Moving to NoVA on a business assignment. Need advice on apartments. (Reston: transplants, apartment complex)

[kutra11]

Hi All:

My friend is moving to NoVA for a few years on a business assignment. His office is in Sterling, and he is wondering what would be a good place for him to rent an apartment for his family (married with a little one).

He would like a neighborhood that is safe, not too far from Sterling, easy access to public transport, and close to amenities such as grocery stores and parks. Can you recommend such neighborhoods (in or around Sterling) and apartments as well?

Thanking you in anticipation of quick replies.

Regards,
K

[ScranBarre]

I will defer here to Ashburnite, Normie, and others who live in the immediate Sterling/Ashburn area for better help, but I've always been partial to Parc Dulles, which is adjacent to the Dulles Town Center. A co-worker of mine just signed a lease there and seems to be pretty happy. Just be advised there is very little mass transit anywhere in Loudoun County; there is bus service, but it tends to be much less extensive than what is available in Fairfax County due to the smaller population density. In that complex you'll be across the street from a major regional shopping/dining area. Lansdowne wouldn't be a bad choice as well, but it's a further drive to Sterling (and Route 7 can be a bear at times).

[kutra11]

Thanks ScranBarre. I shall wait for others' opinions as well.

[kutra11]

Can someone please help out? Thanks a lot.

[lchoro]

Countryside is a nice area of Sterling across from the Dulles Town Center mall. I think there's a garden apartment complex across from the Countryside shopping center (Safeway, CVS drug store, movie theater, restaurants, Wendy's, McD, BK, Taco Bell, etc.). There's a lot of doctors in that office complex at Countryside and nearby (we have 3 personally). There's Costco, Sam's Club, Walmart Supercenter, Wegman's, etc. within 1-2 mile driving distance. Odds are that the job is located somewhere in that vicinity of Sterling between Church Rd and Leesburg Pike which would be again within 5 minutes of the apartment. Dulles Town Center with Parc Dulles and other apartments would be another choice. They have a very busy kids playground in the mall.

[kutra11]

Thanks, lchoro.

Are there any places in Reston or Herndon that would be ideal as well? My friend wouldn't mind commuting from there to Sterling for work.

Regards,
K

[Tone509]

The Loudoun County residents here can correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm thinking that if your friend is working in Sterling, which is in Loudoun County, then he should definitely look for a place in Loudoun: e.g. Ashburn, Sterling or Leesburg. The cost of living will be less expensive and the likely commute down Route 7 will be relatively brief.

Reston and Herndon might give you a less stressful "reverse" commute to Sterling but I think that might be offset by the increased cost of housing.

I also should mention that public transport in that area will consist of commuter buses. It will likely be easier for him to drive to work.

[lchoro]

Costs won't be much different from Sterling if he chooses one of the older apartments (Charter Oak, Parc Reston, Sycamores, Fairway) across from the Reston Town Center. There is a Harris Teeter and a bus station in Reston Town Center.

[kutra11]

Thanks for the replies. I shall pass on this info to my friend.

[South Jersey Styx]

kutra11, just Google the apartments and townhouses in Sterling and see what's available. There are plenty of places to choose from in Sterling whether they are in Countryside, near the Dulles Airport, across Rte 7, or the newer ones near the Dulles Town Center Mall. Sterling has a mix of older neighborhoods and brand new houses, townhouses, and apartments.

Be sure to check Craigslist too to see what's available. Some people rent out townhouses and you may get a better price on a townhouse, especially since your friend has a child.

Not the greatest: there are some housing areas in a small shopping are on Sterling Blvd (with a Big Lots,etc.)--a little shady and seems like there are transplants/half-way houses there. Just take a look. But if you see a place that costs less, you'll see why.

Plenty of shops, restaurants, and grocery stores to choose from including a fantastic Asian supermarket in Sterling.