Best place to live that's not too far from Quantico and Wakefield/Highland schools (Warrenton: townhomes)

[tfeather]

My family and I will be moving from the Bay area in California to Quantico Marine Base next summer.

We were both born and raised in DC (proper) but have no clue about Northern Virginia.

We have an elementary aged child and an infant on the way. Our oldest has been brought up in private schools and we'd like to keep it that way. I know NOVA public schools are great (especially compared to the DC public schools my husband and I were brought up in) but I prefer private. Wakefield and Highland Schools seemed right up my alley.

I'd like insight on a location that is not too far of a commute to Quantico and also not too far from The Plains and Warrenton (where Wakefield and Highland are). Both schools offer bus service from the surrounding towns-I think within a 15-20 mile radius.

We are not looking to live in million dollar neighborhoods, but definitely not townhomes and subdivisions where you can reach out your window and touch your neighbor's house either.

[tgbwc]

Whoa, that's quick a trek! I would think that would be at least 40-50 miles and at least an hour drive one way from Warrenton, even if you gained 15 miles towards Quantico. Maybe Bristow area? But I don't know if that would put you close enough to the schools for the buses.

[HereinVA]

We live in Bristow and my husband commutes each day to Quantico. It's about a 35-45 minute drive down the 619 and drops you right in front of the main gate at Quantico. The 619 only has one lane going in each direction, so it can get slow if you happen to get behind a school bus, mail truck, or slow car. However, there really aren't that many cars that go that way, and it's a beautiful drive through the woods. If you don't like "back roads", you could also take the 234 which has 2 lanes in each direction and is less curvy and bumpy--but there's also lots more traffic lights, and it puts you a few miles north of Quantico on the 95.

It looks like Bristow is about 17 miles from Highland School, so that might work out for you...

[tfeather]

Thanks for the advice! I'll look into Bristow.

[GMU]

I, too, would recommend Bristow, as it has a lot of newer communities. And I think heading down 234 South as opposed to 619 would save a little time, even with the extra traffic lights. Good luck with the move!

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