South Florida to North Virginia and clueless (Burke, Manassas: 2015, apartment) - Northern Virginia - (VA) - City-Data Forum

spealex · 03-31-2009, 05:52 AM

I am possibly moving to North Virginia from Florida and need some advice. I thought I was happy with Woodbridge but have been reading some things that sway me otherwise. Our situation is we are a family of 4, with 2 toddlers. I am looking for a home to rent in an area with good schools. My wife is a teacher and a good school system is about as important as anything else. I need an area with recreation oppurtunities for my kids, such as swimming and sports in the future. As long as the VRE or metro is nearby, I dont mind the hour or hour 15 minute commute. Dont want to spend more than $1750 a month in rent. In a nutshell, want a community with a family feel no more than 1 hour 15 minutes out of DC via public transport. Does anyone know what fits the bill?

saganista · 03-31-2009, 06:42 AM

There is nothing really wrong with Woodbridge. Like most areas, there are better and worse neighborhoods within it, but the area has plenty of people in the same situation as you living there quite happily. Schools-wise, the Fairfax County system certainly has a better reputation than the Prince William County system. Housing costs will be higher also though. In areas around Franconia/Springfield (Metro), Burke (VRE), or Fairfax/Vienna (Metro), $1750 would get you a nice enough 2-BR apartment, but a TH or SFH at that price might be difficult to find.

mlv311 · 03-31-2009, 07:15 AM

I agree with Saganista. I was recently trying to help a friend find a rental in Burke (22015)/West Springfield (22152)/Fairfax (22032) and TH/SFH for rent under $2000 were a bit hard to find, but there were still a few options, particularly if you can live in a TH. I would consider those areas too because you can commute by VRE or slugging. Schools are good and there are many options for free/low-cost activities for children.

Bigfoot424 · 03-31-2009, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by saganista

There is nothing really wrong with Woodbridge. Like most areas, there are better and worse neighborhoods within it, but the area has plenty of people in the same situation as you living there quite happily. Schools-wise, the Fairfax County system certainly has a better reputation than the Prince William County system. Housing costs will be higher also though. In areas around Franconia/Springfield (Metro), Burke (VRE), or Fairfax/Vienna (Metro), $1750 would get you a nice enough 2-BR apartment, but a TH or SFH at that price might be difficult to find.

With the quote under your name I'm not surprised at your response. (Keep the illegals, deport the republicans) That's why you feel Woodbridge isn't bad. You couldn't pay me enough to live in Woodbridge. Illegal haven.
To to OP. You might consider looking at the Bristow area in Prince William County area. Very nice community and close to VRE. Mostly newer communities with plenty of shopping and good schools close by. Plenty of school sports as well as community sport leagues.

DCguy03 · 03-31-2009, 09:35 AM

If you are planning on living farther out and making a long commute into DC, I would recommend one thing: live near a metro station - within walking distance.

Yes, you will pay a bit more for the location, but you'll have a much better commute.

Also, there are hidden costs if you live far enough away from a metro station, such as daily parking fees, extra wear and tear on your car, etc. so don't forget to factor those into the equation.

Btw, Welcome to the area!

mdcrim · 03-31-2009, 09:59 AM

I wouldn't discount Ashburn, VA. Very family friendly and commutable within 1hr 15 minutes with either the Loudoun Transit bus ($14 per day in and out of Dulles North) or early hours (leaving early in the morning and coming home early in the afternoon). You can't get a SFH for $1700 but you could get a decent townhouse. Great schools and lots to do.

nwlv · 03-31-2009, 10:26 AM

I just saw a 4 br/3.5 bath in West Springfield for 1650. I wouldn't pay any attention to the Woodbridge or Manassas Choruses. "We live in undesirable places, with hellish commutes, but we'll tell you how nice it is because we pay 3600 per month to live in an 87,000 home."

oneasterisk · 03-31-2009, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigfoot424

With the quote under your name I'm not surprised at your response. (Keep the illegals, deport the republicans) That's why you feel Woodbridge isn't bad. You couldn't pay me enough to live in Woodbridge. Illegal haven.
To to OP. You might consider looking at the Bristow area in Prince William County area. Very nice community and close to VRE. Mostly newer communities with plenty of shopping and good schools close by. Plenty of school sports as well as community sport leagues.

Wait don't you live in Manassas? Pot calling kettle black when speaking of the illegal population? I'm not saying Woodbridge doesn't have it's share of problems, but lets not sugar glaze Manassas.

Check out craigslist to see what kind of homes you can get for your price range: washington, DC apts/housing for rent classifieds - craigslist

spealex · 03-31-2009, 04:36 PM

So Fairfax county is where it is as in regards to good school system? What are the city names where the better schools are. I looked at a county map posted by the school systme and Fairfax looks like a large county, Im sure some areas are better than others. To go just a bit further, what areas in Fairfax (or any other area that applies) are a good location for schools that are also close to a VRE or metro station for easy, not so much quick, access to DC? Thanks in advance for your help, these forums are a HUGE help, how did people move before?

ChristineVA · 03-31-2009, 04:46 PM

For $1750 a month, you're probably not going to be in the nice parts of Fairfax. Believe me, in Fairfax they've got some run down areas and their own share of illegals. At your price, you might be in it if that is a concern. I think at your price, you are going to have to go to the outer counties (Prince William, Loudon, Stafford). Try not to read too much into these forums. There are a few people who like to denigrate any area that isn't their own.

Sure, Woodbridge has it's pockets of places you wouldn't want to be. But there are plenty of families and professionals here who are very happy.