Fairfax County Schools are Great but What about the Cities? (Burke: mortgage, home)

[Norcali]

We are considering moving from Northern California in the next couple of years. Key to where we would live is the quality of the schools. I have read that Fairfax County schools are the best but it's hard to get a pulse on the different cities and their "feel". We both have technology backgrounds so there is flexibility to where we could get jobs. I'd love to hear about your favorite places and what you'd reccommend for our family.

Here are some things we'd like:
- Top Public Schools (Elem thru High, this is a must have)
- Diversity (love a variety of foods and cultures)
- Close to public transportation (to DC, etc.)
- Good wine, beer and coffee
- Family feel but also Close to ammenities (not looking for a
bedroom community)
- A decent, larger family home on at least a 1/4 acre (would love 1/2
acre) for less than the national debt-like mortgage we have right now

Thanks!

[JfromReston]

Originally Posted by Norcali

A decent, larger family home on at least a 1/4 acre (would love 1/2 acre) for less than the national debt-like mortgage we have right now

Thanks!

You really need to give us a better idea about what you consider to be "less than the national debt-like mortgage". Are you willing to spend a Million and have a nice home in Great Falls or McLean, or are you looking to spend $400K to live in Chantilly or Burke? Or somewhere in between like Reston?

Edited: You might get better response to your question if you posted on the Northern Virginia board.