Leesburg and Fredericksburg (Fairfax, Occoquan: rental, house prices, neighborhood)

[manna]

I was wondering if anybody could compare and contrast the two for me? We just moved to northern virginia and we are doing a short term rental in Leesburg until we get to know the area more. We like things about Leesburg but dislike how many townhomes there are and the lack of neighborhood feel. It seems like the house prices are outrageous and with that you either get a townhouse with very little yard or a huge house with very little yard. Is this the way Fredericksburg is or does it seem more like a town unto itself without so much congestion? And how are the houses there? Thanks for any and all help.

[Azmordean]

I would say houses in Fredericksburg are substantially cheaper than those in Leesburg. It also is a bit more "separate" from the metro area than Leesburg, but both Leesburg and Fredericksburg in my mind maintain their identity as separate towns. I will say that the suburbs between, say, Occoquan and Fredericksburg are, in my mind, some of the most boring and soulless bedroom communities in existence. That said, Fredericksburg itself, as I mentioned, does maintain its own existence, has a downtown, etc.

Personally I would prefer Leesburg given the closeness to the mountains and so on - but that is all personal preference. I would choose based on work location primarily. Leesburg is a bad commute to DC and Fredericksburg would be positively hellish - I-95 is one of if not the most congested roads in the nation. I definitely wouldn't live in Fredericksburg unless I worked there.

[cb at sea]

Fredericksburg is great--if you don't have to commute to the Wash. DC area! If you are working in the area or going south for a job, it's not too bad of a drive.

[5stones]

Where is the job?
Leesburg and Fredericksburg are at opposite ends of the "OUTTER limits" of the DC area.

I am surprised you don't find Leesburg neighborly? where in Leesburg are you living? we found it a great friendly town with tons to do etc...Have you been downtown? Summers are esp nice as they have sunday concerts on the courthouse lawn and First Fridays etc...
The whole of NOVA is a very transient area so I can see how apt complexs etc... could be "cold and unwelcomming" so many people move in and out etc... but we found the residential areas very warm and friendly.

As far as housing prices go...leesburg is "outter" commute. doable to Fairfax/Tysons etc... but far to go into DC. For that reason it has some of the best housing prices around. (yes, the entire area is overpriced) But compared to areas closer in it's BARGIN time. SFH are in the 300-400 range. yes, small yards etc...