Purcelville, Ashburn, Leesburg et al (Chantilly, Herndon: section 8, sales, insurance)

[reiliz]

Hello Folks, any insight into these cities. Specifically, schools, housing, access to services and the commute to Chantilly. The intersection of rte 28 and 50 to be specific.

Thank you all in advance.

[GottaHavePav]

Ashburn is closest to where you'll be commuting to. All three of the towns have been built up quite a lot in the last several years however Leesburg and Purcellville have historic areas. What are you looking for?

[bunnyscootles]

I commute from Ashburn to the exact intersection (I work there) and it takes about 25-30 minutes.

I have a co-worker who commutes from outside of Leesburg (Purcelville side) and I think it takes him about 45 minutes or so. Possibly closer to an hour depending on traffic.

On 28 your doing a reverse commute, no traffic on that side really. Near 7 there is a lot of traffic (and there is traffic to get out of Ashburn, depending on how you go). I used to live in off of Innovation in Herndon and it took me 15 mintues! Getting out of the subdivisions onto 28 is what takes so long, smooth sailing after that.

HTH

[reiliz]

I have seen that at least two of the elementary schools in the purcelville area rate really high. That rates higher than all other things. The homes are spectacular for the money. I would also like to know about taxes, and home insurance. I am coming from Florida, I pay about 3500 just in hurricane insurance and about another 3500 in taxes . As such I am already comfortable with an extra 600 added to my mortgage.

I would also like to know about the quality of construction in VA. It is very good in Florida, but we obviously do not have basements so that is a bonus in VA if the construction quality is right.

Thank you for your help.

[twinmma]

I can only speak to Ashburn as that is where I live and I love it. The schools are good, there are a lot of walking trails and at least 3 nice parks (Trailside, Ashburn Park, Windmill...), and it just a nice clean place. There is no downtown...it is mostly strip malls, but they are tastefully done...
HOusing is more affordable now that the market has changed, but it is still costly. A single family will run you $400K and up. When we bought this past Jan you couldn't find a single family for less than $500K. Obviously the lower the price usually the smaller the size or less favorable condition. There are also very nice townhomes here.
Also, Ashburn consists of several sub areas: Ashburn Village, Ashburn Farm, The Broadlands, and Brambleton. Brambleton is very close to Leesburg.
Good luck.
oh, and quality really depends on the house-builder.

[Novamom06]

Most of the Loudoun area is very nice and you can't go wrong really. However, I would look into the high school issue in Purcellville. They need another high school desperately and the town is holding up the purchase of the land and the project has been delayed now for many years and the situation is getting dire. If you have many years before HS is a consideration you may be fine. It is beautiful country out there.

If you are working at 28/50 though I would seriously consider living off the Rt. 50 corridor west - from South Riding, to Aldie, to even middleburg. Your commute would be a breeze and the communities are wonderful. Also Brambleton and parts of western Ashburn would be nice choices. I would drive around and see what appeals to you. Check greatschools for the ratings, but most in these newer areas are very well regarded.

[GottaHavePav]

I think that the construction here in Virginia is comparable to that of homes in Florida. We have many of the large builders here as well as several very good local builders. Just so you have full disclosure, I am a local REALTOR here. If you give me a price range you're considering, I can tell you how much taxes are. They are based on the assessed value of the property not the sales price. If you'd like more information, please befriend me and I'd be happy to send you homes in your price range.

[5stones]

yes the HS situation in the Leesburg Purceville area is a mess.
They have needed another one for over 4years and the money is there...but no-one can come together on the land purchase. It was all set to be built in Purceville then the town voted it down. Loudoun county HS and Loudoun Valley HS are the ones that would be affected, they are crowded now. Heritage isn't that bad as far as population goes. It doesn't have as good as rep as the other 2 mainly due to the fact that it takes in most of the city of Leesburg and all of the section 8 apts in town. It's still a good HS though.

yes, Ashburn would be the better commmute since it's closer. But it is pretty sterlie, strip malls and chain resturants etc... But...all the schools are very good.
Both Leesburg and Purceville has Historic downtown areas, Purcevilles is much smaller but still nice.
only a few schools to be concerned about, the vast majority are very good.

I also wouldn't discount some of the neighborhoods in Sterling... in the northern area, Cascades, Lowes island etc...

[Margery]

Consider Potomac Falls (20165), Potomac Falls High School is excellent and so are the elementary and middle schools. It's a straight shot down route 28 to 50 (my husband used to work at Sullyfield circle), plan on 25 minutes depending on traffic. Taxes in Loudoun are $1.14 per $100 of assessed value so on a home assessed at $500,000 the taxes per year would be $5700. House prices may be higher or lower than assessed value but you can use that as a guideline. Taxes will be higher in the towns of Leesburg and Purcellville as they also have a city tax. Go to homesdatabase.com to get a good feel for the area.