Pros and Cons of Great Falls, VA?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Pro: Love the open space and not having to deal with neigbors. Good schools, tree views and scenic drive.

Cons: no neigbors in walking distance, too many McMansions and small ponds, septic sewer!

Pretty sure I missed many, please help fill in the gaps. Thanks.

CON - far from everything. Great for SAHs or WAHs but horrible for workers who commute 5X a week. No sidewalks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Do a search. There are other threads on Great Falls. We live in GF and have no issues with septic or well water (except that we have no water when power goes out). I think some parts of GF south of the town center are on public sewer; you should check. As to demographics -- Plenty of young families and nice preschools, but not a lot of 20 somethings with no kids. It's really for families given home sizes-- you don't see nearly as many retired folks as you do in, say, close in Bethesda, because people tend to downsize and move to Reston, Cascades, or McLean when kids are grown. Great laid back community feel with lots of community events (summer concerts, Halloween, Easter, Christmas, July 4 celebrations, etc.) Lovely parks for hiking. Some parts have a neighborhod feel, some don't -- depends on what you are looking for. People who choose public schools seem happy with them; many privates are a manageable commute. Those of us who choose GF think the extra travel time is worth it.

I bet you don't WOH.

[Anonymous]

Full of new money types who love to show off. Lacks any class or character. Most houses while expansive are hideously and lack architectural beauty. Stay in McLean.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Full of new money types who love to show off. Lacks any class or character. Most houses while expansive are hideously and lack architectural beauty. Stay in McLean.

You sound like a total troll. You probably post the same thing about McLean and end with "Stay in Arlington."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I just moved to a house in GF on septic (had in prior house) and well (new to us). Was really worried about it, but now I like it, except for worry that when power goes out, water does too. Will the PP please share where they got their whole house generator (if they like it)? We're planning on it, but would love a recommendation.

Pros: GORGEOUS property, lots of trees, privacy, great schools
Cons: way the H*** out there, commute stinks, no decent food store nearby (safeway is AWFUL)

The house came with it, so unfortunately, I can't help you. If I happen to run across the info, I will put up a post.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Do a search. There are other threads on Great Falls. We live in GF and have no issues with septic or well water (except that we have no water when power goes out). I think some parts of GF south of the town center are on public sewer; you should check. As to demographics -- Plenty of young families and nice preschools, but not a lot of 20 somethings with no kids. It's really for families given home sizes-- you don't see nearly as many retired folks as you do in, say, close in Bethesda, because people tend to downsize and move to Reston, Cascades, or McLean when kids are grown. Great laid back community feel with lots of community events (summer concerts, Halloween, Easter, Christmas, July 4 celebrations, etc.) Lovely parks for hiking. Some parts have a neighborhod feel, some don't -- depends on what you are looking for. People who choose public schools seem happy with them; many privates are a manageable commute. Those of us who choose GF think the extra travel time is worth it.

I bet you don't WOH.

You're right, but DH and I both worked downtown for many years. No question the commute can be a bear. I do still take kids over the bridge to MD schools every day, though, and that is not difficult. GF is big, so OP if commute is an issue, you have to think about what side of GF you will be on. Those west of the town center have a much longer commute, since the Pike backs up at rush hour. And PP is right, the GF Safeway is the pits. Most of us do a weekly run to the Reston Giant, Whole Foods, or Harris Teeter.

[Anonymous]

We looked at GF a few years ago. Our impression was that GF neighborhoods can really differ from each other. Some have a great neighborhood feel with kids playing outside. Some consist of huge lots that are a patchwork of McMansions and run-down houses with cars on blocks in the front yard.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: Some consist of huge lots that are a patchwork of McMansions and run-down houses with cars on blocks in the front yard.

Yes, but when they get the cars fixed, they can hop on the Beltway to all the moonshiners and meth labs over in Potomac.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Con - Far from Langley HS, most private schools, and many activities so you end up driving a lot, and the kids end up driving a lot. There can be a lot of traffic on Georgetown Pike and Route 7.

This is so true. Getting out of Great Falls can be a nightmare on rush-hour mornings.

[Anonymous]

what are the rush hours please

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:what are the rush hours please

DC hour is 7:30 am to 10:00am and 4:45pm to 7:45pm. Earlier and worse evening rush hour on Friday. Great Falls, I can't say how that compares.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

My experience of GF is sitting in an endless line of really expensive cars on a two lane road.

Mine, too!

Many, if not most of these cars are driven by residents of Loudoun County. Prior to the mass of development and hordes moving there, Route 7 wasn't bad at all.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

My experience of GF is sitting in an endless line of really expensive cars on a two lane road.

Mine, too!

Many, if not most of these cars are driven by residents of Loudoun County. Prior to the mass of development and hordes moving there, Route 7 wasn't bad at all.

Route 7 might/will get expanded from 4 to 6 lanes, west of Tysons all the way to Reston. VDOT has plans in place.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We have several friends who live there. We live in McLean, close to the Chain Bridge. It takes forever to drive out there, and our friends complain about how long their commutes are. It's pretty, and you can get more house there for your money than in McLean. But I'd really worry about the roads, especially with teenagers.

But the people are nicer in GF!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Full of new money types who love to show off. Lacks any class or character. Most houses while expansive are hideously and lack architectural beauty. Stay in McLean.

You sound like a total troll. You probably post the same thing about McLean and end with "Stay in Arlington."

+1

No one in their right mind says "stay in McLean".