New homes in Bristow or Manassas (Burke, Linton Hall: crime rates, neighborhoods, buy)

[worldtraveler23]

Hello

My husband's office will be relocated to DC in the next few months, and we've been looking for a new or relatively new single-family house (not over 5 years old) in NOVA. We finally narrow down to 2 cities: Bristow and Manassas; where my husband can take VRE to work.

We have 2 children (4 and 2), so our priority is a good public school. We were looking at new homes on Paogues Battery Dr. (off Nokesville Rd) and in the Coles Run Manor subdivision in Manassas. Can anyone give us an insight on the difference between schools, crime rates, convenience to shopping, etc. in these 2 areas?

We are willing to pay up to 500K but prefer low 400K. Can you recommend us an area with good public schools (elementary through high school) either in Bristow or Manasses? If you can, please give us some realtor names who charge a reasonable commission with an excellent service. (I know that I may be asking too much, sorry!)

Thank you in advance for your help.

[Claire2900]

I would strongly recommend that you look on greatschools.net and compare schools in Manassas and Bristow. Keep in mind that the schools in Bristow are split for middle and high school, so where you could have an outstanding elementary school, you might not be as happy with the middle or high school. I have lived in Bristow for 6 years and recently moved to the Braemar subdivision in a house that is 3 years old. The number of neighborhoods off Linton Hall Rd are numerous and you might trade a house built 6-7 years ago in a neighborhood with mature trees, etc to a newer house with new construction still going on.

[Claire2900]

Re realtor - I have always used Long & Foster and have had positive results. We used Bill Denny (who actually lived in our neighborhood) to sell and buy two months ago. I would recommend him

[VRE332]

The VRE will be in Gainesville and Haymarket possibly in the next 10 years. They are both nice areas too. You could also look at the VRE map and pick areas around it. I think you would really like Burke Virginia because of a good balance of commute time on VRE and quiet area. Good luck on your search.

[horseplayer]

30 mph to DC, and they're suppose to celebrate? Kind of ironic that the much boasted affluence in NoVa is supported by a 1930's style train.

[VRE332]

Originally Posted by horseplayer

30 mph to DC, and they're suppose to celebrate? Kind of ironic that the much boasted affluence in NoVa is supported by a 1930's style train.

Hey don't knock it, a lot of my fellow riders love the train and would not trade it in. It's great, maybe you should try it.

[fdeitz]

Having taken the VRE from the Manassas Airport station a few times when I had to go to DC during the week, I definitely think it beats the Metro and being crammed in there, and stopping every 2 or 3 minutes to take on even more passengers. I don't personally think I'd want to do it every day (or do the Metro every day) if I had to commute to Washington from Manassas or parts beyond, but that's just me. That is, if I had a job in DC I'd probably want to live a bit closer - but for those that have to commute to DC from Manassas - it seems to be a very good option. I did find it a nice relaxing ride the few times I did take it, compared to the Metro which is just the opposite of relaxing.

[dgtlsunshine]

I take the VRE to work everyday and love it. The few times I have had to take the metro I hated it. Its so dirty.

[babyram]

Be leary of New Bristow. The kids there go to school in Manassas....we almost bought there until we found out what schools our kids would be going to....we chose a neighborhood of Linton Hall road by Glenkirk...

[Vin&Sue]

Bristow has better schools. Don't be scared away by the last post. You can petition to get moved into the better elementary school. We love Bristow.