Springfield - Terra Grande, Saratoga - Thoughts? (Franconia, Fairfax: sales, power lines)

[vdog16]

I've heard some negative things about the Terra Grande and Saratoga communities in Springfield. However, I work near there and have not gotten the feel that these are bad areas.

Anyone live there or have an opinion?

Thanks in advance for your help!

[vdog16]

Can anyone explain why some posts show up "bold" in the message list, and others show up with standard font? All my posts seem to be regular font and don't stand out.

(different subject I know, but just curious)

[cvkevents]

Terra Grande seems like a very nice neighborhood. I walk my dog through the neighborhood each morning and everyone is very nice and says hello. I have also looked at purchasing in the neighborhood and the president of my association (Springfield Oaks) says that the president of Terra Grande is very active. Just my thoughts! Good luck!

[horseplayer]

Many homes in that area are all electric. I would opt for 22150 or if I could afford, 22152.

[hlr7615]

I have lived in Terre Grande since 1994 and have nothing but positive things to say about the neighborhood. We have weathered the housing crisis and sales prices seem to be going up slowly. It's well kept. The crime rate is almost non-existent - we have had some petty property damage over the years but obviously just kids. Access to shopping in Springfield and Lorton Station is excellent. Access to the parkway is excellent.

About the only negatives are the traffic on 95 and Backlick Rds at rush hour. We are also close to the Ft. Belvoir airport so we get some flyover traffic but it's not bad.

[khuntrevor]

Originally Posted by horseplayer

Many homes in that area are all electric. I would opt for 22150 or if I could afford, 22152.

I agree. Not only is it all electric, but there are huge power lines running through there. I remember, when they built that subdivision--about 1980.

[Kembek]

I used to live in Terra Grande ('81-'86). It's a nice neighborhood, as is Saratoga. I still live in the area (left Terra Grande due to divorce. My ex is still in the house there, so I guess he still likes the neighborhood). The location works for me. Kingstowne is close by, as are Lorton Station and Potomac Mills. There's easy access to I-95 and the Fairfax Connector goes directly to the Franconia-Springfield Metro Station. Yes, the homes are generally all electric which is my preference after seeing a neighbor's house blow up due to a gas leak when I was a child.

BTW: Threads that are bolded indicate there's a new reply.

[SMN703]

Saratoga is fine - the elementary school is good, there are various things in the area (Lorton has great restaurants, grocery stores and child care nearby.) Biggest complaint about the area is the HOAs. Otherwise, the area is fine. Depending on where you work and when you commute you may have some traffic.

[justinbucherj]

I live in Terra Grande and I just wanted to point out that there is natural gas at the street now. You just have to contact Washington Gas and have them run it to your house from the street. They are doing mine for free next week.