Advice for young family looking at NOVA/Manassas

[rpe290]

Originally Posted by Forevermetal02

Thanks very much to everybody for chiming in. Fxfdata asked about budget. It's hard for me to say what home price I could afford but I would estimate our household income to be around 150K if we both land salaries that data suggests we should. I've never bought a home before so I don't really know what that translates into price wise, though if you use a crude estimate and say home price is 2-2.5 times your income, I'd be in the area of 300-400. Which I think it what had led me to Manassas because there are some nice SFH there in that range, Centreville and further north seem to go over 400 for similar options but I'll have to weigh pricing vs commute as others have said. This is a great start though and I appreciate everyone's time!

I think you both need to visit and have real offers in hand before you move. Not bagging on manassas, but I am doubting you will really like what you are thinking of...really gonna make a difference on exactly where you work too. Just my opinion from 2 visits out there.

[Old Guard]

Originally Posted by rpe290

I think you both need to visit and have real offers in hand before you move. Not bagging on manassas, but I am doubting you will really like what you are thinking of...really gonna make a difference on exactly where you work too. Just my opinion from 2 visits out there.

I agree. Why would you even consider moving before you had a job offer. Once you have the offer you will be better able to make a more educated decision.

You may be able to afford more house as well.

[youngLud]

Hello. I make the commute from Manassas to Herndon 5 days a week. i work from 8-4:45pm and i have to be out the door by 6:50 at the latest or i jeopardize getting to work late. You really have to follow the radio/traffic reports as the commute can range from 45 min to an hour and 45 min diring the week.

As for Manassas itself, its great for the most part. I know first hand how schools are I am a recent high school grad and the people I went to school with were great and the teachers really wanted to see you succeed. It is a very diverse area with a growing number of hispanics and transients from across the globe. Im originally from Baltimore so whatever crime takes place here is considered petty in my eyes. Only really sketchy parts are Georgetown South and areas around Coverstone Drive.

Woodbridge is alot like Manassas but it seems to be bigger and it has a little bit more than Manassas shopping-wise. They call it "hoodbridge" but like Manassas, the crime is concentrated in small patches. Dale city can be an exception, definitely some sketchy areas but if you keep to yourself youll be just fine