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Old 09-28-2007, 10:48 AM
 
141 posts, read 753,547 times
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We are trying to open our minds to areas other than Lake Ridge that are safe, and family friendly.

Does anyone live or know whether the above mentioned areas are safe?

I am interviewing in Herndon, Reston, Van Dorn area in Alexandria and Old Towne
Any comments about commutting will be appreciated as well

Thanks
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Old 09-28-2007, 01:30 PM
 
Location: Maine
2,489 posts, read 3,382,690 times
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Huntley Meadows Nature Center is a wonderful haven in the middle of a patchwork of nice and not-so-nice pockets off Richmond Highway/Route 1. You will find some nice homes very close to dumpier/scarier areas. Definitely drive around the area at various times of day and night to determine what the atmosphere is. It can vary from street to street.
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Old 09-28-2007, 05:26 PM
 
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Walkingnoelle's description is accurate. If you do find an area there you like, it will be a much better commute to Van Dorn or Old Town than Lake Ridge would be. You might also want to check out the Kingstowne area (zip code 22315).
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Old 09-28-2007, 06:15 PM
 
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Have a couple of friends who live north of Huntley Meadows Park, and it's a nice area. Definitely safe, houses are well-kept, etc.

I wouldn't want to live east of Huntley Meadows Park near the Walmart on Route 1 though. While I'm sure the area is not particularly unsafe (no place in the VA suburbs is), it seems a bit more run-down.

Huntley Meadows Park itself is a gorgeous natural area. Great place to go hiking and watch some nature.
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Old 09-28-2007, 08:48 PM
 
Location: Alexandria, VA
15,108 posts, read 27,550,358 times
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I don't know if you are looking for a rental or a house, but I personally think our neighborhood is extremely safe - we are a little "isolated" - just off Duke Street in the West End, but I've always felt safe, I take walks, etc. alone and I'm a very petite person. No children here, but from what I hear the schools are great and the kids we talk to in the neighborhood seem very nice. (we are in 22304, I see a house just listed for sale, no idea for how much or who lived there...)
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Old 09-29-2007, 03:09 AM
 
Location: In exile, plotting my coup
2,408 posts, read 14,356,438 times
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I have a friend who lives in a townhouse community called Huntley Meadows located right next to Groveton Elementary School. Is this the Huntley Meadows being referenced or is it referring to the area around the park as a whole? Well, either way, my friend lives in a small townhouse community, of maybe 50 townhouses, which are all nice and very safe and within walking distance to the preserve and a very short commute to Old Town and the Van Dorn area.

Some parts of the general area are a little worn and dingy but it seems like there has been a lot of revitalization of late. The areas right around Huntley Meadows from what I've seen though are all decent.
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Old 09-29-2007, 09:43 PM
 
141 posts, read 753,547 times
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Thank you everyone for your answers...

I am looking at a house there tomorrow for sale and one for rent

Thanks!
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Old 10-02-2007, 11:11 PM
 
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One caution about Groveton Elementary School: as you can see from the demographics, the school has 40% of children speaking limited English and 60% receiving free or reduced price meals. So you may want to take that into consideration:

FCPS - School Profiles - Groveton ES - Demographics
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Old 10-08-2007, 03:12 PM
 
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Be sure to check out the Jefferson Manor area also. It's walking distance to the Huntington metro off of Route 1 and it's a great neighborhood. I have a home there for sale (can I say that on here?) It's great for kids and dogs too!
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Old 10-08-2007, 06:42 PM
 
2,688 posts, read 6,656,046 times
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I agree, Jefferson Manor is a charming neighborhood and I especially love the park. However, since the OP has a young child I feel like we need to be honest and point out the school situation, which in this case I believe is Mount Eagle:

FCPS - School Profiles - Mount Eagle ES - Demographics

50% have limited English proficiency and 72% receive free or reduced price meals.

Please don't get me wrong or flame me, I admire the teachers dealing with these challenges and have sympathy for the families who are doing their best, but I would not want someone to make a major and expensive decision on where to purchase a house based on an assumption that because the FCPS system overall has a high reputation, that each individual school has a high-achieving student population. That doesn't mean the child can't succeed there, just that it may be a different environment from what the parents are looking for. Just aiming for full disclosure.
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