Lake Ridge vs Blackburn Point at Rippon Landing (Alexandria, Woodbridge: short sale, foreclosure)

[Billy1979]

My wife and I live in the city of Alexandria now, but we're going to be moving in a few months, and are considering the Woodbridge and Lake Ridge areas. Nearly everything that I read about Lake Ridge is positive, and that's where I lean towards, largely due to the nice single family neighborhoods. However, we looked at some very nice, new townhomes in Blackburn Point at Rippon Landing (near the new Wegman's, which is surely part of the appeal for my wife), and we are torn between the 2 areas. I wil be working in Fredericksburg, while she will be splitting time between Alexandria and the Pentagon.

We are hoping to start a family very soon, so schools are pretty important. My biggest concern is safety though, and I don't want to have to worry about my neighborhood. Given that the prices are quite similar, I am very interested in hearing what some of you have to say. Also, is public transportation from these areas to the Pentagon and DC as convenient as people make it out to be? Any suggestions or input on these areas would be greatly appreciated. Finally, are there any other areas that we should be looking at? We both kind of lean toward a single family home, but are open to nice, large townhomes. Our price range is up to $350,000. Thank you all very much, and I look forward to your input!!!

[ChristineVA]

Go with Lake Ridge. The "Rippon" area has traditionally been pretty bad. I know that it looks a LOT nicer than it used to with all the new building. I was just back there last month and was very pleased at how it is improving. That area, however, is still zoned for some of the WORST schools in eastern Prince William County (I know--I'm in that zone too). I would just steer clear. I think the newer parts of safe enough but I just don't think you are going to care for it as much as Lake Ridge.

Public transportation from both areas is great. The one advantage of the Rippon area is that you are probably a little closer to the VRE and the commuter lots than somewhere up in Lake Ridge. The bad part of Lake Ridge is dealing with the drive down Old Bridge Road to get to the commuter lots. That road can be fairly congested after 6:30 a.m. It's not gridlock though and you will get to the commuter areas just fine.

Another area/neighborhood to check out is Montclair. It is a little south of Rippon and is situated between Cardinal Drive and Rt. 234. It actually has a Dumfries address but one of it's entrances is right in Woodbridge. This has a very good community feel, very affordable, zoned for good schools, and the OmniRide buses come right into the neighborhood and will go to the Pentagon.

[PegJames]

Hi Billy,

I work as a Realtor in Lake Ridge area extensively since I've lived here for over 25 years. Moderator Edit In your price point you can afford a lovely smaller home in the Vicotrian Series, The Williamsburg Series orone of the large garage townhomes. You may even be able to snag a gorgeous Waterview townhome with over 2400 sq ft. The difference between Lake Ridge and the Rt1 area is Lake Ridge may will offer you a smaller single family home, however we have great neighborhood schools, five pools and lots of shopping and services near by. You could afford a home in many area's of Lake Ridge. It's all going to depend of the type of home and lot you want.

Moderator Edit

[color=blue][b]Don't forget to consider the Montclair area as well. It will give you the neighborhood atmosphere of Lake Ride except this community is centered with a Golf Course and Lake Montclair. It's very nice and in your price range!


Now, the Rt 1 area has been taking a beating over the past several years. That said your buying power will be far greater in that area. The values haved dropped dramatically. Will they come back to where they were? That's hard to tell. The county is doing some amazing work to improve the look of Rt1 all the way to Quantico. With the new Wegman's and the new shopping centers that are proposed..it can only get better. Buyers are flocking to that area, the foreclosure buys have been amazing!

What we do know is that homes are selling quickly in this price range regardless where they area. Be careful right now, the entire is saturated with Short Sale homes (pre-foreclosure) and we are experiencing multiple offer situations on all homes priced well under $500,000!