After (Partial) Whirlwind Tour of NoVA, liking "Old Town" FFX City... (Arlington: renting, neighborhoods)

[Alicia Bradley]

So, my parents arrived in town (Alexandria) last night to help me scout out NoVA neighborhoods during the coming week. (I won't actually be buying until next year, but I've been burned twice by bad relocation choices since coming to D.C., and this time I really, really, really want to make sure I'm making the right decision before I move again.)

We set out first for West Springfield/Burke to look at some properties I'd found online. We arrived by way of the Beltway > Braddock Road, and at first I wasn't too pleased with the looks of the area. As we traveled further south, though, I started to like what I saw.. I understood what people meant by describing the area as a "leafy, park-like setting." Still, though, it seemed soooo thoroughly suburban. I couldn't really picture myself riding my bike out of a suburban neighborhood onto, say, the sidewalk/bike lane of Burke Lake Rd. and really enjoying the experience. (That is rained all morning didn't help.) The abundant bike lanes and mysterious little walking/bike paths going back into the woods were really appealing, though.

We drove further out to Clifton for lunch at the Heart in Hand. I felt like I was back in the foothills of the Missouri Ozarks! I wanted to just sit under a tree (in the rain, even) and meditate for a very long time. It's amazing how close the (edge of the) Virginia Piedmont is to the Coastal Plain at the shores of the Potomac. Without the regular NoVA traffic, you could make it from the mountains to the shore in no time flat.. *sigh*!

Our next stop was supposed to be Vienna, but we had to stop in Fairfax City when we saw how cute the downtown/"Old Town" area was - it reminded us a bit of some older suburbs of Chicago, like La Grange (only denser and slightly less upscale). We stopped at the City courthouse and got a big packet of info for prospective residents - the cultural fairs, etc. look great! Additionally, I could bike down to the Burke area on the Ox Rd. bike path very easily. We next headed on to Vienna for some shopping and finally had an excellent dinner at Sushi Yoshi on Church St.

We drove through Falls Church (right down Broad St.) on the way back to Alexandria, and I found it a bit congested for my tastes. It did look nice, though.

So, expect some questions about Fairfax City and the surrounding areas in the near future. I still have a huge amount of research to do. Any random tidbits that locals could offer up now (safety, or lack thereof, of specific neighborhoods, etc.) would be much appreciated, too!

[themommy]

Never having lived in Fairfax City, the most informative comment I can give you is to agree that it's sooooo cute! (I keep meaning to drive down there, park, and spend a pleasant afternoon exploring the shops with my little one -- thanks for reminding me.)

I did want to pop in, though, and say I'm really glad you found something you think you like! That's what it's all about. I hope it works out for you!

[athousandlogins]

We're living right near Fairfax City these days. I love going down there on a warm evening and walking around. Even alone with my toddler, I felt totally safe. I've also biked the area with no problem at all. I think the proximity to GMU adds a slightly more youthful feeling to the area (go into any place that serves coffee on an October weekend, and you'll see about 85 people studying), which is a bonus, IMO. The library is gorgeous.

That said, we're moving to Falls Church City this weekend. We want to get a little closer to my husband's work. Broad Street itself is terribly congested, but we really like the neighborhoods in Falls Church once you turn off Broad Street. We're renting, though - I can't see ever paying the prices they're asking to buy in Falls Church City.

[normie]

I'm glad you found a place you like, and also glad we may get a Fairfax City expert on this forum. That's one part of NOVA I know nothing about, I'll enjoy reading your posts as you get to know the area better.

[horseplayer]

Alicia,
Where were your "bad choices"? Had you consulted the CD Forum? Is the Dixie Pig BBQ still open on Rt. 1?

[oneasterisk]

Originally Posted by horseplayer

Alicia,
Where were your "bad choices"? Had you consulted the CD Forum? Is the Dixie Pig BBQ still open on Rt. 1?

I know of Dixie Bones in Woodbridge. They're not on Route 1 anymore, they've moved a bit further north onto Occoquan: Welcome to Dixie Bones

[statecollege]

If you stick to the main roads in the places you visit, you cheat yourself. Most of the places you mention, including Ffx City and FC, are somewhat congested on the main thoroughfares (Main in FC, for example), but if you map out some neighborhood streets you'll like these places even more. If I were single and young again, FC would be near the top of my list. The restaurants and commercial options within a walk or bike ride of quiet neighborhoods is in my opinion among the best in the area. I live in W. Springfield and must agree with your suburban assessment. It has been a great place to raise a family, however, and we love the amenities. Finally, I recommend you tour Fairlington, Park Fairfax, and other Shirlington (Arlington) areas.

[Alicia Bradley]

Fairfax City is looking better all the time! Some of the SFHs in my price range are decorated a bit dodgily (yeah, I know, most of it won't be there anymore when I move in, but it can tell you something about the 'hood). Some of the interior stuff is "permanent," though, meaning a pro or a really good DIY-er would have to replace it - green shag carpeting, '70s wood panelling, etc. Oh well - it can be replaced over time, I s'pose. And I'm not about to (and couldn't, anyway) pay an extra $100k for granite counter tops - especially when I don't even like them.

But, yeah. One of Ffx City's main charms is that they mow their medians (or "weedians," as I have begun to call them). That's also one of the ways you can tell whether you're in an actual town/independent city or unincorporated Ffx Co.

[Alicia Bradley]

Oh, and statecollege - I'm going to explore parts of Alexandria and Arlington I haven't yet seen using the cities' abundant bike paths, now that I can get there using the new pedestrian connector between Huntington and Alexandria City.

[Alicia Bradley]

Originally Posted by horseplayer

Alicia,
Where were your "bad choices"? Had you consulted the CD Forum? Is the Dixie Pig BBQ still open on Rt. 1?

College Park, MD and Huntington (Alexandria mailing address) in Fairfax Co. No, I did not check CD first - that's why I'm such a heavy user now! Hehe.