Your military relocation specialist for Northern Virginia Of course you might want to buy a million dollar mansion while you are stationed in the Northern Virginia but most likely you are going to look for a home that fits more into the range of the 2008 BAH rates or you VA loan limits. Fortunately there are a number of great neighborhoods where you can find a big selection of townhouses and detached homes that should fit your needs.
If you haven’t been stationed in Northern Virginia before one of the first things that you want to become familiar with are all the different commuting options available. Depending on the neighborhood you may have the option for an express bus, a metro ride, VRE or slug line. Many who “slug” in the morning take a bus home in the evening, so you are not stuck with just one choice of how to come and go.
Once you have an idea of your commuting options then we can take a closer look at some of the Fairfax County neighborhoods that have always been popular with military personnel. This tour takes you down Old Keene Mill Road one of the main throughfares in Springfield. One of those neighborhoods is the tree lined neighborhood of Cardinal Forest located in West Springfield.
With well maintained homes spread out on large lots, the ability to walk to Accotink Park and express Metro bus (18G) service to the Pentagon this area has been a prime location since it was built in the late 1960’s. Currently homes are priced between $450,000-$600,000 most with 4 bedrooms and at least 2 full baths.
Just around the corner is the townhouse community of Charlestown. Built to reflect Colonial Williamsburg the all brick homes are well maintained by the homeowners and the association. Having lived in and owned a townhouse in Charlestown for five years I can personally attest to the popularity of the neighborhood and the convenience for commuting to DC. The HOA is responsible for all of the exterior maintenance of the homes, including a three year paint cycle for trim, brick courtyard walls, roofs, front yard mowing and trash removal.
Just as with Cardinal Forest you can walk to all of the same recreation, shopping and commuting options. The largest model town houses the Concord and Hermatage have 2500 square feet of living space on three levels. Current prices in Charlestown range from $375,000 to $425,000.
The final stop on this tour down Keene Mill Road is the neighborhood of Orange Hunt Estates. Orange Hunt also is on a direct bus line to the Pentagon and is only minutes away from one of the major slug lines and connector bus points in the area. Just like Cardinal Forest the homes in Orange Hunt Estates sit on large tree lined lots and have been maintained well over the years by the owners.
Close by is Huntsman Lake, South Run Community Center and Burke Lake Park. Our family called Huntsman Estates home (connected to Orange Hunt Estates) home for seven years and would ride our bikes from our house to Burke Lake Park and back, a perfect 11 mile loop to enjoy on a nice day. Current homes in the Orange Hunt Estates neighborhood are priced between $400,000-$550,000
All of these neighborhoods are part of the West Springfield HS Pyramid.
So if you are looking for
affordable neighborhoods in Fairfax County with loads of commuting options to the Pentagon, Fort Belvoir or other locations in the area, consider these terrific neighborhoods.
Our family called them home for many years! If your orders bring you to Northern Virginia this year give me a call. I've been through the best and worst of military moves and know how stressful it can be.
If buying is not in your plans. Don’t worry I am happy to help you find a place to rent in any of these or other Northern Virginia neighborhoods as well.
©2008. All Rights Reserved. Cindy Jones
Original photos January 2008 by Cindy Jones
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As an Associate Broker with RE/MAX Allegiance in Northern Virginia and native of the area I can assist you whether you are buying, selling or renting a home anywhere in Northern Virginia. For more information about the area or my services you can check VaRealEstateTalk or my Northern Virginia website.
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Cindy,
Fairfax County is absolutely gourgeous!!!! It has always been one of those areas I would move to if I could.