Need advise - First time homebuyers in late 20's

[mlv311]

Originally Posted by sunshine237

We did not find any young couples on our multiple visits to the property. Our concern is we will not find anyone in our age group (late 20's) in the community to mingle with.

Let me start by saying that I really like Clifton (we go to church there) and most families from church live in the area and have a lot of kids. I'm not surprised you haven't met any couples in their late 20's in the neighborhood and the reason is that many couples your age can't afford a SFH in your price range. Many young couples start off buying a condo or TH. Those who can afford a SFH, sometimes choose to live in an area closer to the city until they have kids; then they look for the space and backyard they would like for the kids. You may need to look outside your immediate community to find "friends" who are similarly situated.

[sunshine237]

Hello All,
Thanks again for such valuable advices. Really appreciate them. We did factor in neighborhood in clifton before putting contract ... but we are giving second thought to our decision. We just went for drive yesterday and today ( with temp. in around 50 -60) to see activities in neighborhood. We chose two communities ( penderbrook in Fairfax and our property in Clifton). Penderbrook look more vibrant and with activities and on top of that they have great community center ( With Tennis, Pool, Golf , Gym etc...) , where as our community kind of appeared dull and little lifeless on weekend with good temp. around. .... Thinking out loud feeling is am I the odd one out here ?

This may be classic 1st time home buyer Dilemma .... but wanted advise from seasoned experts like you , who have been through similar experiences in there life and can guide us with wisdom.
Thanks in advance.

[Nancy in Nokomis]

When your kids are babies you will have Moms clubs, when they get into preschool they will have friends from preschool, by the time they get to elementary they will have friends from their schools, and all the other groups and sports they participate in - soccer, brownies, cubs scouts, community pool, t-ball.
Most people do not let their kids run around the neighborhood unsuperivsed like they did when we were kids - so a lot of their friends will not be the kids down the steet- they will have plenty of friends from all their after school activities. Prepare to be a chaffeur.