Dahlgren? Fredricksburg? What's it like? (Richmond, Arlington: amusement park, HOA, daycare)

[okimama]

My husband and I are relocating from Okinawa, Japan to ... ? We're not sure yet. There are several places on the list to choose from, one of them being Dahlgren, VA. I used to live in Arlington, VA and liked it. I've spent a lot of time in Stafford and didn't like it (there didn't seem to be a "heart" to the community, just sprawl.) We're seriously considering Dahlgren though because it's in driving distance to family in North Carolina and to friends in Arlington. But still, I'm worried and have lots of questions about the area. If you can comment on one or any of them, it would be mightily appreciated.

*Is Dahlgren just totally in the sticks? Is there anything to do there besides shop at Wal-mart? Is there a "community feel" there? If not, where is the nearest place that has a community feel, ie. parks, shops, restaurants you can walk to? Or push a stroller down. (I will have a new baby by then) and hate the idea of moving to where nobody leaves their house. How's Fredericksburg?

*Not sure how long I'll get to be a stay at home mom. I guess it depends on where we end up living. Any insight on daycare options there (or Fredericksburg)? The cost?

*My husband LOVES to fish. I see Dahlgen is on the water. What kind of marinas are nearby?

*Does anyone know anything about the immigrant community in the area? I ask because I'm an English as a Second Language teacher (adult ed) and hope to move to a community where there's a need for ESL and a place to teach it -- community college, non-profit, etc.

*One of the reasons for relocating to King George's County area would be the proximity to DC/Arlington. Yahoo Maps says it takes 1 hour 11 minutes to get there from Dahlgren. Does that sound accurate to you?

Okay, I think that about covers it for now! Thanks for your input!

[onevthoki]

You probably would have gotten more responses if you posted in the northern Virginia forum. I know... doesn't make sense.

As you already know, Dahlgren is located in King George County. In all honesty, I do not know much about the town itself. But I can tell you that King George itself is growing. To give you just a little background, I lived in Spotsylvania for the last four years, and just moved to the Richmond area.

As to your question on time to get to DC, distance in that area is measured in miles, not minutes. 95 is a nightmare, and honestly, that is why we moved. You may want to look into the town of Fredericksburg, that may give you more of the city center you are desiring. The VRE has a stop there, and if you are lucky, your hubby's work will be close to a stop in DC, and that way you can bypass 95. As to the schools, I know that the high school has a good reputation, not sure on the lower levels. And you will have NO trouble finding a job in your field, in either the city, or any of the surrounding counties.

For your hubby, there are plenty of fishing opportunities. I couldn't even begin to tell you where they are, but my hubby fishes also, and he went out and enjoyed himself often.

Good luck with your move, and let us know if you have any more questions.

[EricD]

onevthoki, I'm fairly sure she said that her husband would be working IN King George, so VRE and such up to DC wouldn't be needed.

okimama, first... cute name. You are much clever-er than I.

Second, check out all of my posts about Ladysmith Village. If you're checking out google maps, just search for 'Ladysmith, VA' and you'll get an idea of where it is. It would be about a 20-25 minute commute with next to no traffic (The area between is very rural) so no supprises.

Ladysmith about 5 years ago was basically just a cross-roads with an elementary school. Now there's stores and new construction everywhere. It is all being planned very well, and eventually there will be a nice downtown area, with walk-able shops and such. It may not be perfect yet, but in time it will be a great place to have a family. (That's why we moved here) The community of Ladysmith Village will be over 3,000 homes when finished, but there are only 140 moved into right now. There is a visitor's center open, and several model homes. Homes start at $239,900 and go up from there.

The community center and a HUGE pool are under construction. They should be breaking ground this year on a new YMCA INSIDE the community... Also a new 900 student elementary school is opening for next school year (also within the community). A new branch of the county library is also located within the community. (I can see it from the front of my house) There is walking trails, and there will be over 150 acres of nature to walk through... going right through the middle of the community. There are sidewalks and street lights down every street. Also there are alleyways, so the front of homes are not dominated by garages. Trash pickup is included int he monthly dues, and the HOA is easy to get along with.

Anyways, read my many other posts, search around the internet, and ask me if you have any questions. I actually have lived in the Fredericksburg area since I was born, so I can help with other areas too... I just wanted to push my area since I think it's the best. (Home prices are a lot less than in Fredericksburg too) Oh, plus you'll be right by I-95, and very close to King's Dominion (amusement park), and Lake Anna (Huge fresh-water lake)

Anyways, I'll stop rambling on now,

-Eric