move info on Purcellville/Leesburg area (Centreville, Herndon: houses, neighborhood, construction)

[krisanddave]

Looking at relocating our family to northern VA. My husband would be flying a lot out of Dulles--so looking at living somewhere on the west side of Dulles. We like the suburbs, but not the crazy busy ones that seem to be on the east of Dulles. We would like to spend no more than about $450k--good schools, nice community for families, conveniences for shopping etc. Are we looking in the right area by checking into Purcellville/Leesburg? Are there other areas that we should be considering? We like the idea that those areas are outside of the crazy busy side of NOVA, but still growing and close to things. Any thoughts? We like to play outside, so a house (even in a neighborhood) with a lot size of 1/3 acre or more would be great. Thanks for your tips, ideas and opinions!

[VEIK]

Leesburg should work for you.
If you are looking for shopping, Dulles Town Center and Leesburg Outlets are all within reach.

It gets busy once you cross 28

[5stones]

Both would be very good. Plus when you want it's an esy Sat or sun day trip into DC to hit the sites etc...

Purceville is smaller and still has a more rural feel. Small little downtown area etc...

I loved living in Leesburg (even though I didn't really love our neighborhood...too cookie cutter etc...) BUT loved being close to the historic downtown and bike along the WO&D etc...
Leesburg has ALL the big box shopes like Costco, Target etc...and a new Wegmans etc...

Both areas are in Loudoun county school system and we found the schools very good.

When the new HS is built the Purceville kids will more than likly attend there.

[krisanddave]

is it rolling hills? lots of trees or mainly fields? i can't wait to get out there to start looking!

[5stones]

not to many hills in town (lessburg) but just go a bit west on rt7. Purceville is hillier than leesburg.

tons of trees, the catoctin mtns are just north so in the fall...BEAUTIFUL!
lots of farm fileds all around and horse farms etc...

if you want more rural feel...Purceville would probably be perfect since it's smaller etc and still has more farms.

Luckettes just north still has loads of farms and wineries they are fun...(but not the greatest wines!)

use google map to and street view and look around etc...

[sssb2000]

Leesburg would be too far! i used to travel ALOT as well....we were living in Sterling, VA. I would really look into it.
Great schools also (dominion High school).

Good luck.

[mazorj]

Originally Posted by krisanddave

Looking at relocating our family to northern VA. My husband would be flying a lot out of Dulles--so looking at living somewhere on the west side of Dulles. We like the suburbs, but not the crazy busy ones that seem to be on the east of Dulles. We would like to spend no more than about $450k--good schools, nice community for families, conveniences for shopping etc. Are we looking in the right area by checking into Purcellville/Leesburg? Are there other areas that we should be considering? We like the idea that those areas are outside of the crazy busy side of NOVA, but still growing and close to things. Any thoughts? We like to play outside, so a house (even in a neighborhood) with a lot size of 1/3 acre or more would be great. Thanks for your tips, ideas and opinions!

You want a good family neighborhood (which implies other houses and facilities close enough for kids to play with, not a farm house), good schools, shopping amenities, a big yard... and all that for $450k? Boy, don't we all!

I assume you know that unless you get really lucky, you're going to have to make some compromises. That being understood, you're starting off by looking in a good general area. It's just that the more you want big yards away from the "crazy busy" areas in that price range, the more likely that you'll be looking farther out at old rural or farm houses.

I'm not sure what you mean by "crazy busy" but most of the newer housing near Dulles is in quiet, tucked-away developments near to, but not directly along the main roads. Each development is a world unto itself. At the worst, all you might hear is the occasional fire truck or if you're in the flight paths, the Dulles air traffic overhead. IMO it doesn't get "crazy busy" until you get into Leesburg or on the main roads and shopping areas, and even then only during rush hours.

[krisanddave]

I guess the "crazy busy" I am referring to is all the traffic that I keep hearing about. I know there will be some--we live in Kansas City now-- I am not from a rural area, but I would not like to have to face so much traffic just to pick kids up from school, go to the grocery, etc. I just like a little more space around...I am not naive to think that it is a lot to ask for---I am just looking for the area that seems to be the best fit. So far, it seems like Purcellville is a good match. How far of a drive is it to Dulles from there? Anyone know? Also, are there any other little towns like Purcellville that we should consider? Thanks so much for your input all!

[VEIK]

purceville is about 25 miles
there is also hamilton and round hill, another small towns, along rt 7

if you want a short drive to Dulles Airport, stick to Sterling, Centreville, South Riding, Herndon and Ashburn.

[imisscarlsbadcalifornia]

My husband and I looked at Leesburg, Hamilton, Purcellville, and Round Hill pretty extensively in September and October and LOVED those areas. It turned out that we bought a house out in Haymarket (south of Leesburg by a good stretch) but, there were many homes to choose from in your price range. Hamilton and Purcellville, to me, are quintessential small town America; beautiful, scenic, with a mix of charming older homes as well as the newer construction. Leesburg also seemed like a fantastic place to live; we just didn't find the house that was the right fit for us there at the time we were looking. I don't think you can go wrong in any of those communities and suspect that you'll find much if not all of what you're looking for.

Happy hunting; there is a lot to choose from!