Rose Hill?

[Anonymous]

Anyone have any first hand opinions on this neighborhood? From what I've seen, it's in a transitional phase right now (in a positive direction). We have a limited budget of under $400,000 and would love to find a SFH for that price. What we're looking for is a safe, family-friendly neighborhood with a good elementary school (strong PTA, positive attitude of teachers, principle, would love it to be a diverse and welcoming feel). Also would prefer someplace where we can walk to a park or swimming pool. We have 2 kids under 5.

Also, are there certain areas within Rose Hill that are generally "better" than others?

Thanks for any insight!

[Anonymous]

We moved into Clermont (ES) district after knocking on doors around homes we were considering and getting rave reviews on the school from neighbors.

However, Clermont is currently one of the most over capacity elementary schools in the entire Fairfax system, and the middle school (Twain) and high school (Edison) are less loved.

There are parks and we joined a pool, but for the most part it's a definitely a driving neighborhood instead of a walking one (at least compared to where we moved from in Arlington).

We love it, love our neighbors, love the children playing in yards, feel safe, and enjoy the easy access to many big roads; but your own tradeoffs may vary.

[Anonymous]

Two kids under 5--you can walk to the new splash park at Lee Rec Center and children's programs at the library, and the small Safeway at the Rose Hill Shopping center. Cross Franconia Road to a nice playground at Bush Hill school. Bush Hill elementary is one of the smallest in FFX. Easy to Van Dorn to beltway or Telegraph to Beltway-depending on where you're headed.

[Anonymous]

Rose Hill is not a high performing school b/c of the number of kids who do not speak English at all. That said, I have a friend whose two children went there, did great, went on to Hayfield for Jr. High and then made it into Thomas Jefferson. So, apparently, for kids who are naturally smart and come from very intellectual families, Rose Hill is sufficient.

Bush Hill and Clermont definitely have better reputations.

[Anonymous]

While I agree that Rose Hill may not score well for a variety of reasons, that doesn't mean the kids are left to challenge themselves. I've got three kids there, including one child who is learning disabled and gifted, another child is gifted and one hasn't been tested yet. The staff and teachers have been great and dedicated. It's been far more than just "sufficient". There's also a Spanish Immersion program starting in K for which in-district kids get drawn from the lottery first. That's unlike most other immersion programs which doesn't give preference to in-district kids. Our gifted child is in the immersion program and we chose to keep her at Rose Hill rather than having her go to the G&T school. We feel the school is committed to challenging all students and that she won't be missing anything by staying at Rose Hill.

There will be a new principal at Rose Hill next year (the current principal is retiring) who has a very strong background in working with priority schools and special ed - of which G&T is a sub-set. We've been very happy at Rose Hill and find the neighborhood very convenient and affordable. If you buy into the whole "test score' madness, you should go elsewhere but for those who can think abou tit rationally, Rose Hill is a great neighborhood.

[Anonymous]

We're also thinking of buying in Rose Hill (I think) -- what are the boundaries of that neighborhood? The house we're looking at is around Ridgewood and Ivanhoe, in the Clermont attendance area.

Are people generally more conservative or liberal? Do houses hold their value well? Is there a community feeling on your street, or do people keep to themselves? Thanks!