lived in Berryville, suggestions on similar town, must commute to reston (Leesburg: to rent, house)

[kw75]

Hi!

We lived in Berryville a few years back (3 years ago) and LOVED IT. We are now moving back to VA from FL. I loved the small town, the close drive to mountains, the larger yards, walking to schools, running to parks etc.

My husband will again commute to reston. While I loved B'ville, I woner if there is there a closer community with the same small town feel of Berryville with less of a commute (and and schools are important, I have a 3 and 4 year old). I remember a little about Bluemont, we ran a 5k in Round Hill, seemed nice....how is that for similarities..any other suggestions.

As an fyi..while we will rent at first, we eventually want to buy a place with a trees, large yard (an acre or more??). I want to feel like I am in the forest/away from it all while being close by and having town events/neighbors for my kids to get to know even though we live out of town..hope that makes sense) 3 bedroom + for 3-350K.

Thanks for the help!

[Caladium]

I'm not sure if these have the same feel you're seeking, but I think Hamilton, Round Hill and Purcellville are 3 small towns that are charming.

If you look in the photo tours we have tours of all three.

[arielmina]

well I think Round Hill, Purcellville, Hamilton, Lovettsville etc are all great options but you will not find a SFH there with an acre+ of land for $300-350K. You can find one on .25 acre in a development in Round Hill, and probably Purcellville. The biggest difference in these towns and Berryville is that you don't have to go "over the mountaint" (yay) and the school system in Loudoun is far superior to Clarke. BUT it is DEFINITELY more expensive on this side of the mountain.

As to the towns themselves, Round Hill is a great little town, Bluemont has a very tiny town center with really no commerce. Purcellville is probably the closest in size to the downtown of Berryville (which I love BTW).

[stpickrell]

Originally Posted by kw75

Hi!

We lived in Berryville a few years back (3 years ago) and LOVED IT. We are now moving back to VA from FL. I loved the small town, the close drive to mountains, the larger yards, walking to schools, running to parks etc.

My husband will again commute to reston. While I loved B'ville, I woner if there is there a closer community with the same small town feel of Berryville with less of a commute (and and schools are important, I have a 3 and 4 year old). I remember a little about Bluemont, we ran a 5k in Round Hill, seemed nice....how is that for similarities..any other suggestions.

As an fyi..while we will rent at first, we eventually want to buy a place with a trees, large yard (an acre or more??). I want to feel like I am in the forest/away from it all while being close by and having town events/neighbors for my kids to get to know even though we live out of town..hope that makes sense) 3 bedroom + for 3-350K.

Thanks for the help!

Well you want an acre, I'm guessing within 1-3 miles of the small town.

Hillsboro is a wide spot in the road.
Round Hill and Hamilton are somewhat wider spots in the road. A few stores, etc. I see a couple places in Round Hill right near the town, easily walkable, but only on 1/2-3/4 acre lots.
Middleburg is very nice but might be too much of a commute, plus there's nothing on 1/2+ acre in your range.
Purcellville, lots of services, etc., some empty lots for like $150k but nothing finished on a house until you hit 1/2 acre and smaller.

Not sure if Leesburg is too big for your tastes tho.

All schools in Western Loudoun are fine to excellent

OTOH, if you made friends, etc., in Berryville the first time around, why not go back there? Berryville to Reston is an OK commute if you're able to leave early (like 5am or so) or willing to use the Greenway.

[JacobTaylor]

I actually lived in Clarke County so know Berryville pretty well. The closest you will get to that is the Round Hill, Purcellville and Hamilton corridor, though I think Purcellville is a little too big, and Round Hill too small, lacking that main street charm of Berryville. Though I do love Round Hill and have had family living there. Leesburg has more of that main street feel and may be worth taking a look at, though it is not a small town like Berryville.

[kw75]

Thanks for all your help. I am familar with all the towns you spoke of (except Lovettsville). I figured I would check them all out in depth. The charm of Berryville was that you did have basic ammenities in a very small quant town but we litterally flew up and in one day bought a house so I never really looked around at other locations very much. Leesburg defintely is too much traffic for me though their downtown has a quant feel. I will look more closely at the others when we make our way up there to find a place to rent (for now).

Berryville was very nice to live in. The commute was sometimes hard on my husband. We made tons of friends but just wonder if he will ever be able to make a soccer game/ swimming practice etc. now that we have kids.

Thanks again for all the help!!