Manassas vs Woodbridge/Dale City (Forest, Sudley: apartment complex, condos, buying a home)

[a3593]

Hi all! Considering buying a home in PW county. I am relatively unfamiliar with the area, as I live in Waldorf. I am drawn there because of the low housing prices, but are there areas to stay away from? I know the two biggest areas are Manassas and Woodbridge, and I only want to spend about 140k, and I do see alot in that range. What areas are better in terms of amenities, less crime, good schools, close to shopping, etc? Thanks in adavnce guys!!

[blossom4792]

Hi,I mainly know the Manassas neighborhoods. I'd just try to avoid Georgetown (Georgetown South) and, well, I had a friend who moved to Bristoe Station (not Bristow) and thought it was too scary for her, but this was several years ago. There are some nice areas off of Sudley Manor Drive that should be in that price range; Wellington is quite nice; Blooms Crossing is nice; etc. I'm giving you some of the newer areas; if you want an actual house then there might be some other ideas.

[tgbwc]

What type of home are you looking for?
This house is in a nice neighborhood (ignore the paint colors,lol):
Move-in ready! End unit in Ashland Subdivision!

The neighborhood amenities are good (pool,tennis,fitness center, clubhouse). The elementary/middle school/high school combination is also good. It has a Manassas address, but is only about 4 miles from I95. It is close to Prince William Forest Park and not far from shopping.

[knopfler]

Originally Posted by a3593

Hi all! Considering buying a home in PW county. I am relatively unfamiliar with the area, as I live in Waldorf. I am drawn there because of the low housing prices, but are there areas to stay away from? I know the two biggest areas are Manassas and Woodbridge, and I only want to spend about 140k, and I do see alot in that range. What areas are better in terms of amenities, less crime, good schools, close to shopping, etc? Thanks in adavnce guys!!

I can't speak for Woodbridge, but in Manassas, make sure to stay away from Irongate, Georgetown South, and the areas immediately surrounding the Coverstone apartment complex. I believe one of the developments is Country Scene - which is an ok neighborhood except for the fact that's too close to Coverstone.

What kind of properties are you looking at in the 140k range? Hope it's townhomes and condos...single family homes that are in that price range, should you find them, will need a *lot* of work.

[laker1rn4]

are there maps which list the neighborhoods? realtor.com gives addresses, but that doesn't tell us if it's irongate, etc. how would someone from another state get that info?
still in prelim. stages, haven't contacted a realtor yet.

[blossom4792]

zillow might provide some neighborhood names - I've been using is for other cities and it helps with neighborhood boundaries.

[tgbwc]

Originally Posted by laker1rn4

are there maps which list the neighborhoods? realtor.com gives addresses, but that doesn't tell us if it's irongate, etc. how would someone from another state get that info?
still in prelim. stages, haven't contacted a realtor yet.

Try www.FranklyMLS.com

It gives names of neighborhoods/subdivisions.