Search for a family-friendly area in NOVA

[springfieldva]

Originally Posted by jessica12

Thanks for the golf info. I think he's interested in the good public courses, but I also think he'd consider joining a private club, especially if there is a neighborhood connected. My parents live in Ohio and there are tons of "golf course communities" that grow up around the country clubs. I've been looking at new homes, but that's what we have now and I'm starting to really appreciate and desire something with more character and some grown-up trees instead of a newly plowed neighborhood -- seems like there are a lot of nice houses in Reston and the schools are good, but I need to do more research on the area, especially on the neighborhoods, and I really need to visit the area and drive around so I can see it for myself. I haven't looked into Burke or Centreville yet but I'll certainly do that.

I think some of the private clubs allow nonmembers to golf for a fee. I'm not sure about the policies of any given club, but it might be worth checking into.

[cathyatexit]

Hello,
I moved to Gainesville, VA a few years ago from Massachusetts. We were looking all over the Northern Virginia map before settling here. Within just Gainesville and Haymarket (northern Prince William County) there are 6 golf course home communities and 2 more courses! I live in Lake Manassas where the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club that hosted the President's Cup Golf Tournament is located. It's a private course but Stonewall Golf Club of Lake Manassas (google it) is also located here. Many of these neighborhoods have schools and shopping within or walking distance to. Many also have walking paths, and amenities such as pools, tennis and fitness centers. We found that we got so more house for our money here and we love the lifestyle. It's a little further from DC than the inner suburbs but it's an easy commute to many popular destinations. We're right on Rt. 66 which takes you into DC east or out west towards Ohio.

My children go to the schools (3 different ones so far) and it has been a wonderful experience. It was one of the reasons we came here. We have been involved in Girl Scouts, dance, soccer... this is a huge family community.

And, if you like to shop, there are many new shopping centers being built as we speak including Virginia Gateway (google it).

Something more to consider.... Good luck!

[saganista]

Originally Posted by jessica12

Thanks for the golf info. I think he's interested in the good public courses, but I also think he'd consider joining a private club, especially if there is a neighborhood connected.

Yeah, I had a membership when we lived in NJ, and there certainly were advantages to that, most of which were not entirely apparent to my budget-conscious bride. There are a number of excellent private clubs in NoVa, but the overall quality of the the public courses in the region and the wait-lists and fees that are (or at least were) associated with the closer in private courses were factors working against a membership here. There are not so many golf-course-communities here as in some other parts of the country, particularly in areas that are conducive to a DC commute. If you went as far out as places like Ashburn or Haymarket and beyond, then maybe so, but in the inner and middle suburbs, not so much. The social equivalent here tends to come in part from the multitude of neighborhood Swim & Tennis Clubs. Those are something of a DC phenomenon. There are more than a hundred of them. This map (courtesy of the Northern Virginia Swimming League) will show you where they all are. It will be worth looking into, particularly as the kid(s) get a little older.

Otherwise, there are plenty of areas in NoVa that will fit your wants and needs. The whole arc that swings westward roughly along Route-123 from North Arlington on the Potomac out to Fairfax City and a bit beyond plus a good deal on both sides of it will offer an array of established communities and neighborhoods, a nice mix of older and newer homes, generally top-flight schools, and tons of amenities. It can be on the expensive side, but worth it. Not the only good areas around by any means, but certainly among the better ones.

[novanative75]

I would suggest looking at Vienna, Centreville and Chantilly for the best of housing and schools. Vienna is an expensive area but I think with the way that the market has dropped you could find a house in your price. They have some of the best schools in the county, IMO, and it is a great town to grow up in. They also have Westwood Country Club which is beautiful but $$$$.
There are probably more golfing options out towards Centreville and Chantilly and you will also get good schools out there, pretty much anything that feeds to Centreville and Westfield High Schools.
I would avoid Herndon and Reston for the reason of the schools. Not terrible but you can do better, especially with your house budget.
I grew up in Vienna and have worked for 4 years in Fairfax County Schools, so that is where my opinoins are from!

Montgomery County in Maryland is also a good option as is Loudoun County. Avoid Prince Georges County.

[Macada]

I lived in Little Rocky Run 3 years ago and really liked it. They have community pools, tot lots, tennis courts, and people in general are very friendly. Houses/properties are very well kept.

I don't know much about Reston, sorry.

Good luck!

[Jenny Delaney]

I think Lake Manassas in Gainesville would be a lovely place to raise a family. The only downside is the commute to D.C. But if you plan on teleworking then it is, by far, the best place to raise a small family.

Lake Manassas has a phenomenal golf course and great schools.

Also, Dominion Valley in nearby Haymarket is another lovely community--golf courses and great schools. I live in Piedmont, which is very nice, but I wish we had bought in DV or LM.

Jenny

[JfromReston]

Originally Posted by jessica12

I should also mention that I've been looking at Reston and Herndon but I can't tell by the posts if they are what I'm looking for.

Reston is a very nice place to live and not too far from DC to be able to take in all the activities the area has to offer. Donald Trump just bought the Lowes Island Golf Club - there is another thread about that. I'm not a golfer but have family members who are avid golfers and a few years ago my brother showed up for a week and played 2 or 3 different courses each day and had a blast. So there are lots of courses in the area.

The Reston zip codes are 20190, 20191, and 20194. You can find out lots of information on Reston at Home . If you have any specific questions to help you determine if Reston is the place for your family I'd be happy to help. I've lived in Reston since 2002.

Here are a few houses to check out in your price range:
View Property Details- 1307 STABLE FARM CT, Reston, VA 20194
View Property Details- 11680 BENNINGTON WOODS RD, Reston, VA 20194
View Property Details- 11572 HEMINGWAY DR, Reston, VA 20194

This house is in a REALLY great school district.
View Property Details- 11102 BURYWOOD LN, Reston, VA 20194

View Property Details- 12059 SUMMER MEADOW LN, Reston, VA 20194
View Property Details- 1501 STUART RD, Reston, VA 20194
View Property Details- 11019 RING RD, Reston, VA 20190

Edited to add:
Here is the recent ranking of the top 1500 US High Schools by Newsweek.
http://www.newsweek.com/id/201160
The schools that Reston students go to are:
Langley 102
Herndon 167
South Lakes 570

[MattVA]

Try Newington, Raceway Farms or Mt. Air off of Telegraph Road. Both are great, family filled communities!

[runnwme]

You should look into Ashburn, VA in Loudoun County as well. It's not too far out and the area is very much what you describe. Young families...lots of kids, great schools, plenty to do. I'm not a golfer, but I know there are many courses in the area. You can get to the toll road and 66 easily. I live in Ashburn and just love the area and hear the same feedback all the time. Single family homes would range from 400K - upwards of $2Mil.... Also can find carriage homes, townhomes, condos, etc...

[SugarC]

Ditto runnwme. You can get a very nice, newer SFH in your price range. The Belmont Ridge community has homes on its country club's golf course. The schools are great.