Moving to NoVa, Split Commute - Neighborhood recommendation request. (Arlington: selling a house, neighborhoods)

[wileycolorado]

Hi everybody!

Our family is moving to Northern Virginia for two different jobs, with one near Union station and another in Springfield. We are absolutely overwhelmed looking at neighborhoods because of the number of possibilities, so I'm hoping for some recommendations. We have children who will just be starting elementary school. So far we've been looking at Ashton heights and lyon, in addition to some areas near falls Church downtown.

- elementary middle and high school quality is likely the most important factor for us.

- our budget is 1 million to 1.5 million for a house. We strongly prefer modest sized homes over large homes and prefer neighborhoods where every house doesn't look the same. We also aren't super thrilled about moving into a cookie cutter suburban neighborhood because we like having access to nice restaurants and activities.

- A small yard would be great but nothing large needed. We would like to be able to be out and about walking with our children.

- Metro access would be preferable, but a drive would be fine as well from the neighborhood to Union station.

- community is really important to us, so we're looking for a place where people have been happy living permanently and getting to know their neighbors.

Thanks, really appreciate your input!

[BOS2IAD]

Is the Springfield job near the Metro Station?

[wileycolorado]

Unfortunately, not really. Would still take a bus.

[wileycolorado]

Bump

[BOS2IAD]

Hopefully, someone who is more familiar with Arlington will respond. I will say this much about Lyon Village---If you ever need a hospital, Virginia Hospital Centerl on George Mason Drive is highly rated.

BTW, have you looked into Reston? If so, what did you think of it?

[kyle19125]

Lyon Village is probably your best bet for a traditional neighborhood feel and the ability to assimilate/make friends with neighbors on standard-sized lots with sidewalks. The schools are very good and your proximity to good restaurants/shopping is among the better options with the Courthouse and Clarendon neighborhoods close by.

[wileycolorado]

Originally Posted by kyle19125

Lyon Village is probably your best bet for a traditional neighborhood feel and the ability to assimilate/make friends with neighbors on standard-sized lots with sidewalks. The schools are very good and your proximity to good restaurants/shopping is among the better options with the Courthouse and Clarendon neighborhoods close by.

Thanks, I think that's where we're leaning. We love the area, now we just need to find a house!

[Mikemapva]

We have some friends that will be selling a house in Lyon Park in the spring if you can wait. On 1st Street North.

Vienna may also meet your needs as you could take Metro from Vienna Station and it wouldn't be too bad a drive to Springfield from there.

[wileycolorado]

Originally Posted by Mikemapva

We have some friends that will be selling a house in Lyon Park in the spring if you can wait. On 1st Street North.

Vienna may also meet your needs as you could take Metro from Vienna Station and it wouldn't be too bad a drive to Springfield from there.

Thanks we will definitely be interested and are actually waiting until spring or summer if you remember to post the link when it goes live. Appreciate your input!

[Mikemapva]

Originally Posted by wileycolorado

Thanks we will definitely be interested and are actually waiting until spring or summer if you remember to post the link when it goes live. Appreciate your input!

I will try to remember!