Sterling area, homes below $300K? (how much, playground, kids)

[normie]

Originally Posted by cdmurphy

I spend a lot of time in Sterling Park. I take my toddlers there by myself several times a week - we go to the playground at the community center/library next to the fire station (across from the DMV), and my kids just started taking an art class there. Honestly, it is a relief from some of the uptight people we encounter at child-focused places in Ashburn. I have never felt unsafe there.

Thank you for saying this, I totally agree.

[Margery]

Originally Posted by cdmurphy

I spend a lot of time in Sterling Park. I take my toddlers there by myself several times a week - we go to the playground at the community center/library next to the fire station (across from the DMV), and my kids just started taking an art class there. Honestly, it is a relief from some of the uptight people we encounter at child-focused places in Ashburn. I have never felt unsafe there.

I couldn't agree more. I am there quite often doing Broker Price Opinions for foreclosures and short sales. (There are also foreclosures and short sales in Lowes Island.) There are many lovely homes there built in the 60's and 70's with large lots and mature trees. I do not know why some people on this forum (who can't afford to buy there) look down on the area. There are some lovely neighborhoods there.

[JCVA]

I concur on looking at Sterling. FWIW, quite a few foreclosed properties in the area (both TH and SFHs) have been bought up and completely renovated over the past 2 years or so. They are quite impressive!

[South Jersey Styx]

Originally Posted by cdmurphy

I spend a lot of time in Sterling Park. I take my toddlers there by myself several times a week - we go to the playground at the community center/library next to the fire station (across from the DMV), and my kids just started taking an art class there. Honestly, it is a relief from some of the uptight people we encounter at child-focused places in Ashburn. I have never felt unsafe there.

I'm glad to hear this. When I lived in Sterling, I took my daughter to that community center/library. In fact, when they built the regional library in Cascades, there was talk of shutting down that library. Many of us (including me) opposed it.

[South Jersey Styx]

Originally Posted by Margery

There are many lovely homes there built in the 60's and 70's with large lots and mature trees. I do not know why some people on this forum (who can't afford to buy there) look down on the area.

Because it still has the stigma (a la 20+ years ago) of being an old, low-income, raggedy place. 20 years ago there were parts much like that (i.e., people with old cars in the lawns, sofas on the porches, etc.). It used to be kind of like that but of late, many young families, professionals, etc. saw these homes as a bargain, renovated and/or refurbished them. It's nice to see how the neighborhoods have evolved.

BTW, OP there is one street in Sterling (can't remember the name but it's between Chruch Rd and E. Frederick Drive towards near Sugarland Pkwy/Dranesville Rd) that has outstanding light displays during the Holidays. The neighbors get together and decorate the homes full of giant figures, tons of light and mechanical displays. Visitors usually park their cars and walk through the street.

[cdmurphy]

Originally Posted by South Jersey Styx

I'm glad to hear this. When I lived in Sterling, I took my daughter to that community center/library. In fact, when they built the regional library in Cascades, there was talk of shutting down that library. Many of us (including me) opposed it.

It's great. All of the toddler classes have wait lists, and the tot drop-in at the gym is well-attended. (You can't beat $2.50 per adult for two hours - no charge for kids. A lot of home daycares and homeschoolers seem to take advantage of the program.) The playground is really nice, with good equipment, shade, and fencing. There are groups of people waiting outside the library for it to open in the morning.

Originally Posted by South Jersey Styx

BTW, OP there is one street in Sterling (can't remember the name but it's between Chruch Rd and E. Frederick Drive towards near Sugarland Pkwy/Dranesville Rd) that has outstanding light displays during the Holidays. The neighbors get together and decorate the homes full of giant figures, tons of light and mechanical displays. Visitors usually park their cars and walk through the street.

Unfortunately the lights on Juniper were not as great last year - don't know if it's the economy or what, but it seemed like some of the houses dropped out. Who knows, maybe we went too early in the season or something. But it's definitely a Christmas tradition for us.

[South Jersey Styx]

Originally Posted by cdmurphy

Unfortunately the lights on Juniper were not as great last year - don't know if it's the economy or what, but it seemed like some of the houses dropped out. Who knows, maybe we went too early in the season or something. But it's definitely a Christmas tradition for us.

Oh that's too bad. We used to go down there every year--walk around even if it was freezing. It certainly was a marvel at night. And such a friendly atmosphere with everyone strolling, talking, etc.

[Caladium]

Originally Posted by cdmurphy

Unfortunately the lights on Juniper were not as great last year - don't know if it's the economy or what, but it seemed like some of the houses dropped out. Who knows, maybe we went too early in the season or something. But it's definitely a Christmas tradition for us.

The man who was the real spearhead behind it died a little more than a year ago. I remember reading about it in the paper. Hopefully someone new will take up the cause. I've always enjoyed Juniper Street.

[scimitar12]

Originally Posted by South Jersey Styx

Because it still has the stigma (a la 20+ years ago) of being an old, low-income, raggedy place. 20 years ago there were parts much like that (i.e., people with old cars in the lawns, sofas on the porches, etc.). It used to be kind of like that but of late, many young families, professionals, etc. saw these homes as a bargain, renovated and/or refurbished them. It's nice to see how the neighborhoods have evolved.

BTW, OP there is one street in Sterling (can't remember the name but it's between Chruch Rd and E. Frederick Drive towards near Sugarland Pkwy/Dranesville Rd) that has outstanding light displays during the Holidays. The neighbors get together and decorate the homes full of giant figures, tons of light and mechanical displays. Visitors usually park their cars and walk through the street.

The street is Juniper. About midway between Church and Frederick.

[michgc]

I love this little park, too. Sometimes my husband and I will drive out that way to go to Big Lots, and we always stop at that playground and let the kids play. I love that it's fenced, and the equipment is so nice and new. I even go there on the way to Algonkian sometimes. We've also been in that library. It's nice and convenient to have them next to each other.

Originally Posted by South Jersey Styx

I'm glad to hear this. When I lived in Sterling, I took my daughter to that community center/library. In fact, when they built the regional library in Cascades, there was talk of shutting down that library. Many of us (including me) opposed it.