Round hill - purcellvile area (Chantilly, Leesburg: real estate, crime rate, affordable house)

[reiliz]

Hello all, what of these areas? i know nothing about NOVA but I am seeing fairly affordable house prices (some at sub 400K). Also I see that LOUDON has one of the best school districts. Is there anything behind the scenes that I should know about. I will be commuting to Avion Parkway at the intersection of 28 and 50.

Thank you in advance.

[Denton56]

It's a beautiful area, close to the mountains, and it's not unusual for people to commute to Chantilly from the Purcellville area. It's fairly rural, but Purcellville has a several restaurants and two large grocery stores. It's very much a family area. The schools are good, but there are a number of families who home school. It's not a very 'diverse' area, if that matters to you. Most precincts in the area voted for McCain, although not by huge margins. Lots of farms and horses and many vineyards. People are much more friendly than in Fairfax county. They are more country, less stuffy. The crime rate is nearly non existant. The views are fabulous from many points in the area. Feel free to send me a PM if you need more specifics.

[5stones]

Round hill is mostly just housing neighborhoods...no shopping etc... no town.

Purceville is a town has grocery shopping and stores and resturants... but for major shopping you will have to go into Leesburg.

I was extremely pleased with Loudoun county schools.

[reiliz]

Thank you both for your input, I was wondering if anybody including you two have knowledge of the recent contract agreed to by the Loudon school teachers and the county. I heard it was teacher favorable, and coming from Florida, I will tell you that it is a big deal when you have teachers who feel appreciated and taken care of.

Thank you in advance fr your help

[Denton56]

Yes, teachers in Loudoun county are very well paid. I think it's the highest in the DC area. I think their starting salary is $46,000 for 9 months. Not bad, for a brand new college graduate. Most new graduates don't make that much even working full time.

The downside to those higher salaries is higher real estate taxes. The tax rate in Loudoun is even higher than in Fairfax county. LCPS are complaining mightly that they need more money. The county board of supervisors is claiming that they don't want to raise taxes again this year, but we'll see. The school budget isn't approved until the Spring.

You can find out more here about their benefits:
Loudoun County Public Schools | Employee Benefits

Don't all teachers, everywhere, feel underpaid and under appreciated? I've never heard any teacher claim otherwise.

[5stones]

U don't know about the recent contract but, as Denton stated Loudoun county does pay it's teachers very well. They also have school of choice for teachers. That means thier children can attend the school they teach at or the one closest to them. (if a MS school Teacher has elem kids they can attend the elem school next to the MS even if they live in another town) Very nice and convient.

I seriously had the best expirence with Loudoun county school both elem and MS. At the MS the principal knew every kid, was ALWAYS visable walking the halls etc... the Deans all knew the kids and worked the lunch room etc...

Here(TX) My daughter (6th grade) doesn't even know who her principal is! Never sees them an I know they don't know 1/3 of kidss names. The schools are HUGE... 5&6th grade Intermediate school has 1000 kids! the HS has almost 3000.

My kids have adjusted fine but I miss the smaller neighborhood feeling Loudoun county schools had.

I seriously believe Loudoun county and Fairfax county have some of the best schools in the nation.