Commute Bealeton/Catlett to DC (Richmond, Centreville: house, buying, schools)

[PenelopeVonGudenkauf]

My husabd works in DC, a block from Gallery Place metro stop. We were tired of living in the city (16th and
Kalorama) and wanted something different. The past two years we have rented a house in Harpers Ferry. I'm glad we rented before buying because we've decided under NO circumstance do we want to live in Harpers Ferry. It's pretty and there are several outdoor recreation options we enjoy, but other than that we hate the area. We're in our early 30s and wanting children and to buy our first home. Our house hunt would be much easier if we didn't want at least an acre of land. (We both grew up on farms and love working in the city, but coming home to the country.) We've found several homes in Bealeton that we like with several acres of land. We know the nearest VRE station will be in Bristow. I'd like to hear from those that know the Bealeton area. How is the area looking long term? Any DC commuters living in Bealeton/Catlett area? Thanks!

[gomason]

You're insane. VRE doesn't even come that close to Metro Center. So he's going to drive to Bristow, get on VRE, then get on Metro, and then walk to work? But I guess he's been doing that from Harper's Ferry too...

I don't even think Bealeton/Catlett will stay rural much longer. It seems like the suburbs are slowly inching down 28. They just started widening 28 in Bristow as if that's not far enough.

[spencgr]

Please be specific as to why you don't like Harper's Ferry.

[PenelopeVonGudenkauf]

He would drive to Bristow, 30 mintues, and then take VRE to L'Enfant Station and walk to work. He would not need to take the metro. His total commute time will be approximately 2 hours. If you want land and privacy under 500k, then it's going to be a long commute. We have given consideration to Stafford or Fredericksburg, but found a house we really like in Bealeton.
I don't like Harpers Ferry because of the community, surrounding communites, schools, weather, and healthcare.

[ffx rez]

Holy crap, that is terrible.

[HomesForAllVA]

If you want land you don't have to live that far but you will pay. There are 5 acre developments in Centreville and a few other locations. (Cost will be about $875,000 and up.) Clifton, VA also features a lot of homes with land. You didn't mention your budget but if you can afford it, there are many developments with anywhere from 1-5 acre+ lots closer in to the city.

Cheers,
Jamie

[PK12]

The joys of owning a HOUUUSEEE with lots of space = make your daily commute completely miserable.

[HokieFan]

Originally Posted by PenelopeVonGudenkauf

His total commute time will be approximately 2 hours.

Does he commute daily?

I have a pretty decent commute tolerance, but four hours a day would really negatively affect my quality of life. However, I know of one or two people who live in my native central VA county and commute into DC, so there are people willing to make that sacrifice.

You should also take your future children into consideration. That long of a commute will likely cut down on the amount of time Dad can spend with the kids during the week, leaving you as the primary caretaker.

[gomason]

Originally Posted by PenelopeVonGudenkauf

He would drive to Bristow, 30 mintues, and then take VRE to L'Enfant Station and walk to work. He would not need to take the metro. His total commute time will be approximately 2 hours. If you want land and privacy under 500k, then it's going to be a long commute. We have given consideration to Stafford or Fredericksburg, but found a house we really like in Bealeton.
I don't like Harpers Ferry because of the community, surrounding communites, schools, weather, and healthcare.

I think it would be a good place to buy if that's what you want. Schools are pretty good.

I know people who commute from Richmond, Baltimore, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, so the OP is not alone. I don't know how you guys do it.

[ffx rez]

That's a quarter of your waking life. That's just straight up crazy.