Northern Va Chantilly families city layout (Alexandria, Reston: condos, townhouse, neighborhoods)

[EGREENM]

We are moving to NoVa, and want to know something about Chantilly. Are there parks, neighborhood pools, places for families to gather? Are there a lot of different kinds of neighborhoolds? Also, is there an identifiable center of the town? We are a family of 3 people and 1 dog. I was raised in Alex Many moons ago, ( and I subconciously compare everything to Alexandria-Shirlingtin area ) and I don't have much recollection. Thanks, EGREENM

[saganista]

Well, there's an airport...

[NYmama2dallas]

South Riding in Chantilly (loudoun county) has planned spaces like that, but it is a development not an organic town. The Fairfax part of Chantilly is subdivisions. Most seem to have things like pools and etc.

[tysonsengineer]

Originally Posted by EGREENM

We are moving to NoVa, and want to know something about Chantilly. Are there parks, neighborhood pools, places for families to gather? Are there a lot of different kinds of neighborhoolds? Also, is there an identifiable center of the town? We are a family of 3 people and 1 dog. I was raised in Alex Many moons ago, ( and I subconciously compare everything to Alexandria-Shirlingtin area ) and I don't have much recollection. Thanks, EGREENM

In chantilly there is definitely not a "center of town".

[Fundman]

As others have noted, when it comes to Chantilly there is no there there. It is basically just a series of townhouse developments and condos and strip shopping centers.

[hilsmom]

Originally Posted by Fundman

As others have noted, when it comes to Chantilly there is no there there. It is basically just a series of townhouse developments and condos and strip shopping centers.

oh, stop - You don't know what you are talking about. There are plenty of actual single family home developments in Chantilly.

There is not a town center or main street or anything, and yes, there are lots of strip malls and big box stores. The aesthetics of our surrounding area are lacking after having lived in Reston for many years. But there are plenty of family friendly activities nearby. We frankly don't need to leave our neighborhood very often and we can get to most things we need in life in a 2 mile radius.

If you want Alexandria or Shirlington, don't move to Chantilly. But if you like family friendly neighborhoods with good schools and parks, there are plenty of options out here in suburbia.

[hilsmom]

Don't forget that there is Fairfax Chantilly and Loudoun Chantilly (generally South Riding)

[snowdenscold]

If by 'center of town' you mean 4 long stoplights very close together (of which you are guaranteed to hit at least 3), then yeah, Chantilly's got one.

[EGREENM]

thank you for your thoughts.

[michgc]

Places in Fairfax County with more of a "town" feeling include Herndon, Reston, Fairfax City, Vienna, and Falls Church. Most places in NoVA have lots of families with kids and parks. But many "towns" are just made up of neighborhoods of subdivisions off highways with no town center. The above places are somewhat of an exception.