PLEASE!! What is Reston like? urban? safe? ??

[normie]

Originally Posted by glasswalls00

My husband and I love city-life. We like being able to go to cafes/ restaurants etc within walking distance.
Is Reston more suburban? Or does it have an urban feel to it?

Reston's a little of both. It's probably the most "urban" feeling suburb in that area. Plenty of stores, cafes, office buildings, etc. Very pleasant, artsy town. My favorite area is Lake Anne Plaza. Even if you don't choose to live there, be sure to drive out some day to check it out. Get something to eat at Jasmine Cafe, browse the books at the bookstore, check out the museum, and then take a lovely walk around the lake.

But I wouldn't recommend Reston for you, becuase traffic is a serious problem here. If you work in Arlington, I would recommend living in Arlington or nearby Falls Church. You want to make your commute as short as possible.

[Hester Prynne]

Excellent post from normie -- absolutely correct. Reston is probably the most "urban feeling" suburb, but the commute to Arlington might be a pain. I live in Reston and work in McLean, so it's an easy drive. But try the drive sometime before totally discounting the area. Your realtor might be pointing to Reston because you can usually get a nice condo for the $$ [though many people think of Reston as a bit pricey]. The other thing I really like about Reston is that I can go to restaurants and grocery stores without too much traffic to hassle with. Everything is really convenient. And I love having trails around! Good luck with your decision.

[Novamom06]

I commuted from Reston to Arlington a couple years ago and it took about 35-40 min during rush hour. It depends on where you are going in Arlington, I was right off rt 66.

I think the difference between Arlington and Reston is a matter of preference. I would explore both areas and it should be pretty clear what "feels right". I personally prefer Reston and would have no problem with the commute at all considering that I enjoy the walking trails, the housing options, and conveniences of shopping and other amenities that Reston has to offer. Arlington just doesn't do it for me. It tends to make me feel claustraphobic. But I did like working there.

Also....welcome back Normie! Good to see you back on the boards!

[JMadison]

So how "ghetto" is NoVA?

Technically D.C. and Baltimore aren't Va. but they are very close. Has me questioning whether moving to the area isn't asking for trouble.

[FindingZen]

Originally Posted by JMadison

So how "ghetto" is NoVA?

Technically D.C. and Baltimore aren't Va. but they are very close. Has me questioning whether moving to the area isn't asking for trouble.

Ghetto?

NOVA overall is one of the most affluent areas in the county. I believe Fairfax and Loudoun Counties jockey annually for title of "highest average income". Of course, no region is "perfect". There are areas where lower-income people live; in many cases, they are integrated fairly seamlessly with other middle- and upper-income neighborhoods. There will be some areas that some members here will consistently mention as less than desirable. I'll leave it up to them to express their thoughts on that.

Housing in NOVA tends to be high density; you'll find a high percentage of condo and townhouse developments. Even many SFHs don't have acres of land around them; those that do will often command a seven-figure price tag.

As others have said, Reston is a microcosm of what NOVA is about. Overall, people find it a comfortable and convenient place to live, depending on one's needs. It is one of the original planned communities so there are high density areas interspersed with wooded areas Even so, there are some relatively lower-income communities woven in. After all, the people that serve you on the lower end of the service industry have to live somewhere.

While I've seen a few of your other posts, I don't recall where you said you were considering working or living. If you prefer an exurban or rural community to live (e.g. western Loudoun, upper Prince William, Fauquier counties) then I would hope that you wouldn't have to travel any further east than the Dulles Corridor (which would include Reston) or Tysons Corner. Otherwise, you will likely be faced with a suburban/quasi-urban landscape of people and places.

[normie]

Originally Posted by JMadison

So how "ghetto" is NoVA?

LOL, you might find a few "ghettos" of trees. Of course, we like to call them parks and hiking trails.

Sounds like you're trying to come up with reasons not to move up here. Hey, that's cool. Virginia's not for everyone and you live in a nice state. Why not stay in Florida?

[mpascal]

I live in Reston and commute to Arlington every day. As another poster said, it does take me about 35 minutes on average, unless there's stormy weather or an accident. I find that while I'm on the road, traveling through McLean and Falls Church, the ride is not unpleasant and it is a "moving" 35 minutes rather than a "sit in traffic" 35 minutes. The ride is better than I anticipated. We lived in Alexandria prior to moving to Reston 8 years ago and while we were geographically closer to Arlington, the ride was a minimum 45 minutes each way because of traffic. I agree, too, that living in Arlington would be ideal, but it is definitely more expensive.

[SlimmyT]

My husband and I live in Reston. We are in our early 30s, professionals and pretty much....we work. Alot. If you like walking to cafes and sightseeing on the weekends...Reston is pretty commercial. It's got that "new community" feel...Movie theater, chain restaurants, parks, townhomes/condos...It's where single executives come to roost as it's an easy commute to most places in NOVA. Dog walkers and Starbucks consumers welcome.

It's not exactly urban to me. That being said...When we moved up here form Miami and New York respectively, we knew very little about the area and where just shooting for comfortable and safe.
Reston is both of these.