Fairfax vs Arlington

[Anonymous]

Affordable new construction in NOVA is a red flag.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:These schools are bad, code McLean or Langley high pyramid

+1. Look for something older in Mclean or Langley pyramids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:https://redf.in/qh3Uin

This is a much better location than anything you’ve posted. Built in 2019 so not that old.

https://redf.in/1nyfy4

2002, so older but great location.

New construction with lower ranked schools (even if unfairly earned ratings) is going to be hit hardest if there is a downturn.

These are much better locations and schools than what OP posted.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:https://redf.in/qh3Uin

This is a much better location than anything you’ve posted. Built in 2019 so not that old.

https://redf.in/1nyfy4

2002, so older but great location.

New construction with lower ranked schools (even if unfairly earned ratings) is going to be hit hardest if there is a downturn.

+1 The 2nd one looks like a great option in your budget. I think you need to be most flexible on the 2-car garage and look at not-new construction.

If you want to look at McLean schools, you'll need to go even older and no garage: https://redf.in/ea2vhX

[Anonymous]

https://redf.in/l2LbHo

This is a great N Arlington location with good schools and many parks. It's also unlikely to be rezoned for bad schools--every adjacent school is good.

[Anonymous]

This is a SFH in your budget. No garage, but that's pretty normal in Arlington. Our house is probably in the 1.5m range and doesn't have a real garage. The yard would be great with kids.

https://redf.in/GGuS5I

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:https://redf.in/qh3Uin
https://redf.in/1nyfy4

2002, so older but great location.

Saw this one in person, it does not show well.

[Anonymous]

Another SFH: https://redf.in/TXiciJ

[Anonymous]

Be careful, here. Someone is pushing Arlington way too hard. Both SFHs posted above went contingent then the buyer backed out.

Arlington schools are fine, but McLean or Langley pyramids are better.

[Anonymous]

OP here, Langley and McLean school zones you recommended are outside of the budget.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Be careful, here. Someone is pushing Arlington way too hard. Both SFHs posted above went contingent then the buyer backed out.

Arlington schools are fine, but McLean or Langley pyramids are better.

Wth? No one is pushing anything. I made those suggestions and just happen to live in Arlington so am knowledgeable enough to know where I'd look to live with kids here. Presumably others will make Fairfax suggestions. That's how this works.

If you know McLean, then make some suggestions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here, Langley and McLean school zones you recommended are outside of the budget.

There might not be any stock available now, but there are routinely townhomes zoned for Haycock/Longfellow and McLean in the $1.1 to $1.2 range. There are fewer townhouses zoned for Cooper-Langley (arguably the best public school pyramid in the DMV), but there are some, usually in the $1.2 to $1.4 range. Both of those school pyramids are better than any pyramid in Arlington, but Arlington schools are still solid (and a fair bit better than the schools in your original post).

[Anonymous]

Adding to the above, due to limited inventory, most homes under $1.2M in those MS and HS pyramids won’t remain on the market for more than 3-5 days, so you need to do your research in advance, identify your target neighborhoods, and be prepared to put in an offer immediately with no contingencies.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here, Langley and McLean school zones you recommended are outside of the budget.

There might not be any stock available now, but there are routinely townhomes zoned for Haycock/Longfellow and McLean in the $1.1 to $1.2 range. There are fewer townhouses zoned for Cooper-Langley (arguably the best public school pyramid in the DMV), but there are some, usually in the $1.2 to $1.4 range. Both of those school pyramids are better than any pyramid in Arlington, but Arlington schools are still solid (and a fair bit better than the schools in your original post).

No one thinks of Langley as the best public school pyramid in the DMV. It's as expensive as Walt Whitman in Montgomery, but Whitman is hands-down stronger academically. And in NoVa McLean is apparently stronger than Langley, even though not as wealthy.

https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/maryland/districts/montgomery-county-public-schools/walt-whitman-high-school-9150

https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/virginia/districts/fairfax-county-public-schools/mclean-high-school-20452

https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/virginia/districts/fairfax-county-public-schools/langley-high-school-20448

The Arlington high schools aren't as highly rated, but they are still well regarded and more relaxed.

[Anonymous]

Yeah the ones you listed have awful schools and frankly you are paying a premium for a new build, which given your budget in my view ain't worth it. None of them seem to have a semblance of a backyard either, which (especially with kids) is a no no.

Here is one that is in a good area with solid schools. Fairly large it seems and has a backyard (albeit small, but better than nothing). No garage but that is one compromise you may have to make.

https://redf.in/pvCBOe