Fairfax vs. Loudon Counties- pros/cons (Burke, Reston: sales, 2015, foreclosure)

[autiger01]

Hello, friends

We are heading up to NOVA the end of this week for our prelim house hunting trip and are going to visit the following areas: Springfield, Burke, Fairfax, Chantilly, S. Riding, Reston, Great Falls, Sterling and Ashburn.

Can you please shed some light on the pros/cons of living in Fairfax Co. vs. Loudon Co., aside from the location/proximity to DC. Looking for info on taxes, schools, etc.

Of the above cities, which you personally recommend and why? We are looking for a single family 4 bedroom, full basement home under $500k, in a safe family friendly area, close to a nearby interstate, good elem schools, covenient to shopping/restaurants/parks. We would love to be within 10 miles or so to a walkable downtown with neat shopping, small town feel.

Thank you so very much for your input!

[kevinm]

You will not find a house that cheap with those features in Loudoun County unless it is a foreclosure or in a free-fire zone.

[JfromReston]

I would cross Great Falls off your list - I don't think you will find anything under $500K.

Here are my recommendations for under $500K in Reston.

View Property Details- 2503 CHARLESTOWN LN, RESTON, VA 20191
Backs up to Nature Center
View Property Details- 2219 WAKEROBIN LN, RESTON, VA 20191
Access to Neighborhood dock on Lake Audubon and near Walker Nature Center - this house is listed way below county assessment.
View Property Details- 10712 OLDFIELD DR, RESTON, VA 20191
Near W&OD Trail.

[mlv311]

The areas you list meet your criteria although like the PP said, Great Falls may be outside your price range. One factor you haven't listed is your workplace; the commute will matter in your final choice.

I'll comment on the area I'm familiar with: West Springfield (22152), Burke (22015) and Fairfax (22032). The schools are good, the neighborhoods are family-friendly and safe, and it's easily accessible to public transportation, shopping, restaurants, entertainment, etc. We have 3 public libraries in the area. There are many tot lots and parks, including Burke Lake, and South Run Rec Center is very nice. There are many free activities for children. As far as nearby walking downtown, you have City of Fairfax. We've been here a little over a year and like it very much.

[Margery]

I have a surprise for all of you, there is a portion of Loudoun County that shares the Great Falls zip (22066) it is called Great Falls Forest and there are 4 homes there that meet your criteria if you want a Great Falls address. There are also homes under $500k in the 20165 zip code which is Countryside, Lowes Island, and Cascades, I have lived here since 1992 and have never seen a free fire zone. None of the areas I mentioned have a traditional downtown walking around area, the closest would be Leesburg which has a wonderful downtown with restaurants, antique stores and historic homes. Sterling is 12 miles from Leesburg, Ashburn about 6 miles. I am assuming you have a Realtor, if they have been in the business for at least 5 years they should be familiar enough with the area to help you with this. All the areas you mentioned are family friendly and there are loads of activities in both Fairfax and Loudoun counties.

[Yankeesfan]

Make sure that you do take the commute time into consideration. And not just what mapquest represents as the length of time but the actual rush-hour length of time.

[autiger01]

thanks, yall. we have actually found lots of homes that meet what we are looking for in those areas & that's the problem- not sure where we should focus on. i actually didn't mean to include great falls- yes, that is for sure out of price range! never even heard of a free fire zone before? as for the commute, thankfully my hubby won't be working during rush hour- he will go in at 6am, 2pm or 10pm and will carpool w/ other ppl that work those same shifts and live nearby. so, that give us a little leeway to move a bit further out.

what about taxes in loudon vs fairfax county???

[Margery]

Taxes in Loudoun County are $1.14 per $100 of assessed value, in Fairfax County they are $0.92 per $100 of assessed value. Each city which has its own police force and other services will also add additional taxes, i.e., in Herndon, which is in Fairfax County, the tax is $1.16 per assessed value. Each county has its own website which has the tax rate for the county and links to the cities which have additional city taxes. If you purchase a home at a price below assessed value, which is amost a given in this market, you can present proof of the sales price to the county assessor and ask for a reassessment in an effort to lower your tax until the county or city does a county or citywide reassessment, which is yearly. Don't base your choice of a home solely on the tax rate, that can change from year to year depending on the county's budget.