Relocated from Atlanta, GA (Arlington, Reston: daycares, house, neighborhood)

[IronMom28]

My husband and I just moved to Va from ATL. We are currently staying with family in Manassas until we find a place to live that is convenient to both our jobs. He works downtown DC and I work in Sterling, VA. My job is really flexible so I am not in the office every day and allows me to work from home. I was wondering if anyone knows of any good places to live keeping in mind we do have a 9 month old son. I would like to also look at daycares for him so if there are any mothers that know of reputable childcare facilities, preferably Montessori schools. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

[VRE332]

does he ride the VRE?

[JfromReston]

Welcome to the DC area. I moved from Atlanta five years ago.

I work in DC and my husband works in Herndon - we live in Reston. Reston is a great place for children and has several Montessori schools. The one very close to my house is Sunset Hills Montessori School which used to be on Sunset Hills Road but is now on South Lakes Drive.

[bcanzian]

Don't know if you already found a place but I live in Arlington, VA. It is the most wonderful place to raise a child. It has so many parks, amazing schools, incredible programs for kids and fabulous Montessori schools. The only downside to Arlington, is the cost of living. If you can afford to live here, you will be so happy. There's never any traffic if you stay off 66. It's just so easy. Everything is within 5 minutes of our house.

Ok, so you're moving to VA from Atlanta...I'm possibly moving to Atlanta from VA. Any suggestions about the best areas to live in Atlanta? What about the best schools? I'd love your insight.

Thanks!

[handy man88]

Originally Posted by IronMom28

My husband and I just moved to Va from ATL. We are currently staying with family in Manassas until we find a place to live that is convenient to both our jobs. He works downtown DC and I work in Sterling, VA. My job is really flexible so I am not in the office every day and allows me to work from home. I was wondering if anyone knows of any good places to live keeping in mind we do have a 9 month old son. I would like to also look at daycares for him so if there are any mothers that know of reputable childcare facilities, preferably Montessori schools. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

Depending on what you can afford, I think the best place for you is probably West Falls Church.

The reason is that there are two subway stops that serve this part of NoVa, nevermind the bus and easy drive/road acces to DC, and West Falls Church is very convenient to both Leesburg Pike and the Dulles Toll Road which will allow you a quick trip to Sterling, while going against traffic going in the AM and returning in the PM.

This area generally has some of the best schools in NoVa (including Vienna, Great Falls, and McLean), and in fact, there's a new Montessori school that opened up in McLean (McLean is next to West Falls Church).

[CaseyMac]

I agree with previous posters about placing your life inside the Beltway. Sterling is quick and convenient from Falls Church/Arlington via the Dulles Toll Road and you would be going opposite of traffic (in the AM at least...). Any of these Northern Virginia communities (Sterling, Herndon, Reston, Vienna, Falls Church, Oakton and of course Arlington) would have the kind of school you need for your son. I guess it's just where you want him to be in case he gets sick and all. Would you be more likely to get him or your husband?

Also, please take into account what the previous poster said about Arlington. It truly is a gem here. There are tons of beautiful places to live in Fairfax Co. and they are great for so many families, but Arlington is a different kind of place. It has a real neighborhood feel throughout most parts of it and when you live here, you feel like you live somewhere different from the ordinary. Take a drive around, have lunch at a cafe and see what you think.

Best of luck to you!

[smaug20000]

I like Ridgemont Montessori in Great Falls and also Oakton Montessori in Fairfax. My toddler just started at Ridgemont.