Would You Move To The Mt. Vernon Valley Area? (Springfield: real estate, foreclosed)

[Suecat]

I've been reviewing the different threads here and have not seen anyone mention the area of Mt. Vernon Valley, zip code 22309. I am thinking of purchasing a foreclosed home on Kidd Street and am wondering about the neighborhood and area in general. Is that location far enough away from Rt. 1 to be safe? I am also concerned about the resale value. Any comments would be appreciated!

[Fern435]

No, I wouldn't. Too many racial and economic divisions there and no strong sense of community across the races. Wish I could say better things about the area because we love Huntley Meadows, but all we felt was the tension while we lived there.

If enough community-minded people buy homes there and move in, it will be a nicer area. It does have potential.

[Suecat]

Thank you very much for your post. Unfortunately we just don't know the area all that well, and real estate agents are not able to disclose too much information. We plan on making our home very safe with alarm system, steel doors, etc...so that is not an issue. But I want to feel safe sitting on my deck, or even walking down the street. The Mt. Vernon Country Club is so close...one would think this a nice area. Such a shame. The home is beautiful. Do you know how difficult it is to find a home for $300 in a good neighborhood? Ugh!

[Fern435]

Suecat, thank you for taking my post in the way I intended it. I was unsure about answering, but I felt you deserved an honest reply.

The Mt. Vernon Valley area can work for a couple with the right attitude. I wouldn't feel right about encouraging someone with young children to move there, but I know I would not choose to live in the area again.

There are a few bargains in the 22152 zip code (under $300,000) right now. The neighborhoods and schools are good. You might also check in North Springfield. Some of those homes are on nice-sized lots and are very well-built/well-maintained. These neighborhoods are more diverse and more community-minded.

We are military renters, so I have done a lot of research!

[Suecat]

Noelle,

My boyfriend works for the Army as well, so I understand where you are coming from! That is why he does not want to be more then a 5 mile radius from Ft. Belvoir. He is spoiled! Now me, I travel 50 miles a day...and complain very little. LOL

Your suggestions are good ones. We will concentrate our efforts away from this area for now. Better safe then sorry.

[Alanboy395]

Originally Posted by Suecat

I've been reviewing the different threads here and have not seen anyone mention the area of Mt. Vernon Valley, zip code 22309. I am thinking of purchasing a foreclosed home on Kidd Street and am wondering about the neighborhood and area in general. Is that location far enough away from Rt. 1 to be safe? I am also concerned about the resale value. Any comments would be appreciated!

I work in that area. It just dont look or feel good. My customers tell me all types of crime stories. I'm not surprised by walkingnoelle's racial tension stories about that area. My advice: if you have other affordable options check those as opposed to this one.