Possible job in D.C.-good family suburbs? (Reston, Herndon: renters, buy)

[FindingZen]

Now that we have that straightened out, let's return to solutions to help the OP.

[troyc]

LOL...My bad obviously for assuming the Pentagon had a DC address.

The funny thing is when working at Kennedy Space Center, I found it funny that the press uses Cape Canaveral as the location in stories when, there is a city with that name well to the south and geographically the shuttle were launched form pads a bit north of Cape Canaveral....

Anyway, What are the thoughts on Woodbridge or Lakeridge..or Manassas?

[snowdenscold]

Originally Posted by troyc

LOL...My bad obviously for assuming the Pentagon had a DC address.

Well you're sort of right. The Pentagon has a mailing address of "Washington, DC" (and several zip codes dedicated to it) even though it physically lies in Arlington, VA.

[FindingZen]

Originally Posted by snowdenscold

Well you're sort of right. The Pentagon has a mailing address of "Washington, DC" (and several zip codes dedicated to it) even though it physically lies in Arlington, VA.

On a mildly related note, you'll notice the same thing about Reagan National Airport (DCA) which also lies on the VA side of the Potomac River.

[novanwbie]

Originally Posted by troyc

Hi,

My wife may take a job in D.C. We are currently in Asheville NC, but really from the Cocoa Beach (Kennedy Space Center) area of Florida.

We are inquiring on thoughts of good suburbs, either in VA to raise a child. Nightlife isn't important at all. But, quality family friendly (read parks, bike paths etc. possibly a small yard- a farmers market wouldn't be bad either) is.

We would just rent at first. Our range is at around $2000 or so a month. Would like a 3/2..a garage would be nice too

Thanks!

I notice most of the posts are about the commute. VERY important consideration in all of northern VA. However, since you mention raising children, I would urge you to look very closely at schools and what you're looking for in a neighborhood. Some of the areas recommended for commuting purposes may not have the best schools. I would steer away from much of Prince William, for example, if I could put my child in Fairfax or Loudoun County schools. As a transplant who screwed up the first move, I'm lgad to hear you'de rent for a while. This really is a unique area to learn when you first get here.

If you want bright, shiny, new houses and subdivisions with lots of amenities, look at Loudoun County. I've been looking at rentals in both Loudoun and Fairfax, and you can get a decent townhome for around $2000 right now. Fairfax has some of this but it's probably not affordable.

If you don't mind an older house and more congestion (but a better commute, in most cases), look at Fairfax County. Fairfax is far more diverse, so I'd recommend looking at some of the other threads on here about schools. Fairfax and Loudoun both have reputations for being pressure cooker school districts, lots of parental involvement and very high expectations of both student and school performance. That being said, there's probably a more diverse range of schools and populations in Fairfax County. There is an interesting dynamic here, probably very different from what you're used to both in NC and FL.

I don't know Lorton very well at all, but have heard mixed things about the schools. My impression is also that's less of a neighborhood area, more sprawl. Hopefully another poster will know more specifics.

[jillabean]

Originally Posted by snowdenscold

VRE's too much of a pain to transfer at Crystal City, IMO, since the train stop and metro stop aren't next to each other.

You can transfer at Duke Street... they are right there, right next to each other. When I took the VRE, lots of people did this.

[hilsmom]

Originally Posted by jillabean

You can transfer at Duke Street... they are right there, right next to each other. When I took the VRE, lots of people did this.

this is true, although i think it is King Street that you're talking about. This is definitely a good option, though.

[jillabean]

King, Duke... I always mix them up. Darn royalty Doesn't help that both roads are right there together either.

You are right, I meant to say King Street.

[snowdenscold]

Originally Posted by jillabean

You can transfer at King Street... they are right there, right next to each other. When I took the VRE, lots of people did this.

Oh, good point! Didn't even think about that.

[hilsmom]

Originally Posted by jillabean

King, Duke... I always mix them up. Darn royalty Doesn't help that both roads are right there together either.

You are right, I meant to say King Street.

haha - I know. I used to get them confused when I lived over that direction, too. I just wanted to make sure the OP knew what to look for when checking out the websites.