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Choose the Northern Virginia Neighborhood Before You Choose the Home
 
If you are house hunting in Northern Virginia knowing where you want to live will often dictate the type of home you will buy.Want to live close to DC.  Then you may be looking at a condo in Arlington or a small older detached home.  Okay with commuting up to an hour?  Then you could be looking at larger home with land to roam in Loudoun or Stafford County.
 
 
 
If houses are like spouses, a neighborhood is like the extended family. But while you can have a good marriage and still dread holidays with the in-laws, you'll never love a house if you don't like your neighborhood.
How can you choose the right community? Become a neighborhood detective. Figure out what you're looking for, do research and find a neighborhood that fits your description. You don't even have to wear a trench coat -- but it probably wouldn't hurt.
STEP 1 -- Profile Your Perfect Neighborhood
Before you start scrutinizing neighborhoods, turn the magnifying glass back on yourself.
Think about what you're really looking for in a new neighborhood. Remember, you'll probably have to make compromises, so put the "must-haves" at the top and the "would- ... more

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