Gainesville/Bristow or Leesburg area? (Springfield: neighborhoods, schools, place to live)

[markusandemily]

My husband's profession is sending us to the northern va area and we're considering either Gainesville/Bristow or Leesburg. Any suggestions? We have 3 young kids under 5 so schools will be very important. We're anticipating a long-term move into a nice family-oriented community, although right now neighborhoods aren't as important as deciding which area. Any thoughts on these two areas? We like the history and feel of Leesburg, but Gainesville/Bristow puts us a bit closer to family. It also seems like Leesburg offers more community programs, festivals, etc. What are the park, library, and community offerings like in Gainesville? Also, what is the Gainesville to Leesburg commute like?

Thanks!

[HEATHER72]

Where will your husband be working?

[markusandemily]

That's just it--we're trying to decide on a place to live AND work, which I suppose is lucky given the current economy, but it makes the decision that much harder.

[Bigfoot424]

Gainesville is a nice enough neighborhood as much of it is new. But it is not an established place per se so if you're looking for the community things then Leesburg is the obvious choice.

[porterjw]

If you'll be working outside of Gainsville, the traffic will be very bad depending on the work schedule.

[vwlizard]

We are in the same boat. I'm looking at both communities with 2 kids under 5. I'm leaning toward Leesburg/Ashburn because of the larger lots (we have 2 large dogs).

Can someone tell me what the commute from Leesburg/Ashburn to Springfield is like?

[arielmina]

I was initially looking at Gainesville when we relocated but the schools scared me off a little. Not that Leesburg schools are outstanding, but I changed our focus to Loudoun county rather than PWC.