Job in Reston, VA - where to live...? (Chantilly, Leesburg: sale, rent)

[callalilies]

Husband got a job in Reston, VA. We are from Chicago, but relocating from Los Angeles.

We would like to initially rent a house or townhouse, in order to take our time to buy a house.

As far as commute, no more than an hour with traffic to get to Reston. What are usually the rush hours?

We have two under 3 boys. We would like a suburb, family oriented, where there are good schools since next year one of our kids will be going to preschool. As a stay home mom, I need to feel very safe in the area where we live in and can go outside for walks. I know there is no such thing as a 100% safe, but where I can be comfortable.

Thank you.

[LynchburgLover]

Repost in the Northern Virginia forum to get more replies.

Everything depends on your budget -- give the maximum price for housing -- sale or rent price.

Generally, you'll find Ashburn, Leesburg and Western Loudoun (Purcellville and Round Hill) to be the most family oriented -- good schools, low crime, things for children.

Best of luck.

[JustineF]

Originally Posted by callalilies

Husband got a job in Reston, VA. We are from Chicago, but relocating from Los Angeles.

We would like to initially rent a house or townhouse, in order to take our time to buy a house.

As far as commute, no more than an hour with traffic to get to Reston. What are usually the rush hours?

We have two under 3 boys. We would like a suburb, family oriented, where there are good schools since next year one of our kids will be going to preschool. As a stay home mom, I need to feel very safe in the area where we live in and can go outside for walks. I know there is no such thing as a 100% safe, but where I can be comfortable.

Thank you.

You can easily find townhouses in Reston itself with at least 2bed/2ba for around $1800+. Call a couple of agents: Long & Foster, Coldwell Banker and they'll help you search for free. However, you're better off searching online on Coldwell Banker rental, MIRSHomes.com, and the only trouble will be getting the owner to respond to your request...as most don't around here? Most prefer if you have an agent representing you.

Other places near Reston: Chantilly, South Riding, Sterling. I think they all have good school and are fairly safe as any other suburb of a major city.

To me, though, it sounds like Reston would be your best bet. There's food, shopping, family-oriented living, playgrounds, parks, markets, not too far from Dulles Airport, and there is metro there (and free car park)...so you can take that to DC, if you don't want to drive on the weekends.

Good luck.