One more try...:) (Arlington, Centreville, Fairfax: new home, neighborhoods, schools)

[jemeh5]

Does anyone commute from either Ashburn to Falls Church or from Haymarket/Gainesville area to Falls Church? Just wondering about the commute - how long on a good day, how long on a bad day? Average day?

Thanks and sorry to ask again!

[blossom4792]

Hi,Let me get this started; I didn't have that specific commute, but I know those routes fairly well. If you have quick access to 66 in Gainesville, then I think you'll have a typical commute averaging one hour plus or minus 15 minutes. 66 is initially quite reasonable heading into DC, but bottlenecks close to the beltway (495) and then turns into HOV (you have to exit and find another route unless you are carpooling). In any case, for the DC area the commute is "reasonable" and "average" although some will tell you to live closer to your job just for quality of life.

[jemeh5]

Thank you Blossom for responding! Right now my husband commutes from Millersville, MD (just south of Annapolis) to Falls Church. On a good day - usually in the morning only, it only takes about 50 minutes. The coming home is what is a gamble. It's taken him up to 2 1/2 hours on more than one occasion and this is only his second week of working there.

Soo...I'm basically thinking it's not worth it and would like to find someplace similar to where I now but closer to his work. I've read good things about Haymarket/Gainesville and also about Ashburn. The schools are my number one concern, with a newer house being close behind (live in an old house now and just plain sick of the upkeep....

Any other advice is welcome! And thanks again for the response!

[MacUser85]

I could never do the Gainesville-Falls Ch. commute....just too far. On a good day, with no weather and no crazy mess, I guess you could do it in 60-75 mins....but I guess I would ask why.... Different strokes for different folks of course, but no house could convince me to sit in that commute day in day out. So this might be kind of like politics, everyone is different....lol. I'm clearly on the side of getting creative and finding some way to live closer in--even Centreville would be better. Get yourself across the Fairfax Co. line at least. Best of luck to you!!!

[jemeh5]

Thanks - didn't realize the commute was so far. I'm looking into Centreville but what about Ashburn? I know there's a pretty expensive toll road, but is isn't there an alternate route or is that also a long drive - mapquest said 40 minutes but that doesn't take into account traffic.

[blossom4792]

I also love North Arlington, but prices have gotten so high - my relative's modest colonial (lovely, but not too big - they sold it 10+ years ago) is now worth a million dollars. Gainesville *is* very nice and you get a lot of house; Haymarket is similar. But maybe you could map your husband's job location and then start looking at what neighborhoods are closer. What is your criteria?

[jemeh5]

My number one concern in finding a new home is the school system. We're lucky to have a top rate school system here (which makes it very difficult to leave). So that would be number one on my list. Second is the house itself - I live in an older house now (4 bdrm colonial) and while the size is fine, I'd much rather have a newer house. Frankly, we're just plain tired of dealing with upkeep (sewage backup - needed new pipes underground, electric work not the best, etc). We'd rather not have to put a lot of work into a house next time. Our price range would be somewhere up to 650K but would prefer closer to 600K. Next fall we'll have 1 child in each type of school (elem, middle and high), so we need an area family friendly with sports programs nearby.

I would say about a 45 minute commute would be the max otherwise not really worth moving. And I do prefer to have everything close by - shopping, restaurants, etc.

I think that covers it!

[Lewlo]

We moved to Ashburn from the Midwest. The schools here have great reputations, and that was our top priority in relocation. I am sure you can find a nice home in your price range. The community seems well kept and everything is new. I drive to Falls Church occassionally in the early morning (0600). It takes roughly 45 mins. I take the toll road so the traffic moves. I have also made this trip at 0900 and 1000. The 0900 is the worst. The traffice can be thick. Good luck with your house hunt.

[jemeh5]

Thanks Lewlo! If you happen to read this post again, I was wondering how the ride home from Falls Church. My husband can leave for work as early as 5:30 or 6am and then head back home as early as 3:30 or 4. Is the commute home at that time horrible?

So you like Ashburn???