Husband to work in Dahlgren..where should we live? (Springfield: rental, how much)

[thomsonaa]

I have had so much conflicting advice as to where we should live in VA-I still don't know where to focus my house search! We started out looking in Stafford close to Fredericksburg, but everyone keeps telling me that coming from San Diego we won't like Stafford and that we should either live in downtown Fredericksburg, or move up to Springfield. I've also heard that the commute from F-burg to Dahlgren is really bad. Is this true? I would have for my husband to finally get a shore job and have to sit in traffic for hours each day! Just to give a little background, I have lived in San Diego most of my life. We live in a community that has pools, parks, and everything we need within walking distance. I love to be involved in the community, take my kids to parks and libraries, visit the zoo. In a nutshell, I do not like to be isolated! I'm looking for a community that is family friendly with lots of things for us to do and places to walk to. Any help would be greatly appreciated because thus far, I am completely confused!
By the way-we have 2 children, a 1 year old son and a 7 year old daughter. Both love the outdoors!

[tgbwc]

Is Dahlgren in King George County? I had to look it up. If so, you definitely wouldn't live in Springfield. That is nowhere close. Probably 60-70 miles or so.

[thomsonaa]

Yes, I believe it is. So, does Fredericksburg sound like a good area for us? Totally geographically lost here :/

[claremarie]

I've driven past Dahlgren many times on the way to the Outer Banks (we take the back way to avoid 95). Fredericksburg is the closest real city, and it's probably a bit too far for a regular commute. This is a rather rural area, and it will be difficult if not impossible to find a community with amenities within walking distance. You could try Tappahannock, which has a small-town feel but which is a real small town. It's not suburban San Diego. And it's more than 30 miles away from Dahlgren. Colonial Beach is closer, but I don't know anything about it other than that it was once a popular summer destination for DC residents.
Springfield, or any part of northern Virginia, would be out of the question. The traffic would be horrendous.
You could consider some communities in southern Maryland, such as La Plata, but, again, these are very small towns.
Your best bet might be to contact some folks who are already working at Dahlgren. They would be in the best position to advise you about the housing options.

[juniperbleu]

Your closest bet is really Fredericksburg. In college we always ran into Navy guys from Dahlgren who came to F'burg to go out on Friday/Saturday night. You could also try DC suburbs like Waldorf, MD. It should be somewhat of a reverse commute from there, and when you're home you'll be closer to the city.

During non-rush hour, it would take me an hour to get from downtown Fredericksburg to the Branch Avenue exit off of 495 (Andrews AFB) using rt 218 to 301 (you can also take rt. 3 east to 206 to 301, but 218 is prettier). Dahlgren was about the halfway point, so in the best conditions he'd be looking at a 30-minute commute. However, I avoided rush hour like the plague, so I have no idea what the conditions are like then.

[ChristineVA]

Dahlgren is really out of the way from anything. I work in DC but we deal with people in Dahlgren. Your best bet, commute-wise is very, very Southern Maryland (the Cobb Island area). Even Waldorf, MD is too far. You can go to the other side of the 301 bridge into Virginia. Again, another very rural area. Dahlgren is really rural. It's a testing facilitly for Navy weapons. There is really nothing around. That's not to say that the people who live down there don't love that area. It's right on the water and if you're into boating and fishing, it's good. But Waldorf, MD and Fredericksburg, VA are going to be your two biggest cities and they are really just large suburbs.

[Vin&Sue]

F'burg to Dahlgren is about 45 mins depending where you settle. F'burg covers a large area! Not sure how much you are willingly to spend, but your best bet is Laplata, Md (20 mins to Dahlgren) or Stafford, VA. Laplata is starting to become 'built-up' and is close to shopping. They are a few newer communities. From where you are moving from, I would not choose Dahlgren/King George. My wife and I moved from New York from a similar type community and we do not like it here in Dahlgren. Sounds like you may be military. In Dahlgren/K.G, you either from KG or in the military. You are also very isolated from shopping, amenities, etc. We are actually moving to NOVA in June to a community because we felt like outsiders. That's not to say KG/Dahlgren is all bad. We've met some terrific people, however if you are used to the lifestyle you described in your post it will be a good bet you will not like Dahlgren. Good luck!

[thomsonaa]

Thanks everyone for your replies!
We were thinking of moving in the town of Fredericksburg-meaning as close to the downtown area as possible. We are willing to spend close to $2 grand a month for rent and would like an actual house as opposed to a townhouse. I don't really need a big city, just a community with a "heart" if you know what I mean. Does that sound like F'burg to you all? We could try Stafford as well, but I am afraid of getting too far out and being isolated and far from libraries, parks, etc. I do not need a big mall or anything, just enough stuff to keep me busy with my little ones. My husband is insisting the F'burg is the best bet and doesn't mind the commute, but I don't think he really knows how bad it will be until we get there.
I will have to check out La Plata, MD...never heard of that one! My father in law lives in Chevy Chase and it would be nice to be closer to them.
Thanks again-any other input on F'burg and surrounding areas would be so greatly appreciated!
BTW-yes, we are military and will be stationed there for 2 years

[onevthoki]

Will you be homeschooling the kids, putting them in private school, or going public. I know folks that do not choose Fredericksburg because of the city schools, but I have also heard that the high school is very good. If you do choose the city limits, you might want to look into Idlewild. I am thinking you can get a rental for that amount, and it will be pretty easy for your husband to hop over to continue on Route 3 East to get to Dahlgren.

[thomsonaa]

My daughter will be attending public school, so yes, we need something with a decent elementary school for sure! So, the school downtown (is it Hugh Mercer?) isn't so great? From what I've read, the school in Stafford (Ferry Farm and one other I cannot remember) are pretty goood. Is that accurate?

I've read some stuff on other forums that I should not live in Idewild because it is not that great of a neighborhood...I hope I don't offend anyone by saying that, only going by what I read somewhere!