Best public school $500K can buy (Hampton, Burke: houses, best schools, live in)

[foudufafa]

Since this seems to be a great forum for this kind information, I would appreciate any data you, subject matter experts, can provide. We currently live in Southern VA and are missing the city big time. We're contemplating moving to Northern VA. We have 2 kids in Elementary School but since we don't plan to move every 3 years, we are interested in an area that offers good ES, MS, and HS. Now, here is the kink. We can "only" afford to spend $500K on housing. I realize that while you can buy a palace in Hampton Roads with that kind of money, we're looking at a serious downsize, and that's fine. But we still need a Single Family with at a minimum 3BD, 2BA, and a small yard. Thanks to all in advance.

[blossom4792]

I know that Haymarket has some excellent elementary schools and would get you a lovely home. I haven't researched the middle and high schools much because my child is quite young and it seems so far away!

[arabellava]

Try realtor.com and use that criteria- if you don't mind an older home you can get something decent closer in (like oakton, vienna)! good luck..

[foudufafa]

Just to clarify my post, we're looking for help identifying the cities/zipcodes with the best schools that we could afford given our cap of $500K on housing. I know what website to use to search for houses, but I don't know in what city or zipcode I should search.

Thanks a bunch

[claremarie]

Check out Burke, zip code 22015. This is in the Lake Braddock Secondary School (gr. 7-12) pyramid. Some of the elementary schools are "better" than others, but all are solid. You didn't indicate where you would be working, but there is a VRE station on Rolling Road, and the area is also within driving distance of the Springfield Metro. The commute by car to downtown DC or Tyson's is also not too bad.

[saganista]

Zip codes for the aforementioned Vienna and Oakton are 22180, 22181, and 22182. 22027 is tiny-by-comparison Dunn Loring, just east of Vienna. Further west, 22124, 22033, 22030, 22032, and 22031 essentially comprise and surround Fairfax City. Further east, 22046 would put you in Falls Church City or the areas immediately adjacent to it with 22042 and 22043 being just to the west. With some variability, most of these areas would provide good schools, at least some housing in the $500K range, and some chance at a reasonable commute to work, even if work were in downtown DC.

[mdcrim]

Ashburn, VA-20147 and 20148. Personal opinion, not only are the schools great but it is a wonderful area to raise kids. Good luck in your search.

[g3org3]

2nd Burke (22015); Vienna and Oakton are nice(er), but you'll get more house for your money in Burke.

[stockdale.35]

22079, Lorton

[mlv311]

I also suggest Burke (22015), West Springfield (22152), and some parts of Fairfax (22032 - Middleridge, Country View Estates, Fairfax Club Estates).