Relocating to Northern VA soon... (Arlington, Fairfax: home, job transfer, neighborhood)

[wingman7000]

Originally Posted by ChristineVA

I like the Burke/Fairfax/West Springfield area. I like that it's far enough out of the hubbub of the Fair Oaks area but close enough to get to the malls and restaurants. It's not as outrageously priced as some areas of Fairfax. I think there are good commuting options and the schools are decent. If I were to move, that would be the first place I'd look.

What are the price ranges for single family homes in those areas? I've seen lots of townhomes there, but not many houses in the 250K range, which is kind of what I'm looking for.

[ChristineVA]

Originally Posted by wingman7000

What are the price ranges for single family homes in those areas? I've seen lots of townhomes there, but not many houses in the 250K range, which is kind of what I'm looking for.

I would say that in this market, you might start around $400K for an older home.

I think for the $250K market (SFH), you will have to go south.

[wingman7000]

Originally Posted by ChristineVA

I would say that in this market, you might start around $400K for an older home.

I think for the $250K market (SFH), you will have to go south.

Thanks again for all of your input and help. This has been great. I will do some more homework and get back with everyone soon on the happenings.

[Newk]

Concerning park and rides in Springfield there is a slug line that is along Old Keene Mill Road before going over I-95 next to the Methodist church and near a sunoco. People park in springfield plaza and walk over there to get into the slug line. It is usually very busy in the morning.

[aristotlenova]

Originally Posted by wingman7000

What are the price ranges for single family homes in those areas? I've seen lots of townhomes there, but not many houses in the 250K range, which is kind of what I'm looking for.

If working on CapHill, you may want to try Springfield or Falls Church. You MIGHT be able to find something in the $250-300k range there. The advantage of these two areas is that you can take the Blue or Orange line to work. Also try Burke, where you can get the VRE. If you're gonna do Manassas or Woodbridge, I think the lifestyle just gets to be a bit more painful in terms of the commute and having access to much of what the DC metro area has to offer.

[loveautumn]

just curious...why would you move yourself (and family) to a place you've never been?

[knopfler]

If you're moving to Prince William, an additional easy option to get downtown is the OmniRide bus service. OmniRide and Metro Direct Schedules/06 from Dale City, Manassas, Lake Ridge, Woodbridge, and Dumfries. If you're not ok with getting up at the ass crack of dawn but still need to maintain your commuting sanity, this may be a good option for you.

Welcome, in advance, to Northern Virginia!

[ChristineVA]

Originally Posted by knopfler

If you're moving to Prince William, an additional easy option to get downtown is the OmniRide bus service. OmniRide and Metro Direct Schedules/06 from Dale City, Manassas, Lake Ridge, Woodbridge, and Dumfries. If you're not ok with getting up at the ass crack of dawn but still need to maintain your commuting sanity, this may be a good option for you.

Welcome, in advance, to Northern Virginia!

Yes, the bus is a GREAT option if you don't want to get up in the middle of the night! Many people take it and it gets downtown smoothly because it rides the HOV lanes.

[wingman7000]

Hi all,

I've still been looking around at housing options in the area, but I've noticed that there are some affordable houses over in Fort Washington and Oxon Hill in Maryland. How do these areas compare to Woodbridge, Dale City, and Alexandria? I did notice that property taxes can be much more in Maryland.

[ChristineVA]

Originally Posted by wingman7000

Hi all,

I've still been looking around at housing options in the area, but I've noticed that there are some affordable houses over in Fort Washington and Oxon Hill in Maryland. How do these areas compare to Woodbridge, Dale City, and Alexandria? I did notice that property taxes can be much more in Maryland.

Don't go there. It's PG County. Higher crime, poor schools, etc. It gets spillover crime from southeast DC. I lived and grew up in the area. It became fairly unsafe in the 1980s. I would not move there with children. Severel of my old high school friends are still there but they have no children and don't have to deal with the schools. They don't care for it either but stay because they have older parents close by, etc.