Leesburg or where? (Reston, Manassas, Purcellville: hardwood floors, rental, crime)

[bhalpin]

My husband may have job in Reston, VA with that being said, I have been researching the surrounding areas, we are somewhat familiar with the traffic and areas b/c he is a retired marine but have never lived in NOVA. I am looking to rent a home as we have to sell our other one, I have a child in school (middle) and have researched the schools on great schools.net, but distance of reston to surrounding areas is a bit confusing, I am wonder what Leesburg is like compared to Stafford, Manassas, area. I know the distance on the map but time wise driving, and also what do you think of Leesburg, I am looking at a SFH, family orientated area, school is very important, he also plays competitive youth ice hockey. I guess I am looking for Mayberry but with shopping close by, any suggestions?

[Caladium]

You really can't go wrong with any of the communities in eastern Loudoun. It's mostly newer suburban development, although Leesburg also has a few older developments (split levels from the 50s and 60s). They have a variety of price ranges. Some are very wealthy, some are starter homes, but as far as crime or other issues like that I think they're all fine. The only neighborhoods I'd avoid in Leesburg would be anything within a few blocks of Plaza Street, areas right next to the downtown, and Raspberry Falls (they've had water issues lately). The schools in eastern Loudoun are all pretty good, with the possible exception of Park View in Sterling Park. Your son will probably play hockey at the Ice House in Ashburn, so you might want to look in Ashburn, too.

Distance to Reston varies a LOT because Reston covers a big area and Leesburg is twice as big. Many different communities are considered part of Leesburg, as well as the actual city of Leesburg. As a general estimate, I'd say 15-20 miles and a 30 minute commute during rush hour. If you are interested in Lansdowne, that's a section of Leesburg that's much closer to Reston than the other sections. IMO, Lansdowne should have been grouped with Ashburn instead of Leesburg.

Leesburg is mostly modern suburbia with a few pockets of older suburban neighborhoods. There are lots of families, lots of festivals, lots of kids with lemonade stands, that sort of thing. Also lots of McMansions, lots of chain stores, lots of traffic. Lots of parks, good libraries, a cute-but-tiny historic downtown. Mostly cookie cutter houses but some areas have lots of kids playing in the yards (other streets seem quieter). Holidays are fairly big deals. The fireworks at Ida Lee Park are one of the bigger local July 4th parties. Some streets go all out for holiday lights, and First Night celebrations are held downtown. They also have a First Friday event every month to show off the historic shops. The older streets have lots of mature trees, the newer streets have lots of newly planted trees that will be big in about 5-10 years. I like it a lot, but whether or not it's Mayberry would be up to your definition (it doesn't have a small town feel, if that's what you're seeking--it's suburban. The Brady Bunch would enjoy living in Leesburg, if that helps.)

[LynchburgLover]

If you're looking for Mayberry, try the "search" and read the threads about Purcellville. Fourth of July parades, Santa on a firetruck through the neighborhoods, great schools, small enough but only a little further (10-15 minutes) west than Leesburg. Much more "small town" atmosphere than Leesburg. The only glitch would be the ice hockey. If that's a big factor, then Ashburn will probably work better. There's an ice rink in Ashburn.

Good luck.

[Caladium]

Here's a thread that has a lot more info about Leesburg, as well as a photo tour.

Leesburg

[Caladium]

I'm not sure what budget you're looking at, but Ashburn and Cascades are really nice places to live that would have much easier commutes to Reston. I live in Cascades and feel it has a Mayberry-ish vibe. It's not a small town but people are friendly and kids love it here. Other people have described it as "sunshine and puppies" which I think is somewhat the same as saying "Mayberry."

Cascades is about 7 miles to Reston Town Center. Many people on this forum live there and seem to love it. Ashburn is probably 10-15 miles. Here are some photo tours so you can check them out. BTW, most of the newer communities that make up Leesburg have the same sort of look. Most of the communities here are less than 30 years old, and so still have that new look.

Brambleton (a part of western Ashburn)

Cascades/Lowes Island (a part of the northern section of Sterling)

[bhalpin]

Loved the photos of Leesburg, I will check into Ashburn also, my problem is going to be my sfh what I am willing to do without for the amount to spend lol. I also will research schools and definitely we have a little time to look around area before we make the move. Any other photos or info would be greatly appreciated we are coming from Eastern NC (greenville). OH and Mayberry, friendly people, neighbors talking with each other, but modern stores and close by shopping, back yard bbq, kids riding bikes in street, however I need to be somewhat close to stores, I have lived where it took 30 mins for the closest walmart and 45-1 for any restuarants/shopping I don't want do that again.

[Caladium]

Originally Posted by bhalpin

Loved the photos of Leesburg, I will check into Ashburn also, my problem is going to be my sfh what I am willing to do without for the amount to spend lol. I also will research schools and definitely we have a little time to look around area before we make the move. Any other photos or info would be greatly appreciated we are coming from Eastern NC (greenville). OH and Mayberry, friendly people, neighbors talking with each other, but modern stores and close by shopping, back yard bbq, kids riding bikes in street, however I need to be somewhat close to stores, I have lived where it took 30 mins for the closest walmart and 45-1 for any restuarants/shopping I don't want do that again.

Sounds like Cascades. Actually, sounds like a lot of areas. The newer developments here often have the stores in a "town center" type of a an arrangement. Usually there's a shopping plaza within a mile or so of most homes, and sidwalks/walking trails leading to it. So, if you like to walk and don't mind walking a mile it's quite possible to live in most of eastern Loudoun and walk to at least a handful of stores. There are also plenty of houses right next to the larger shopping centers. When I first moved here I lived next to Cascades Marketplace and actually lived without a car for a short time (doable, but you'll be much happier here with a car).

[JfromReston]

I suggest Reston - you will see lots more of your husband because he won't need to commute so far and we have a very active hockey program at Skate Quest.
Skate Quest -

I would help us to help you if we knew what your price range and expectations for a rental SFH are.

[Bigfoot424]

If you want Mayberry then forget Leesburg. This place has grown leaps and bounds over the last 20 years or so. Back in the 70's to 80's it was a great small town with a great small town feel. Not anymore. It's surrounded by some beautifula areas but Mayberry it's not.

[bhalpin]

My price range for a rental is between 2500-2700 per month, it would be more but we are renting our house and taking an 600 per month loss on mortgage/rental income I am looking for sort of what I have now, 3 bedroom w/ bonus room, dining room, living room, screen back patio or sun room, updated paint, hardwood floors, updated kitchen and fireplace, 2 car garage and yard not looking for large yard but between .25 and .35 would be great. Maybe this isn't possible but the school district is more important, I want to avoid placing him in a private school, I have heard Virginia schools are some of the best however looking on great schools.net that doesn't always reflect it.