Relocation PWC or Fairfax County???

[smagid]

If you are looking for more rural areas where there are larger lots, the Manassas (20112) and Nokesville area may have what you are looking for although the rents will be a bit higher for most homes.

[michgc]

With your new housing budget, you might want to look into Burke. Many people seem to love it. And it's pretty nice out there, but not too, too far. Not sure if you can find a townhouse in your price range there, but it might be worth a try.

[jeng0013]

I grew up in McLean/Fairfax County, and I can only recommend against PWC. The commute is a nightmare, and I could deal with it if it was just rush hour issues like any city, but it's EVERY SINGLE HOUR OF THE DAY. Seriously, getting two miles to the grocery store can stretch into a 30 minute affair for absolutely no reason. And depending what you're looking for, the people are a unique breed down here - not exactly educated professionals or world travelers in my neighborhood, though I will say that it's not unsafe, just undesirable. I will leave a caveat that I've heard the Lake Ridge area in the northern part of Woodbridge is tolerable, and I'm not too familiar with the Gainsville area so that might be better. My commute before 6am from Woodbridge to Arlington is 60-70 minutes. Seriously, it's not worth it. Try Lorton, or even Springfield - it's a stretch but if you rent through a private owner you may be lucky to end up with something reasonably affordable that will save you 30 minutes on your commute.

[HEATHER72]

Originally Posted by jeng0013

I grew up in McLean/Fairfax County, and I can only recommend against PWC. The commute is a nightmare, and I could deal with it if it was just rush hour issues like any city, but it's EVERY SINGLE HOUR OF THE DAY. Seriously, getting two miles to the grocery store can stretch into a 30 minute affair for absolutely no reason.

What the ...? I live in PWC and I don't encounter this 24 - 7 traffic you speak of. I deal with that in other counties when I go east.

[cjnaspen]

PWC does have traffic in the majority of retail areas. After your here you learn the best ways around it. That being said if you are looking at it and will be riding the VRE then look close to the VRE. Basically look close to whatever your mode of transportation will be. The traffic coming away from the interstate is bad at night. You may want to look at Dumfries, Stafford, Leeland Station/Falmouth and Fredericksburg. From these areas it's easy access to the VRE and less traffic with a small town, more rural feel. (The houses have their own yards.) We currently live in Woodbridge but we're moving south to have more space and rural feel.

We currently live in Riverwoods Townhomes in Woodbridge which run ~1250/mth for three bedrooms. However, I don't like the schools but the neighborhood is nice.

The rent in Stafford for a three bedroom town house is about what you are looking for. Dumfries has similar and the further south you go the lower it is.

The nice thing about the VRE is you don't deal with traffic other than to the station and home. The VRE from Woodbridge to Union Station would be ~50 min. Manassas is ~1 hr 10 min. Here is a link so you can see schedules General Schedule Information - VRE

It really is an awesome area to live with so many free and affordable fun things to do.

[johnsonkk]

Originally Posted by jeng0013

I grew up in McLean/Fairfax County, and I can only recommend against PWC. The commute is a nightmare, and I could deal with it if it was just rush hour issues like any city, but it's EVERY SINGLE HOUR OF THE DAY. Seriously, getting two miles to the grocery store can stretch into a 30 minute affair for absolutely no reason. And depending what you're looking for, the people are a unique breed down here - not exactly educated professionals or world travelers in my neighborhood, though I will say that it's not unsafe, just undesirable. I will leave a caveat that I've heard the Lake Ridge area in the northern part of Woodbridge is tolerable, and I'm not too familiar with the Gainsville area so that might be better. My commute before 6am from Woodbridge to Arlington is 60-70 minutes. Seriously, it's not worth it. Try Lorton, or even Springfield - it's a stretch but if you rent through a private owner you may be lucky to end up with something reasonably affordable that will save you 30 minutes on your commute.

we live near Tacket mills (lake ridge) and leaving at 7am, we routinely pick up slugs and make it to crystal city by 730 using hov lanes. If you leave before 6am, anyone can take the hov lanes. It doesn't benefit new residents with tall tales.

[NYmama2dallas]

I would stay in Kansas, it sounds like where you live is really nice and works for your family. Do you really want to spend 3 hours a day commuting back and forth to a townhouse in the exurbs? Seems like a huge downgrade in quality of life.

[FindingZen]

While a comparison of Fairfax and Prince William Counties certainly makes for a worthwhile thread, note that the original poster started the thread over five months ago and has likely made their decision by now.