Information needed on Fairfield/Burke neighborhoods linked to particular schools (Fairhill, Mantua, Mosby, Bonnie Brae) (Arlington: crime)

[burkinatonova]

Just wondering if anyone can provide some info on family-friendly areas linked to particular schools in Fairfax and Burke. We are moving from very far away - Burkina Faso - and it is difficult to check out the neighborhoods from here! I've narrowed down our search for a home just a little (based on good G&T programs, reasonable commute to downtown DC, housing less expensive than Arlington/McLean) We are interested in finding out more about neighborhoods that are assigned to Fairhill, Mantua, and Mosby schools in the northern and eastern parts of Fairfax. What are they like to live in - are they friendly, safe, walkable, convenient, are there lots of families and kids, etc. Also, how long does it take to get to the metro from these areas? We have already read that Canterbury Woods is a nice area for families - but know little about these other areas other than that the schools seem very good. We would like to find similar information for Bonnie Brae school in Burke (good place to raise a family? commute time via metro or train) Does Burke have a longer commute time compared with Fairfax? We are also considering Vienna, but have found quite a bit on that area. Thanks in advance for the help!

[Fairfax Mom]

I thought Bonnie Brae was in Fairfax, not Burke?
Anyway it is a very good, small school (for this area) and is bordered by a quiet upper middle class nice neighborhood with hardly any crime - even though the school was vandalized recently.

Mantua is a fancy neighborhood with large houses and big lots but I think there was a big environmental oil leak there years ago - which they claim to have remediated.

[mlv311]

Originally Posted by Fairfax Mom

I thought Bonnie Brae was in Fairfax, not Burke?

Bonnie Brae is in Fairfax (22032) although you are very close to Burke. The neighborhoods are safe, family-friendly, and easily accessible to shopping, parks, libraries, etc. If you choose to drive to a metro, you have the choice of Vienna or Springfield (they are almost equal distance). Many people commute via VRE from Burke Centre, which is a good option if you work regular business hours. For commuting times using public transportation, check out: Metro - Homepage or Virginia Railway Express Home Page My husband commutes to DC from this area as a solo driver and it takes him about an hour each way on a good day.