big plus. Lots of people live in houses that cost twice as much yet are in a less well regarded district. (You should realize that all Fairfax County schools are very good. Some just produce more high scorers than others, and some have more bad behavior than others.)

Welcome to NOVA.

[CaseyMac]

I second all of the previous posters in saying "YOU MADE A GOOD CHOICE"

You've seen the positives, let me just give you the few negatives that there are here (and these are minor):

-Not close to Woodson--must drive and it's probably a good 2 to 2.5 miles away
-Braddock Road can be a pain to drive on in the mornings approaching the Beltway and in the evenings coming out from the Beltway.

Otherwise you are good to go. Be really thankful that you can move into a family community (realtors can't really use that term lol but I will) where people value the same things you do and there aren't 15 unrelated people living in one dwelling as in many other Nova communities. Best of luck in your move!!!