A Little Late for this Question on Sterling Area (Annandale: homeowners association, low crime)

[LookingInLoudoun]

I know this question is a little late but I just discovered this site and was interested in getting some feedback.

My husband and I just put an offer on a house in Sterling in the Seneca Ridge area. We are in our early 30's with no kids yet and have lived in Fairfax County our entire lives (he is from Springfield and I am from Fairfax City area). This particular neighborhood is located north of Rt. 7 and to the left of Algonkian Parkway. It all seems well but I was just wondering if any locals have any advice?

He works in Fairfax City and I work in Annandale. I know that our commutes may be brutal but we really wanted a single family home at this point in our lives and we really seemed to like the Sterling area and thought that it was most affordable for the houses that we found. I have endured an hour and 15 minute commute from Fairfax to DC so I know I can handle that but these roads are all new to us.

Does anyone have any feedback on our specific area of Sterling as far as the neighborhood and the demographics (young families, older families, a mix??)? I have read a lot about other areas but couldn't find much on this area. Also, any advice on the best route to Annandale would be helpful. If I was to take the Toll Road, anyone know how much it costs?

Thanks so much in advance, we really appreciate it. Please be nice!

[ShannonMilligan]

I have no first hand knowledge, but wondered if you have checked out the HOA website...It often gives you more specific details about the neighborhood...
Seneca Ridge HomeOwners Association

Good luck! And Congrats!

[NovaNida]

Regarding the safety of an area, I always advise my clients to go past a neighborhood around 11pm on a Saturday night and make their own assessments.Due to fair housing there is a fine line and I never want to be presumed as if I am steering. Also, I always send them a link with demographics of their area.

Best of luck!

[Margery]

Seneca Ridge is a very nice area of Sterling. There are several occasional posters who live in this area, perhaps one will chime in. I see families out with small children when I drive in the area, you can get a feel for the area by going there on a weekend day and just walking around. It is a very low crime area, I can't remember hearing of anything going on there and I live about 2 miles from there.

You can take Seneca Ridge Drive past Dominion High School to Augusta Drive and be on route 7 very close to Fairfax County Parkway, which will take you to route 50 to Fairfax City and then go on to Annandale from there on 236. Traffic will be heavy there depending on the time of day, but you won't have to use the toll road or the beltway. You will have to experiment and find out what is best for you, my advice is to get a map and try alternate routes.

Anyway, you have not made a mistake. You will enjoy the area, it is very close to Algonkian Park which is right on the Potomac River, with hiking paths, a public golf course and access to the river for boating or fishing.

[LookingInLoudoun]

Thanks everyone for your responses! We did hear back and they like our contract so after we work out a few minor details, we may be residents of Loudoun County very shortly.

[South Jersey Styx]

We have friends who live off of Algonquian Pkway & Rte 7 so I think it's Seneca Ridge? It is a newish development and looks very clean and nice.

Not exactly sure how your neighborhood is as the Sugarland neighborhoods are near you and I hear mixed reviews about them. Anyway, congratulations on the new house!

[Fleur~de~lis]

We're in Lowes Island and my hubby works in Springfield. He takes Fairfax Cty Pkwy all the way. He's tried every way possible, and says the good thing about FCP is it's constantly moving - usually the traffic lights work with you and there's not too much stop & go, or at least compared to the alternative routes.
I'm not very familiar w/the Seneca Ridge neighborhood, but have driven thru the area - it looks well-kept with lots of families. My DS's elem school feeds into Seneca Ridge MS & Dominion HS - I've heard good things about both schools.
Good luck w/your move!

[Caladium]

Originally Posted by Fleur~de~lis

He's tried every way possible, and says the good thing about FCP is it's constantly moving - usually the traffic lights work with you and there's not too much stop & go, or at least compared to the alternative routes.

I really like FCP for the same reason. I find when I cross over the 7 and start driving on Algonkian Parkway, a feeling of peace comes over me. Like "Ahhh, I'm home."

I'm not personally familiar with Seneca Ridge but know many of the communities along Algonkian and all of them are nice. It's a very pretty and pleasant area to live, especially if you like taking walks or going to parks.

[michgc]

Originally Posted by Caladium

...I find when I cross over the 7 and start driving on Algonkian Parkway...

the 7? Your Californian is coming out, Caladium. You've lived on the East Coast long enough; you should know better.

[austindoxie1972]

A very good friend of mine lives in this area and it's very nice. I can't remember the subdivision name, but I always feel like I'm in another world, the second I turn off of Route 7.