Fredrickburg, Virginia area (Richmond, Fairfax, Fredericksburg: low crime, credit, home builder)

[happy camper]

My DH has accepted a new job in the Fredricksburg area. Just wondering if anyone could give me any advice on the area and what the costs would be to live there. We are going to be moving for schools first and a house second. So we need to know the best schools around. Are there any areas that are to outpriced? We are a down to earth type of family who does a lot of outdoor activities. Plus alot of sports. If you have any ideas please let me know. Thank you.

[EricD]

Spotsylvania seems to be your best bet. Good schools, and not as over-priced as Stafford. I would suggest checking out the Lee's Parke community. Shopping has EXPLODED in that area, with a brand new super walmart, super target, lowes, and lots of other stores and places to eat. It's very near the highway, and very close to the city of Fredericksburg. Lee's Parke is being developed by a few different builders, with prices ranging from 300k to 600k... here's links to the models they offer:

http://www.ryland.com/find-your-new-...rke-manor.html
http://www.ryland.com/find-your-new-...e-classic.html
http://www.ryland.com/find-your-new-...e-estates.html
http://www.nvhomes.com/community.aspx?CID=9692020060406
http://www.ryanhomes.com/community.a...=9736120061020

In addition to being close to Fredericksburg, the highway, and shopping, there is a new YMCA built near the back of the community, and it is close to the local schools.

P.S. one more thing, I suggested new homes, because right now you're better off buying a new home, rather than trying to buy an older one. People are asking way too much for a used home, while builders have lowered their prices and are offering incentives.

[Crazy_Daisy]

Fredericksburg is too expensive to live. You have to be rich to live here now, and houses cost way too much. You have to make over $120,000 a year if you want to afford a decent home. A dump costs over $100,000 dollars now.

[EricD]

There isn't anything under $150,000 now... NOTHING. and between $150,000 and $200,000 is just trailers out in the country. $200,000-$250,000 you start getting town homes, and after $250,000 you start getting split foyer houses and so-on.

[meMesa]

Is it more expensive to live North of Fredericksburg? being closer to the NOVA region? if looking for say a 5000 sq ft house?

Is the commute into Fredericksburg bad if living north? good schools and low crime are concerns too.

[ArizonaBear]

Originally Posted by Crazy_Daisy

Fredericksburg is too expensive to live. You have to be rich to live here now, and houses cost way too much. You have to make over $120,000 a year if you want to afford a decent home. A dump costs over $100,000 dollars now.

Things change: I used to hang out in Fredericksburg ca. 1975 and it was really neat back then.

[Fairfax Mom]

You dont have to make 120k! Are you nuts? Fredericksburg has very inexpensive housing compared to more Northern areas. We dont make 120k and we live in a good neighborhood in Fairax.

[EricD]

Originally Posted by Fairfax Mom

You dont have to make 120k! Are you nuts? Fredericksburg has very inexpensive housing compared to more Northern areas. We dont make 120k and we live in a good neighborhood in Fairax.

Who are you replying to?

o.0

And the further north you go, the more expencive it gets. If you follow I-95, The Caroline area would have the least expencive housing. The more you go north or south, the prices go up. Luckily, if you're looking to work in Fredericksburg, Ladysmith in Caroline is just 20-25 minutes from Fredericksburg right up the highway.

[jenluvshomes]

Definantly check out Lee's Parke. By far the best deal in the area, with a good location. I live here and I love it. I bought with Richmond American Homes Richmond American Homes: Your New Home Builder. They were the best price and best features. They start at 350,000 and go up from there. I love being so close to everything. Good schools too. The schools are Parkside Elementary (only a few years old), Spotsylvania Middle there was a recent article in the washington post naming this as one of the area's best, it was actually the only school mentioned in our tri-county area which would include Stafford. Massaponax is the high school and it was one of only two to get AYP accredited. Schools were very important for me as well, and I have no complaints. You can check out greatschools.com for testing info.

Washington post article: Unstuck in the Middle - washingtonpost.com

Go to page 5 to see information about Spotsy middle.

[EricD]

Originally Posted by jenluvshomes

tri-county area

This is the first time I have ever heard the phrase 'tri-county area'...

I'm guessing Spotsy, Stafford.... and who else? Fredericksburg is a city... Caroline? King George? Culpeper, Orange?