Fort Belvoir - Middle and High School (Fairfax: college, where to live)

[choski94]

What is an IP program?

[slduvall]

Originally Posted by CAVA1990

Wrote two responses that didn't post due to "forum maintenance".

I understand what you mean now. That's the Mission Viejo private community model. Here we have all those amenities provided by the county (rec centers, schools, and parks), the US Park Service (Parkway trail and parks) or neighborhoods that have pools and fields for use by their residents. These would include Waynewood, Stratford Landing, and Holln Hills where you would have no trouble finding a nice house for the monthly amount you mentioned you have budgeted. Your husband will be a lot happier commuting from here rather than Woodbridge and I'm certain you'll find it a lot nicer.

The county rec centers here have indoor pools for use year round and one has a skating rink. You can buy an annual pass for a reduced rate as a county resident. The Parkway along the Potomac has a great bike trail and a number of parks along the way you can use anytime at no cost.

I know you aren't leaning towards Hayfield HS, but Kingstowne is the closest thing you will ge to the "lifestyle community" or what I call Master planned community. You get two pools, two fitness centers and lots of trails. It has a mix of TH's and SFH's and apt. 2 car garage TH's in the area rent for about $2800 and SFH's start at about $3000. You will get more for your money in WB, but you might be disappointed in how it looks compared to what your money bought in CO.

[CAVA1990]

Originally Posted by slduvall

I know you aren't leaning towards Hayfield HS, but Kingstowne is the closest thing you will ge to the "lifestyle community" or what I call Master planned community. You get two pools, two fitness centers and lots of trails. It has a mix of TH's and SFH's and apt. 2 car garage TH's in the area rent for about $2800 and SFH's start at about $3000. You will get more for your money in WB, but you might be disappointed in how it looks compared to what your money bought in CO.

Your rent estimate sounds a bit high:

washington, DC apts/housing for rent classifieds "kingstowne" - craigslist

Are there even any SFHs there? Seems like townhouse city over there. I don't see anything else on Craigslist. In any case I wouldn't recommend that area to anyone unless you like a very sterile, big box center, chain restaurant environment.

[JD984]

Originally Posted by CAVA1990

Your rent estimate sounds a bit high:

washington, DC apts/housing for rent classifieds "kingstowne" - craigslist

Are there even any SFHs there? Seems like townhouse city over there. I don't see anything else on Craigslist. In any case I wouldn't recommend that area to anyone unless you like a very sterile, big box center, chain restaurant environment.

It seems to me close to willful ignorance to live in the Alexandria section of Fairfax County and not know that there are SFHs in Kingstowne:

Kingstowne Residential Owners Corporation - Living in Kingstowne

There has long been a market for planned communities in this area, ranging from Reston to Kingstowne to Brambleton. They offer a lot of amenities close at hand, with HOAs that enforce community standards. They aren't everyone's cup of tea, but I can certainly see why Kingstowne could appeal to many families with a spouse stationed at Fort Belvoir.

[CAVA1990]

Originally Posted by JEB77

It seems to me close to willful ignorance to live in the Alexandria section of Fairfax County and not know that there are SFHs in Kingstowne:

Kingstowne Residential Owners Corporation - Living in Kingstowne

There has long been a market for planned communities in this area, ranging from Reston to Kingstowne to Brambleton. They offer a lot of amenities close at hand, with HOAs that enforce community standards. They aren't everyone's cup of tea, but I can certainly see why Kingstowne could appeal to many families with a spouse stationed at Fort Belvoir.

Ignorance is bliss. To be honest I rarely have reason to venture over there or anywhere else West of Route 1 South of the Beltway.

[Fern435]

Originally Posted by CAVA1990

Ignorance is bliss. To be honest I rarely have reason to venture over there or anywhere else West of Route 1 South of the Beltway.

Sometimes ignorance is just ignorance.

There are a few sections of Kingstowne that have SFHs--the area west of Beulah Street has Island Creek, and there are some on the east side (but I forget the name). The lots are quite small and there's almost no room to park on the street, but the homes and neighborhood are pleasant enough for renting. A more upscale neighborhood with SFHs is west on Telegraph Road, but I'm not sure if that's still considered Kingstowne. A new Wegmans grocery store is opening at Beulah and Telegraph in 2012. Convenient to lots of shopping/restaurants, and easy to get to the Franconia-Springfield Metro Station.

[CAVA1990]

Originally Posted by Fern435

Sometimes ignorance is just ignorance.

There are a few sections of Kingstowne that have SFHs--the area west of Beulah Street has Island Creek, and there are some on the east side (but I forget the name). The lots are quite small and there's almost no room to park on the street, but the homes and neighborhood are pleasant enough for renting. A more upscale neighborhood with SFHs is west on Telegraph Road, but I'm not sure if that's still considered Kingstowne. A new Wegmans grocery store is opening at Beulah and Telegraph in 2012. Convenient to lots of shopping/restaurants, and easy to get to the Franconia-Springfield Metro Station.

When Wegmans opens I'm sure my ignorance of that area will be reduced.

[FindingZen]

Let's choose to ignore - or report - personal attacks.
Happy New Year!

[FindingZen]

Actually, I have to be reminded sometimes that there are SFHs in Kingstowne. They do seem to be well-hidden behind the THs that line the perimeter of the communities. I agree with those who suggest this as a community similar to what the OP's family enjoyed in Colorado. Perhaps the Lake Ridge section of Woodbridge in Prince William County as well.

While I don't know about the Fairfax County high schools from personal experience, I agree with the view that motivated students with supportive parents will thrive in the "worst" school of well-regarded countywide system.

[slduvall]

Originally Posted by CAVA1990

Your rent estimate sounds a bit high:

washington, DC apts/housing for rent classifieds "kingstowne" - craigslist

Are there even any SFHs there? Seems like townhouse city over there. I don't see anything else on Craigslist. In any case I wouldn't recommend that area to anyone unless you like a very sterile, big box center, chain restaurant environment.

Since I rent a SFH in Kingstowne for $3300, and just moved out of a TH that rented for $2800, I do know exactly what I am talking about and as another poster said there are quite a few SFH's homes in Kingstowne. I live on the West end and my neighborhood has about 60 houses, though as stated the yards are very small. My house is almost 4700 sq, we live here for the convenience not the yard. I actually have lots of parking in my section - but that isn't true for many of the neighorhoods. There are another 30-40 homes in the other three neighborhoods across Kingstowne Village Parkway from me. There are also another 20 or so right off of Bealuh, those actually rent for about $4000, they have much bigger yards and are newer. There is another neighborhood in the middle of Kingstowne off Hayfield, those are a little cheaper. Then there is section off of Van Dorn, tower circle - near Kohls - that has a house for rent for $3500. There is also the neighborhood about one block south - the first part is SFH, the back is TH's. There is one there for $3000.

Personally I would never look to Craiglist to either rent or sell my house, and as you can see it is not the only source.