Moving to Falls Church

I will be working in Falls Church and spending a great deal of time in Crystal City also. Any suggestions on the best place to live in the area. Looking at cost, schools and quality of life.

Moving to Falls Church

What is your maximum in terms of house price? The reason I ask is that prices range quite dramatically. An average size single family house (say 2,800 square feet on 1/3 acre) in McLean probably starts at $900,000+ and there are many that go for well over $1,000,000 - $2,000,000. Falls Church, generally smaller houses, $600,000-$700,000+, Vienna $700,000-$800,000+, Annandale is a little less pricey, Arlington (closer to Crystal City) all over the place in prices and sizes. Alexandria - same as Arlington. The general rule is that the closer in towards DC the smaller the properties. Fairfax County has one of the best school systems in the country and you really can%26#39;t go wrong at any of them. Think more of how safe the area is rather then a particular school, although they often go hand and hand.

Moving to Falls Church

I would generally agree with this response. It definitely depends on what you can afford, but you%26#39;ll be lucky if you can find any single family home (if that%26#39;s what you want) in a decent neighborhood in NOVA for under half a million . . . which is WAAAY different than TX. Townhouses in decent neighborhoods run at least $400K. Condos run at least $250K. First, you need to decide what you can afford. Then people will be able to help you w/ housing and various neighborhoods.

Everything that has been said about the cost of buying is right on. Normal house (i.e. not tiny) will start at about $700K (if you%26#39;re ok with 1000 sq. ft you can go with about 450K to 500K). Townhomes run from $400K to 650K depending on size and location. As far as location, if you%26#39;re working in Falls Church and you don%26#39;t want a long commute I would try to live in Falls Church, Vienna, Oakton, McLean and Fairfax County(as opposed to Fairfax City which is very nice but is a bit further than you may want to go). Essentially, best to stay in the beltway (which is 495 and in the beltway means Falls Church, Fairfax County close to Falls Church) or close to the Beltway (the other locations mentioned). If living in Falls church, stay on the western side that is close to Fairfax County (i.e. closer to Tyson%26#39;s Corner, which is technically at the crossroads of Vienna and McLean). The Bailey%26#39;s Crossroads area of Falls Church (Seven Corners and east) is probably not where I would buy. Schools in Fairfax County are fabulous. Metro Stations are close to any of the locations I listed (close meaning generally a 5-15 min car ride will get you there). Plenty of restaurants, bike/running trails. Very green area. Biggest expense? Housing without doubt.