Fam of 4 moving to the area, normal commute times, houses etc (Centreville: 2015, how much)

[ITguy85]

Hey everyone, I accepted a job working in Chantilly. We are a mid30s fam of 4.

How is the traffic on I-66 coming from the West during the week? I have been looking at homes going out towards the Front Royal area. I'd go closer to chantilly if I find a nice property. It would be a bot of a daily drive but ideally wanted to have some decent land to do shooting and hunting on.

Am I biting off more than I can chew with that commute??



Thanks!!

[JfromReston]

The commute will SUCK! Find a place as close to Chantilly as possible.

If you really need hunting land, buy (or rent) that separately and spend the weekends out in the woods. I-66 west of Chantilly is one of the worst traffic problems in the area.

Let us know your budget and expectations so we can give you some specific recommendations.

[ITguy85]

Oh crap really?? Thanks for the heads up!!

I can swing 600k, but I don't want to if I don't have too. Need a garage, but garage with basement would be better. It doesn't have to be finished I could take care of that.

Have dogs and kids so the ability to have a fence. And my wife is dead against row housing unless it's the only option (would rather have to reno more than have a turn key row house)



Would I have a better commute if I went towards Lovettsville??

[ozzyngcsu]

I would check out the Haymarket, Gainesville, Nokesville areas. Especially if you are ok with a fixer upper. Those types of properties are often well below $500k. Something like these depending on how much land you need. These are all within 30-40 minutes to Chantilly if you can go in early or late.

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/1...12491889_zpid/

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/7...59702043_zpid/

https://www.zillow.com/homedetails/3...12250652_zpid/

[JfromReston]

Originally Posted by ITguy85

Oh crap really?? Thanks for the heads up!!

I can swing 600k, but I don't want to if I don't have too. Need a garage, but garage with basement would be better. It doesn't have to be finished I could take care of that.

Have dogs and kids so the ability to have a fence. And my wife is dead against row housing unless it's the only option (would rather have to reno more than have a turn key row house)



Would I have a better commute if I went towards Lovettsville??

Yes - really bad commuting on I-66.
I agree with Ozzy on where to look.
Lovettsville has other commuting issues. No alternatives and too much traffic. Then the Hwy 7 (free and slow) or the Dulles Greenway (highway robbery road $$$ and fast as you can drive) decision. Both would be very long commutes. Live close and spend time with your family rather than making the road congestion worse.

[Ffxdata]

Where are you now?
What kind of commute are you used to?

[ITguy85]

I'm currently in Honolulu, it's congested and people can't drive lol!

[EmiSky]

If I were you I’d buy in Centreville, in 20120, zip code which borders Chantilly. Close to Centreville, there’s a shooting range, in Manassas, so you go there in your spare time. Depending where you would live in Centreville, you could hear the shots.

Here’s an example of what $600k budget.

https://www.redfin.com/VA/Centrevill...m_content=link

[spencgr]

Originally Posted by EmiSky

Here’s an example of what $600k budget.

https://www.redfin.com/VA/Centrevill...m_content=link

It is very telling as to how much work is needed when they don't have a single photo of the interior.

[EmiSky]

Originally Posted by spencgr

It is very telling as to how much work is needed when they don't have a single photo of the interior.

I was thinking the same thing. But OP did say he’s open to renovations :. This house aside, there are others in Centreville within this price range and most are turn key.