Any affordable places to live near Northern VA Comm. College? (Alexandria: rentals, high crime) - Northern Virginia - Virginia - City-Data Forum

lovesunnydays · 02-27-2010, 10:48 AM

I am considering attending the Northern VA Community College in Springfield, VA for two years and am looking for affordable neighborhoods ($350k for small house?) with good schools, which from reading these forums and cost of living stats seems to be an oxymoron for nova. I have one child entering 6th grade.
I grew up in VA Beach and was looking to relocate back there (from Littleton, CO where I currently live), but my family in the area is extremely negative on that idea, due to schools, high crime, high cost of housing, traffic, etc. Another consideration is that my daughter's side of the family is in San Fran, so nova would put us closer to Dulles airport with direct flights whereas in south virginia, she'd have to take a connecting flight. Any suggestions?

EuroExpat · 02-27-2010, 11:43 AM

Is there a specific reason you'd have/want to go to the Springfield campus? If I understood correctly, you're looking to attend as a student? They have campuses all around but I know only some have certain programs (such as nursing). I really like their Loudoun campus in Sterling, it's small and very close to Dulles if you're planning on flying often. Good luck!!

lovesunnydays · 02-27-2010, 01:03 PM

Yes, I will be a student. The Springfield campus is I believe the only one where the healthcare program I'll be taking is offered, but I don't mind a minute commute to get there (hopefully not much more than 30-40 minutes ), especially since I won't have to attend every day. I'll be looking for healthcare jobs when I graduate, especially at hospitals. Also open to suggestions on any good, family-oriented neighborhoods to look for rentals (where I could buy something in my budget down the road).

OrangeFish · 02-27-2010, 09:16 PM

I suggest the Annandale or Burke areas -- easy commute to Springfield and close to the medical establishments surrounding Inova Fairfax.

CaliTerp07 · 02-28-2010, 08:02 AM

Generally, the schools in this area are quite good. You really can't get a "bad" school, though some are A++++ while other's are B+/A-. I can't comment specifically on the schools (others can add on), but that's my general view from being here a few years. It's not like where I grew up where there was definitely a school you wanted to avoid if possible.

You might want to look into the homes in the Rose Hill area of Alexandria. Also possibly Virginia Hills (off Telegraph Rd). North Springfield might be another option. All of these have older, 1950's style homes, but they're very cute neighborhoods with easy access to the NoVA campus.

bmwguydc · 02-28-2010, 11:31 AM

The medical campus is also very convenient from Lorton, Springfield, and West Springfield. You should be able to find a smaller house or a townhouse in West Springfield around your price point. In Lorton, you could definitely find a newer garage townhouse for between $300-$350k. Springfield has some areas that are not as nice, in the immediate mall vicinity, partially due to congestion, and older housing stock that might not be as well maintained.

Caladium · 03-02-2010, 06:46 AM

Lorton seems to be making quite the comeback. There was a time it wasn't that appealing, but that seems to be changing big time. I'm glad, it always seems like a pretty place to me.

bmwguydc · 03-02-2010, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caladium

Lorton seems to be making quite the comeback. There was a time it wasn't that appealing, but that seems to be changing big time. I'm glad, it always seems like a pretty place to me.

Indeed. The prison ruined Lorton, but now with the park taking its place along the Occoquan, a good regional middle/high school, and newer housing stock, Lorton is taking its place as a desirable area.

Caladium · 03-02-2010, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmwguydc

Indeed. The prison ruined Lorton, but now with the park along the Occoquan and a good regional middle/high school, and newer housing stock, Lorton is taking its place as a desirable area.

It's been many years since the prison was there, right? I think you're right that that's the factor that changed the general attitude. Maybe after 5-6 years the fact that a prison was once nearby stops being an issue.

bmwguydc · 03-02-2010, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Caladium

It's been many years since the prison was there, right? I think you're right that that's the factor that changed the general attitude. Maybe after 5-6 years the fact that a prison was once nearby stops being an issue.

I think the final phase of the close-out occurred around 2001. It really has made a huge difference in the area, especially since the prison was DC's prison.