Working in Manassas, need to live within 45 minute drive (Montclair: 2013, townhome)

[dmv101010]

see out here we don't get the option for yards every inch of the land has been harvested into subdivisions so while you might be able to find a SFH the yard isn't even goinig to come close to a quarter acre.

[spleuchan]

Stafford is doable if you are going around Quantico to the west. Most on here think you will be going up I-95, which I wouldn't recommend. You'd probably want to live more to the west in stafford than Colonial Forge though.

With that said, if I were you I'd look around Warrenton, VA. I'd keep an eye on anything in western PWC (Haymarket, Gainesville, Bristow) in case something pops up.

I doubt you can find a house on a half an acre in Loudoun for $350K. If you can, its probably something wrong with it.

[movingsomewhere2014]

Originally Posted by spleuchan

Stafford is doable if you are going around Quantico to the west. Most on here think you will be going up I-95, which I wouldn't recommend.

With that said, if I were you I'd look around Warrenton, VA. I'd keep an eye on anything in western PWC (Haymarket, Gainesville, Bristow) in case something pops up.

I doubt you can find a house on a half an acre in Loudoun for $350K. If you can, its probably something wrong with it.

Exactly what we were thinking, if we could go West instead of 95, or only be on 95 for a short while, the commute may not be that bad.

Looks like we may have to bump up our budget, it puts us out of our comfort zone, but housing is just so pricey in the area.

[TravelNatty]

My husband works 8-5 in Manassas and commutes from Annandale/Gallows Road exit of 495. It takes him about 30-45 min, but his office is only a few minutes off I-66. Getting to the hospital would probably add another 10-15 min. You really don't want to do Maryland. For what you want, you're priced out of Fairfax County. I think your combination of land/price/good schools may be a little tough, but work with a local real estate agent who could probably provide some better guidance.

[ChristineVA]

Look around in Dumfries/Montclair area. This is located off Rt. 234 with a straight shot to Manassas. You probably won't get the half acre.

I live in a 1994 SFH with 2 levels and a basement on a 1/2 acre lot. It has 2500 square feet above ground, basement not counted in square footage. I live in Woodbridge (30 minute commute to Prince William Hospital), and my house would sell for about $400-425K at this point (you could have gotten it cheaper a year or two ago but our property values have increased quite well this year).

[stpickrell]

Originally Posted by dmv101010

i would say front royal with that price range and the land want. that would only work if you are the work at home type.

If OP has problems with western Prince William + Fauquier schools, NO WAY is he cool with Warren County Public Schools.

[movingsomewhere2014]

Originally Posted by stpickrell

If OP has problems with western Prince William + Fauquier schools, NO WAY is he cool with Warren County Public Schools.

I'm using several sources for school ratings, I would think any high school that has solid SAT scores/safe environment would be a possibility. Fauquier high doesn't look too bad, Battlefield/Patriot High too

Unfortunately, we know little about the school system, we're still doing our due diligence. It seems like there is always a good school followed up by a lousy one in the same district. So we're open to suggestions!

[spleuchan]

Originally Posted by movingsomewhere2014

I'm using several sources for school ratings, I would think any high school that has solid SAT scores/safe environment would be a possibility. Fauquier high doesn't look too bad, Battlefield/Patriot High too

Unfortunately, we know little about the school system, we're still doing our due diligence. It seems like there is always a good school followed up by a lousy one in the same district. So we're open to suggestions!

The school districts in NOVA are so huge that they all have good and bad schools. You're not going to find one that doesn't have a lower ranked school in it, but schools are pretty good compared to schools across the nation. How old are your children?

[movingsomewhere2014]

Originally Posted by spleuchan

The school districts in NOVA are so huge that they all have good and bad schools. You're not going to find one that doesn't have a lower ranked school in it, but schools are pretty good compared to schools across the nation. How old are your children?

12, 7, and 5. We're coming from a decent school district in New Jersey

[spleuchan]

New Jersey's school districts are small based on townships. Around here, they are based on the county. It really doesn't matter if there are bad school in the otherside of the county. With a child as young as 5, you would need to be a little worried about nearby schools, especially in a fast growing county such as PWC or Loudoun since there will likely be redistricting in the area before your 5 year old graduates.